[Pil-pc-oceania] Janet, Robyn's ideas

[RussGrayson]

Hi Robyn and Janet and others...
I suspect the question of awards are one of those topics in which
protagonists all have valid points.

I don't want to take sides (if there really are any to take), so I will
simply add a couple points.

POINT 1 - VISIBILITY AND THE ATTRACTION OF AWARDS
It's my observation that, when it come to awards, permaculture is not a
level playing field.

The reason is that people are not equally visible to the permaculture
milieu. And the reason behind this is that people do not have the same
capacity or interest to self-promote.

Those who use the design system as a part of their livelihood in some way
soon learn that self-promotion is a necessity even though they may feel
uncomfortable in doing it. Failure to self-promorte = invisibility.

I am talking about self-promotion based on demonstratable evidence and/or
track record, not PR.

Those that self-promote consistently come to dominate an aspect of
permaculture and are afforded a status as a leader in that field. Indeed,
sometimes they are all who are known in that field despite the existence of
others engaged in equivalent activity.

I notice that when there is an invitation to speak on a specific topic, that
nearly always goes out to the same people. This results in a perception that
limits public knowledge of the diversity of practice within permaculture -
even within the permaculture demimonde.

This leads to the possibility that awards may go to the same people. Of
course, applications and nominations for awards might broaden the field
somewhat, but I suspect that nominations are more likely to be made for
those already well known.

I suspect Janet knows this. She mentions - and recommends - Steve Cran for a
permaculture medal. Of course, Steve deserves this and Janet is right. But
so do others. And... how do you choose who is the more worthy?

Immediately on reading the email I recalled Lachlan McKenzie's work in East
Timor, and that of Janet Norman (
http://www.pacific-edge.info/journalism/people/june_norman.html). And there
are others, I am sure.

Then there are people working in that field in other regions. What about
Emma Stone for her work with the Kastom Gaden Association and Planting
Material Network in the Solomon Islands?

Then there are others who have been with that program since 1994 (no, I am
not thinking of myself) and who have done permaculture-type work that has
been recognised for its success, and its replicaton funded by the
Secretariat for the Pacific Community.

Herein lies the problems with making awards - who is the most worthy of the
worthy? 

POINT 2: THE AUSTRALASIAN CONNECTION
The point goes beyond the focus of APC9 to the actual use of the terminology
altogether.

'Australasian' is a geographic term implying Australia, South East Asia and,
sometimes, New Zealand. It is good as far as it goes, however it does not
include the complete Australian region. In fact, it is notable for the vast
area excluded - the South West Pacific.

Instead of Australasia, may I propose we use 'Australasia-Pacifc' as it
reflects contemporary and historic associations between Australia and these
two bordering regions. And... It includes New Zealand (which happens to be
situated in the Pacific).

In our history, Australia's trading and interpersonal associations with the
Pacific predated our firm connections with South East Asia. That region
mainly became prominent with the Japanese advance through in the early years
of World War Two. The same could be said for the South West Pacific, however
the Pacific region was already known to Australians with an outward-looking
view of the world. Our nation had traded with the region for some time (and
some of its citizens had more or less kidnapped Pacificans to work
Queensland's cane field).

The national focus on South East Asia developed to a dominant level during
the decoloniaalisation process of the late-1950s, early 1960s, when
Indonesia, under Sukarno, came to be seen as a threat. In turn, that was
reinforced by the conflict in Vietnam (remember the Domino Theory?).

What I am getting at is that we in permaculture should recognise the Pacific
as much as we recognise South East Asia (as defined in 'Australisia'). From
my own work in the region, I can say that Pacificans view Australia as the
big power of the region and as the major influence. For them,
Australia-Pacific is real.

I guess this is a plea to adopt Australasia-Pacific as the reality term for
where we live. Then. At least, the New Zealanders might be happy too.

> There are always going to be things that are done in one convergence and not
> in another and I guess that those who are disappointed in aspects of this
> convergence should point out the shortfall and then be prepared to have a go
> at running one that models their view and expectations.  But I am almost
> certain that there won't ever be a convergence that pleases all of the people
> all of the time.

