The agenda is now available for the Community Resiliency Conference - The Transitional Community on 13 December in Springfield. There is also a Call For Presentations for the break-out sessions.

Proposed Agenda

1. Pre-workshop check in at 11:00
2. Introduction, opening statements 11:30
3. Presentation by Galen Chadwick of the Well Fed Neighbor Alliance
4. Lunch 1:00 pm (luncheon provided with donation requested)
5. Q&A & discussion 1:30 pm
6. Split into groups for specific topics, presentation 2:15 pm
7. Break 3:00 pm
8. Discussion and action items 3:10 pm
9. Socialization 3:50 pm
10. Conference ends at 4:30 pm

It is anticipated that some groups might wish to move to a local restaurant after the conference to continue discussions. One of the most important aspects of an event like this is making new connections. There will be no entry fee for the conference, but it is requested that attendees donate for the hospitality lunch to help us recover costs. Any donations above and beyond the conference expenses will be given to the Least of These Food Ministry in Springfield. Copies of books discussed in the presentation will also be available for sale.

We will be taking proposals for a presentation during the 2:15 break-out sessions. Several subgroups will split out at this time to discuss specific topics (as identified by entry surveys and during the Q&A session), local organizations are invited to put out literature and information for people, and a presentation will be put on for those not in the break-out sessions.

We have a lot of ground to cover, and not all of it will be done in this event, but we can take important steps toward identifying the problem, getting out information about the solutions, and setting the stage for appropriate local groups to continue moving the process forward.

Break-Out Session Presentations

We are accepting submissions for presentation(s) during the break-out sessions. The subject shall be a practical presentation on developing local business or on moving your home or business to self-reliant practices, including, for example:

• Navigating the maze of regulations to start your business (e.g filings and sales tax, health codes, weights and measures, zoning)
• Reducing expenses by gardening, esp. in an urban setting
• Reuse before recycle
• Practical sustainable gardening practices
• Pragmatic alternative energy solutions for home or small business (including vehicle fuel alternatives)
• Practical barter-economy solutions
• How to locate locally produced resources and materials for your business

Please submit an outline and a brief bio to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please make submissions by 1 December. Presenters will be notified on or about 5 December. Please prepare slides, notes, or reference materials in electronic form (preferably in RTF, HTML, or PDF) for posting to our website after the conference.

Representatives of organizations wishing to put out materials for attendees, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know how much table space you will need by 5 December at the latest. Space will be first RSVP first served.