During this time of celebration and cheer, other thoughts have been weighing heavily. Earlier this month, our community was rocked by the tragic loss of several of its members to suicide. These incidents fall on the heels of far too many prior occurrences which have compounded into a sad statistic: mountainous regions like ours suffer nearly twice the rate of suicide compared to our non-topographically rich neighbors. In my efforts to best equip myself to support our fellow community members and struggling students, I read two recent articles published by the National Geographic and the Mountain Journal that shed light on the sources of this suffering.

While elevation and seasonality are not things any mountain dweller can easily mitigate, my eye lingered on the research pointing to the 'poor quality of relationships' present in mountain communities, especially for our 20-something youth. Here, though, there is hope and the opportunity for social transformation stemming from a source that is near and dear to my heart - social sustainability. Many of the core tenets of sustainability put forward values  and frameworks that emphasize restoring the connection of people and place. This underscores the need for strong relationships that emphasize Universal Responsibility. It is a challenge to commit to and connect with our communities, to take responsibility for something larger than ourselves. I have been particularly intrigued by Facing the Future's 8 Big Ideas as a way of structuring the value systems of sustainable societies.

Here at the EC, in addition to tackling environmental sustainability projects, we are also in the business of cultivating students to become engaged community members and environmental leaders. To this end, over the past several weeks, Marty and I have set aside a portion of our Fridays to hash out the EC's Core Learning Outcomes - what every student will have learned upon completing their Environmental Center experience. In addition to 'developing a deep understanding of one's personal values and ethics', 'developing core professional skills', and 'developing the knowledge and tools to affect social and environmental change', we also have a mandate that students will ' understand the value of, and know how to cultivate, a rich, authentic, Community.  Given the recent tragedies in our community, I find some solace  knowing that Environmental Center students are equipped with the skills and motivation to buck the trends reported by National Geographic.

Our deepest condolences to all who are suffering from a loss associated with suicide.

Here is a short list of resources for our community:

• FLC Counseling Center, M-F 8-12 and 1-5, Noble Hall Rm 260: 970-247-7212
• Local Crisis Hotline (Axis Services) - (24 hrs): 970-247-5245
• Colorado Crisis and Support Line (24hrs): 844-493-TALK (8255)
• Heartbeat Durango - Local support group for those who have had lost a loved one to suicide. For information call or text 970-403-4103 or call 970-749-1673.
• Project Semicolon

Sincerely,

Rachel Landis, Coordinator

Learn how you can become a Lobbyist by building the political will to encourage lawmakers in Washington to pass a Carbon Fee and Dividend Legislation.

Where:  The Underground at Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main  Street,  Durango

For more information or with questions, contact Louise van Vonno at [email protected]

Do you know anyone who wants to start farming? Do you have a sense for what great fun we have farming out here at the Old Fort? 

Applications are available now for next year's Farmer-In-Training (FIT) positions! FITs farm 2-3 days/week, learning all the basics of growing vegetables in the high desert. It's perfect for someone who has dabbled in farming but wants to get serious: the program offers classes, workshops, field trips, and the invaluable day-to-day work of growing food.  

Because our busy harvest season extends into the fall semester, we accept applications from graduating seniors and encourage other students to apply to our internship program.

Potential farmers can learn more at:
https://www.goodfoodjobs.com/jobs/104783/farmer-in-training.html
https://www.fortlewis.edu/oldfort/SustainableAgriculturePrograms.aspx

Up to $7,000 is awarded to 50 sophomores and juniors pursuing careers related to Tribal policy, Native health care, and the environment. Scholars get to attend the Udall Scholar Orientation in August, meeting alumni and community leaders for exceptional networking opportunities, and gain lifetime membership in a growing and active alumni network. For more information, visit us at udall.gov. 

T o apply: visit https://www.udall.gov/OurPrograms/Scholarship/Scholarship.aspx

Deadline: March 8, 2018.

The Alaska Center is seeking an enthusiastic and talented individual to serve as an Interior Organizer. This position will work to build power for salmon conservation in Alaska by educating and engaging thousands of individuals to take action and volunteer on an array of campaigns and issues. This position will also support The Alaska Center's work to elect decision makers who will stand up for clean air and water, promote solutions to climate change, and support a strong democracy.

Job Title:  Interior Organizer

Reports to : Political and Field Director

Status:  Full time

Salary:  Commensurate with experience

Location:  Fairbanks, Alaska

Find more information or apply here: http://akcenter.org/about/jobs-internships/