We’re
actively involved in a variety of organizations that promote
simple and sustainable ways of living.
Simplicity
Forum
 The
Simplicity Forum
is an alliance of leaders committed to achieving and honoring
simple, just and sustainable ways of life.
Launched in 2001 by Vicki Robin, co-author
of the best-selling Your Money
or Your Life, and Carol Holst, founder of Seeds
of Simplicity, the goal of the Simplicity Forum is to
bring the ideas of simplicity to a higher level of awareness
in mainstream society and leverage the wisdom and experience
of movement leaders in media exposure, special projects and
research. Currently, the work of the Simplicity Forum is divided
into several tracks including; Policy and Advocacy, Research,
Communications, Education, Philanthropy and Justice and Diversity.
David
was invited to the second national Congress of the Simplicity
Forum held in Oberlin, Ohio, in August of 2002 and subsequently
became a member. He is now co-chair of the Communications
Committee. This committee is developing “key messages”
for the simplicity movement that will resonate with the general
public. Key messages will be used by simplicity leaders in
public speaking, writing and media contacts to increase public
awareness and establish Simplicity as a core American value.
International
Association of Sustainable Businesses and Organizations (IASBO)
 Founded
in March 2000 as a project of A World Institute for a
Sustainable Humanity (AWISH),
IASBO meets twice a year at various venues in the Pacific
Northwest. Its purpose is to bring together people working
in sustainable businesses and organizations to share ideas,
discuss their work and projects generate networks to promote
sustainability in general. Jacque attended the first IASBO
meeting which led to her leading a project in the summer of
2000 to bring the sustainability message to a minority, low-income
community in Seattle. David has attended the last two meetings
held at Whistler, BC in March 2002 and in Portland, OR in
September 2002, Bainbridge Island, WA in March 2003 and Missoula,
MT in September 2003. We’ve
found IASBO meetings to be great learning experiences.
Master
Gardeners
Jacque became a Master Gardener in 2000 and continues to be
actively involved in the program. Master Gardeners promote
gardening (mostly organic) through a variety of programs and
projects. In 2002, Jacque mentored the incoming class of Master
Gardener trainees in Seattle in addition to volunteering regularly
at gardening clinics. Clinics are held in retail stores that
sell gardening supplies and Master Gardener’s advise
and answer the questions of gardeners. Master Gardeners also
supports community garden projects in neighborhoods, community
centers etc.
Interfaith
Community Church (IFCC)
 After
stumbling onto (and into!) the IFCC on that fateful day; September
11, 2001, David decided to check out what “Interfaith”
meant and began attending services there in the fall of 2001.
Jacque sometime joins him. Housed in the oldest wooden church
building in Seattle (circa 1890), the IFCC is a small community
of about 100 members that honors and studies the wisdom offered
by all different faith traditions. Services vary dramatically
depending on the presenter. Rev. Debra offers a service once
a month based on her Native American and Christian background.
Brother Jamal Rhaman, a Sufi Muslim, leads a service on the
third Sunday of the month and shares the wisdom found in the
Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist faith traditions. Guest speakers
from various spiritual paths usually speak once a month. Since
attending the IFCC, we’ve heard speakers from Jewish,
American Black Muslim, Buddhist, Celtic, Ba’hai and
Sikh faiths just to name a few.
David
became a member of the IFCC in the spring of 2002 and now
regularly volunteers with remodeling, repairs, painting and
gardening chores.
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