Today, I am going to introduce you to the Permaculture Action Network, which is an incredible organization that is mobilizing thousands of people across the nation to regenerate the land, to live more sustainably through permaculture and direct action while creating more just and equal systems. [music] Being in an urban environment and doing this type of work is key to reaching a lot of people, and showing people of all ages intergenerational, the importance of knowing where their food comes from, and reconnecting the food with the community. In an urban environment we are densely populated, and this is where we need it the most. When we think of sustainability, we think, okay, how can we kind of limit the harm that we are doing and keep things where we are at more or less, but to be regenerative. And say we need to go way beyond that. There has already been so much damage done. We need to heal that damage. We need to increase biodiversity, create more life afirming systems So to regenerate is to really build back that network of connections between all organisms and living things. For me a big part of permaculture is actually understanding how to communicate and understanding what people's needs are and understanding how to work together to meet those needs so that we can make environmentaly sustainable choices. [music] Permaculture Action Network is Rad! They are a really amazing group of activists. You can tell as a company and as a network of people, they are just very well versed in how to do the work, how to move lightly and gracefully within the communities that they work with, how to gather people and have a lot of different folks in charge and in places of leadership. Permaculture Action Network partners with performing artists, touring musicians, festivals, to mobilize people from cultural events, to days of direct action where we are building regenerative systems like these. We invite people to spaces to recognize that they can learn new skills and become resilient peoples amongst their communities. To actually provide the necessities of life and livelihood in their place. Showing up after a tour is holy gratifying to be able to get your hands in the ground and plant a tree or weed a lawn. You know, it is just really gratifying on a very base level. I think of it as sort of a triangle of energy, where Rising Appalachia's or whatever band or musician is sort of a bugle call to the people about an action day happening. Permaculture action is well versed in organizing in permaculture and getting the tools needed to make that happen. And then they work very closely with someone on the ground that owns the land, or owns the house or the farm or the community garden. So it is kind of a triad of support that works really well. [music] We are creating a dynamic environment in which people can work on collective liberation with one another. And everyone benefits from the situation. Regeneration means building back up the soil, building back up the community. The only way to do that is to have diversity and good energy. It is not an environmental movement. It is a cultural movement. By permaculture, to me it is kind of self explanitory, but it has gotten confused. It just means building a culture that can sustain into the future. I see the healing as an overall big process in terms of people healing not just their body, but healing their mind. I think that is something that I have been able to do and been showing people how, so that they can appreciate the art of a farmer or gardener so that later on in life, that... Hey, you can do this yourself. Healing is being able feed your community. Being able to gather together. Being able to talk and share stories and learn new skills. It is really imporatant to us to do this kind of work in a new way. I think the quote that most stands out in my mind is, "If you have come to help me, then you are wasting your time. But if you have come because you realize your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." That right there is what we are trying to create through these action days. That is what this movement is about. Us creating our own futures that we want. That is what regeneration is. Constant learning is how we will be able to adapt and regenerate. [music] In my nearly decade of working in sustainability, the Permaculture Action Network truly is one of the most authentic, and really well designed, and well thought-out organizations that I have come across. They are not just working on sustainability. It is about true equality and justice as well. These things really cannot be seperated. They are all together. I hope that you will support their work and get involved. There are links in the description of this video in order to be able to do that. If you want this to get out there and inspire more people, make sure that you like this video, comment, and share it with people who would be inspired by this. Many more videos are to come. Make sure to subscribe to this channel as well, if you have not already yet. I love you all very much and I will see you again real soon.