While many researchers agree that children need more time playing outside, and less in front of their computers and TV screens, not all video games are the same. Case in point: Minecraft, the online 3D world of adventure that is captivating many SelfDesigners these days.

Unlike the gratuitous violence and aggressive competition that is so prevalent in many video games these days, Minecraft provides a creative, collaborative, congenial and constructivist learning environment! As the game’s website describes: “Minecraft is a game about placing blocks to build anything you can imagine. At night monsters come out, make sure to build a shelter before that happens.”

We, at SelfDesign, think this game is a very supportable and valuable learning experience, emblematic of the kind of learning environment espoused in 'A New Culture of Learning' (2011, Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown) in which digital media provides access to rich opportunities to gain knowledge and enhance socialization through play. 

While learners in conventional schooling might not get to tap into the joy of Minecraft specifically for their learning, SelfDesign offers dedicated server space and trained staff to support engaging with Minecraft, based on the learner's interest and schedule. If your child is currently a Minecraft fan, or wanting to deepen her or his Minecraft knowledge and expertise, come and join us! The SelfDesign Minecraft server is a place where learners, parents and Learning Consultants can share their creations on the game, and it also provides a safe space for open ended discussion, creative architecture, and a whole lot of learning around technology. Welcome to 21st century learning!

For more information about SelfDesign and the range of learning opportunities we encourage and support, go to the ‘K-12 Learning Programs’ tab and follow the links to the program of your choice. 

Watch a short video containing more pictures of Minecraft creations by SelfDesigners. 

SelfDesign learners from across BC were buzzing after meeting fellow SelfDesigners for coffee, tea, discussion and play at a Victoria cafe on March 27th. Michelle Buck, the coordinator of cross-province workshops is always looking for fun and creative ways to bring SelfDesign community members together.

A long time Learning Consultant and member of the SD Community, Sue Lucy, shares her thoughts about the experience, “…as most of my work is done from my computer, the best thing I always get out of SD gatherings is good vibes and inspiration from seeing other SD’ers in person! The Sante Cafe meeting was no exception–I loved that we even managed an SD-standing-circle activity in the midst of the cafe!”

On March 26th in Kitsilano a similar gathering was hosted by Clara Foulds, a SelfDesign High Alumni. SelfDesign learners where were able to learn from Clara’s experiences with SelfDesign and her perspective on life since graduation from SelfDesign High. Learners also had the opportunity to make some new friends and spend time with Barbarah Nicoll, the principal from SelfDesign High. The group made exciting plans for future which include finding a new learning space in Vancouver and reconnecting with each other as well as other mentors and learners from all over BC at the GIN Conference at Quest University in May.

If you’re in the Vancouver or Victoria area and would like more information about future gatherings, contact Clara Foulds (Vancouver) or Michelle Buck (Victoria) in the SD Village. SD’ers outside these areas who would like to schedule a meet up activity in your community, please contact us at communications@selfdesign.org.

SelfDesign High's commitment to furthering peace education in our region has shown up in a number of gestures, often youth-led and mentor-supported including; the Fair Trade for Peace Markets, high school peace studies courses, and participation in global events such as the Global Summit in San Francisco and the GIN Conference, May 24 – 27, at Quest University at Squamish, BC. Some of the celebrated learning experiences on what building peace can look like has taken place during three consecutive summers at Peace Camps, an idea from a group of SDH youth as a Global Call to Action. 

Peace Camps focus on peaceful skill building through non-violent communication, music and theatre, stories, stillness, and an appreciation for the natural environment, as well as a focus on our local cultural heritage. This year, young people worked together to bring their experiences in peace-building into their schools, thus building their leadership skills and fulfilling the Peace Camp mandate of participants spreading peace in their communities. The core group of young people who have been organizing peace building events at LVR, decided to bring provocative and inspiring TED Talks and discussion to their peers. The first video they presented was from french artist JR, called To turn the World Inside out with Art, and as one of the youth in the group, Lara describes, “it is a great video about how art can change the world.”
 

“The idea was to get ideas out about what is going on and how issues can be changed. These films present solutions, when quite often only the negative sides are shown.”

The second video the young people chose to share, focuses on an issue much closer to home, the building of the Northern Gateway Pipeline by the Enbridge Corporation. The pipeline to run from the Alberta tar sands and spreading across pristine wilderness to BC's coastline, is outlined by Garth Lenz in his TED Talk in Victoria, BC, The True Cost of Oil. Another member of the group, Caleb, explains “The idea was to get ideas out about what is going on and how issues can be changed. These films present solutions, when quite often only the negative sides are shown.”

“I felt that people were really inspired by the videos and enjoyed them, but I think they wanted more learning on it. They were looking for ways to get involved."

The group organized both presentations at LVR but as Zolena, a new member of the group describes, there is a need for more, “I felt that people were really inspired by the videos and enjoyed them, but I think they wanted more learning on it. They were looking for ways to get involved."

