Janelle Reardon concepts for the Retreat.

 1) Why do an Eco-tellers retreat?   

We are scattered far and wide. Many of us work in park systems, while others are independent artists. The big events (national and regional conferences) are great, and usually provide an hour or two of environmental/ecological focus. Though I have not been able to attend past retreats, my belief is that a more focused mission provides increased benefits to those of us promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly lifestyles while using stories as part of a larger program, or as the communications medium.

 2) What is your intention for the retreat? 

Charging my storytelling batteries -- inspiration, relaxation, self-affirmation -- while renewing acquaintance with people whose work I admire and visiting with old friends. Give and take -- If someone can use what I have, I'll be glad to give!

3) If you have only one hour of the time with the whole group of 15 to 20 people what would you do?

Choose a specific topic from a list submitted by the group and brainstorm: outline a complete program, theme, target audience, activities -- down to the details (as far as we could go with it), stories, pre-and post-activities for teachers (if appropriate), and, of course, appropriate stories. We couldn't finish the exercise, of course, but could go through the basic steps for developing a brand new program.

Thanks for facilitating this, Eric.

Fran Stallings Answers - What she would do with an hour...

 3) If you have only one hour of the time with the whole group of 15 to 20 people what would you do?

I'm still fretting that what often pass for "environmental" stories are either warm fuzzy Wonders of Nature tales, or else depressing Ain't It Awful stories of catastrophe past current and future. Therapists note that neither upbeat happy stories nor sagas of failure are as effective as "redemptive" stories which acknowledge suffering and struggle, but show a path to recovery. I think we need to develop more of those.

So I'd like to spend an hour discussing the parallels between the redemptive "healing stories" therapists find effective, and stories which might help heal humans' relationship with our planet. We could ask attendees to bring resources for developing such stories. Examples: species saved from extinction, whistleblowers finally heeded, new approaches to energy water etc conservation moving from garage invention to green-job-creating enterprises...

The Wonders tales are fine for Aware and Care levels, and mixed audiences usually appreciate more of that. The awful cautionary tales can help convince skeptics that we're in jeopardy, but too heavy a dose risks triggering revulsion and paralysis rather than action. I think redemptive tales may be the best models for action (Dare).

Harold Wright plans for the retreat.

1) Why do a an eco-tellers retreat?   (Big Picture)

To explore ideas with  other storytellers   involved in  environmental  concerns, and how we, as tellers, can reach more people.

2) What is your intention for the retreat?  (Personal Focus)

Mostly to learn and listen. But  I will be happy to share in any brainstorming sessions.

3) If you have only one hour of the time with the whole group of 15 to 20 people what would you do?

I would be happy to share (with Jonatha)  a summary  our storytelling successes, especially in the area concerning  Ohio waters.  We tell stories involving  The Ohio River, the Great Lakes,  the wetlands like the Great Black Swamp,    local rivers and creeks,  all kinds of lakes (natural and man made),  the 19th century canal system, the great flood of 1913, and  the solutions to   the Miami Valley flooding  completed by Arthur Morgan, who later became President of Antioch college. We also have some cute stories about frogs and fish.

We did present this to the group of Eco Storytellers who where at the 2007 Eco Retreat at the Shaw Aboretum west of St. Louis.  The program has grown since that time, and entered new water topics.

Harold Wright of http://www.jonathaandharold.com

Jonatha Wright on the event...

 1) Why do a an eco-tellers retreat?   (Big Picture)

Keeping the dialog alive via story, an easier 'pill' (message) to take than the naked truth, is more critical each day as our Earth suffers from our constant abuse.  Perhaps we can change minds toward a movement to take care of Mother Earth, one story at a time, one storyteller at a time, one listener at a time....

This is a chance for Eco minded storytellers to regroup, energize, renew and brainstorm about a more healthy future.

2) What is your intention for the retreat?  (Personal Focus)

To share ideas to help me focus on my personal best plan that can make a difference, however small, in the years ahead.

3) If you have only one hour of the time with the whole group of 15 to 20 people what would you do?

Participate in a dialog of past and current successes in youth education in ecology efforts, with the goal of capitalizing on the positive:  what reaches the youth, what have youth ecologists been doing, how do the youth see their path to a healthy future. and such.

Eric Wolf Answers the question - Why we gather....

Storytelling is the most effective form of communication available to environmentalists. As environmental storytellers we have a lot of work cut out for us and we can not hope to achieve any level of success without mutual aid and support.

My intention for this weekend is to support all attendees in their passion and pursuit of place based, ecology inspired or earth balanced storytelling. I am very excited about this upcoming weekend. I am most likely going to share three things.

1) Learning Earth Theater - Sharing the ideas behind a unique form of interactive environmental activist education I have been working on for years.
2) Medicine Stories Work and Life - Native elder and storyteller.
3) Setting up a recording session for a donation CD for a local environmental nonprofit say the Tecumseh Land Trust..

In addition I will post back here with future draft schedules of events.