Too true Janet. 

May I say that - at APC7, wasn't it? - we brought down two colleagues from
the Solomon Islands working with us on the Kastom Gaden Program. For Roselyn
Kabu, this was her first taste of Australia and her first time out of the
country. Thanks to all those that hosted her and showed her the best of our
culture.

For Roselyn - who is now program director - the experience was worthwhile. I
recall her at Robyn's Dlanbung Gardens with APC attendees, combing the
garden for plants with which to demonstrate Solomon Islands cooking at a
workshop. She had never addressed a big bunch of people before, especially
people from a different culture, and was only convinced to do so by her
much-experienced colleague, Sarah Osiabu. After that, she gained immediate
confidence. 

What I am suggesting is that bringing her here resulted in a classic win-win
outcome. It was worth it.

IN CONCLUSION...
I'm sure that APC8 will be well-remembered. If we can help by getting our
attendance forms in early, and our funds too, then the organising committee
will have all the more to work with and the firmer the arrangements that can
be made.

APC is about all of us, what we do, why and how we do it. It's also one of
the few opportuities to put faces to the names on this listserv. APC8 will
also provide the opportunity, immediately the main program finishes, to
decide the future of Permaculture International (Permaculture Australia?).
You, too, can participate in that by joining - go to
http://www.permacultureinternational.org/

Thanks, Robyn and Janet, for your dialogue in the topic above.

...Russ Grayson

On 18/11/07 1:34 PM, "Janet Millington" <miltech at bigpond.com> wrote:

> Hi Robyn, 
> I see your point and a certificate would be wonderful as there are so many
> amazing projects to honour.  Thanks for that perspective it has certainly
> changed my mind to a point.  I think there will have to be lots and lots of
> them not just a few.  As our work proliferates and as our front line extends
> we really need to value all the good work.
> 
> Your comment on the exceptional work of those overseas is a good one.  We
> had Steve Cran here at PcNoosa last week and his work is just magnificent
> and so amazing and he even had the most wonderful glow that seems to come
> from those who are committed to and who have done good work.  In cases suck
> as Steve's maybe a medal is in order.  His work on behalf of our Earth and
> humanity is exceptional.  And there must be others, and many of them.
> 
> It is hard to compare that to the early steps of folk who one day will do
> that sort of work and hopefully even more, so then maybe we can consider
> certificates and medals as well as lots of big smiles and resources to
> share.
> 
> On the Australasia  point.  I am sure the Sydney convenors are including NZ
> and if there are others in Asia you can think of I am sure if you contact
> APC9 convenors they will try to include any that are suggested.  Really the
> planning for this has been going on for years now and input has been sought
> from the very beginning.
> 
> There are always going to be things that are done in one convergence and not
> in another and I guess that those who are disappointed in aspects of this
> convergence should point out the shortfall and then be prepared to have a go
> at running one that models their view and expectations.  But I am almost
> certain that there won't ever be a convergence that pleases all of the
> people all of the time.
> 
> Now there's a reason to hand out medals if ever there was one.  So much
> inspiration and energy comes out of each convergence and the ripples of the
> learning and connections have far reaching effects in the movement and its
> work in the world that the instigators should get recognition.
> 
> You held a great one in Nimbin in 97 Robyn and it has had direct results in
> the work on the Sunshine Coast and I especially remember Pat Dare and that
> fabulous international conference in Perth and how that effected us here and
> what we have gone on to do.  Now that woman deserves a medal.  And same goes
> for Melbourne and Adelaide....all great, all different.
> 
> We could get so busy congratulating ourselves that we have no energy for our
> work.  Or would the congratulations give energy?  If we say "yes" to that
> then we need to get on with methods of recognizing this work as we all need
> all the energy we can get.
> 
> It is all too much for me so I am packing my smiles and resources and hope
> to see you all in Sydney next month.  But I am happy to support the further
> exploration of certificates and even medals if enough of us think that would
> progress good projects.
> Best regards
> Janet
> 
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