The group will bring the video: The True Cost of Oil to LVR once again, for the Regional East and West Kootenays Environmental Justice Conference LOCAL to GLOBAL, open to the general public. The conference is taking place April 27, 28, 29 and the group will give their workshop on Sunday (29) afternoon from 2:15pm until 3:00pm. They will show the video, guide a discussion, provide resources for workshop attendees, and suggest ways for education facilitators to use the video in their curriculum. There will also be an art activist portion, where participants can make stickers, buttons, patches, t-shirts with messages of opposition to the project and in support of a healthy planet. The art activist table will also be hosted by the group during the lunch hours of the conference, where anyone can bring their t-shirt to be silk screened or make a sticker or button with their own original slogan.

View the Conference Overview and Register today at the West Kootenay Eco Society website and invite a friend!

How are teenagers in Nelson currently affected by gender roles, sexism, and homophobia?

The GAP (Gender Action Project) explores this question and others through a public performance and invites you to participate! This project is a collaboration between the Nelson Women's Centre and SelfDesign High with funding from the Columbia Basin Trust Youth Initiatives. For the past few months, a group of ten teenagers have been taking part in Theatre of the Oppressed, workshops facilitated by Mayra and Tasha Bassingthwaighte, and are now ready to share what they have created. They invite you to watch, interact with the performances, and bring discoveries and solutions to your communities.

        
Friday, April 20th at SelfDesign High 402 Victoria Street, Nelson, BC
Doors open at 7:00 pm, and the show starts at 7:30 pm
Entry is by donation of $5 to $20

Thursday, April 26th at Mir Centre for Peace on Selkirk College Campus, Castlegar, BC
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:00 pm
Entry is by donation of $10 to $20.
             
For more information about the performances or GAP Theatre, email Marya or call 352-9949 (Nelson Women’s Center)

This spring, SelfDesign High brings colorful and creative hands-on workshops to highschool youth in grades 10-12. These 4 credit courses, include Jewelry-Making, Mechanics, Studio Arts: Cultures of Resistance and Fiber Arts and are led by community and SelfDesign High Mentors. Workshop groups will meet 2 to 3 hours a week for 12-14 week at the BackAlley Studio. In these workshops, learners will acquire knowledge and skills and be immersed in a experiential learning environment where understanding is promoted through participation, conversation, reflection, and action.

High School learners in B.C. are free to choose where and how to complete their high school requirements, and these workshops are ideal for learners who benefit from the structure and rhythm of a schedule and who crave connections with others in order to realize their individual learning. (While) SelfDesign High has prepared a full slate of workshops for learners to select from, and (we) will also find a suitable mentor and create a workshop around a topic that six learners express an interest (to us) in taking.

Choose the learning you are looking for, and let SelfDesign help guide your way

Enroll here: www.sefldesignhigh.org/workshops

What are the local and global Impulses for Change you notice?

Sharing inspirational stories and projects connects and encourages us to put our bodies behind our ideas.

< Click on the image for more and to RSVP to our Facebook event!

www.selfdesignhigh.org

Space is limited. Register here and tell us what interests you about this event! 

Want to get more involved in your community, meet other SDH youth and be part of making exciting projects come to life? YUM Initiative, SelfDesign High's Youth Advisory Council is looking for learners to get active in our communities! Here is an opportunity to name what inspires you and to ACT, with a group of motivated youth and supportive mentors, to change your world for the better. Plus earn high school credits (grade 10, 11, 12) and a load of new skills! To learn more visit the YUM Initiative page on our website! www.selfdesignhigh.org/yum

Please join us on Feb 23rd at 7pm. We'll be screening the film "ANIMATE EARTH" followed by discussion.

For more details and to view the trailer, visit our Facebook Event page

Animate Earth is a documentary film written and presented by Dr Stephan Harding, renowned ecologist and colleague of James Lovelock. Stephan puts forward a radical approach to the ecological crisis by arguing that many of the problems we now face stem from having lost our intuitive relationship with nature. Stephan believes that traditional mechanistic science has inadvertently fueled the crisis and that we urgently need to develop an expanded science that cultivates intuitive wisdom alongside rational knowledge so that we can experience everything, from the smallest microbes to our planet’s great life-sustaining cycles, as deeply interconnected. Building on the revolutionary discoveries of James Lovelockʼs Gaia Theory, Stephan goes one step further and explores opportunities to heal our relationship with the Earth through the new discipline of holistic science. The film features interviews with leading environmentalists, scientists and spiritual leaders, including Brian Goodwin, Iain McGilchrist, Fritjof Capra, Vandana Shiva, Jules Cashford and Satish Kumar.

Free YOUTH ACTION SUMMIT in Kimberley, B.C.

Basin Youth are invited to get inspired, educated and empowered to take action in communities.

Join us at CONNECT to be part of something great – engaging speakers, planning sessions and networking opportunities that will lead to action events in Basin communities.

SPACE IS LIMITED … Apply by February 29!