Marion Institute

Founded in 1992, the Marion Institute seeks to engage the widest possible number of people in seeing, connecting and participating in new ways that best support their own lives, and those of the wider community at large. We believe in the interdependence of all life and the critical balance necessary for a sustainable future.

The Marion Institute introduces innovative models for creating deep and positive change, empowering individuals by connecting them to these programs, thus encouraging effective transformation. We believe that when individuals are offered practical and visionary solutions, they become inspired, realize their potential and will act to restore a healthier balance.

From the start, we have always sought to see more deeply – beneath the radar of the everyday – and to bring the views of the latest thinkers to new audiences and by sharing articles and mailings. The Marion Institute is always looking to create, support or simply showcase programs and innovators that go deeper – that address root causes, create systemic change, and are a little more likely to help tilt the world on its axis.


Mission
The Marion Institute is dedicated to identifying and promoting programs that seek to enhance life for the Earth and its inhabitants.

We are committed to uniting people who want to heal the planet – and themselves – by encouraging a deeper understanding of the past, a dynamic experience of the present, and a passionate vision of a healthy future.


Programs
At the Marion Institute, we seek to identify groundbreaking and inspirational programs, projects, organizations and innovators that we feel are doing groundbreaking work to help restore the planet. The Marion Institute is unique in the generous and diverse array of interest areas we seek to cover. We believe in the essential interconnectedness of all things.

We, at the Marion Institute, dedicate ourselves to the gathering and disseminating this information in hopes that our members become inspired, engaged, connected - and then seek to lend their support to this broad range of work.

For more information on our diverse array of Programs and Serendipity Projects, please visit marioninstitute.org


Local Initiatives
With a focus on “thinking globally, acting locally,” the Marion Institute supports a wide range of local initiatives, seminars and projects – all of which seek to promote replicable models for deep and positive change. Please view www.marioninstitute.org for a current and comprehensive list of community based work. An example of a few such programs are below.


Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change
The Fourth Annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change conference has moved to downtown New Bedford, October 24-26, 2008.

Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of environmental, industry and social justice innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and its inhabitants.

Thousands of students, teachers, green business innovators, scientists, grassroots leaders and every day folks from across the East Coast have gathered to embrace, share, brainstorm, network, heal, learn, teach, celebrate, recharge and connect for change.

To stay connected throughout the year with other Bioneers and concerned South Coast citizens or to register for the conference through our interactive website and calendar of events, please visit connectingforchange.org

We appreciate any feedback regarding Bioneers by the Bay and can be reached at, info@connectingforchange.org or 508.748.0816.


How On Earth
With rising gas prices, shifts in seasonal groning patterns and global climate change, there are increasing concerns about our nation’s monolithic aribusiness industry – and how it has become wholly dependent upon what was abundant and cheap fossil fuel to grown and transport food from the field tour plates. Scientists now predict that global oil production is about to peak – or may have already done so. Soon, fossil fuel will be far too expensive to support the modern agriculture system, which the vast majority of Americans depend upon.

This is no small concern. It has been estimated that producing food by means of modern agriculture requires six to ten times more energy than by using sustainable agricultural methods. Agriculture and food now account for nearly 30% of goods transported on our roads and the entire process is responsible for 25% of the world’s CO2 imissions. The average distance food travels from where it is grown tour kitchen is now 1,700 miles.

What it will take are innovative models for change like the Marion Institute’s How on Earth Initiative. The Institute is establishing a visionary yet replicable experiment to create working farms dedicated to the principles of innovation, community and the ancient, indigenous wisdoms that yielded the notion of sustainable agriculture.
How On Earth is an organization which seeks to reestablish the diverse agricultural use of our remaining farmlands and the vibrant economy that accompanies quality local food production. The goal is to redevelop the local food supply, the local agricultural economy, and reconnect local people to the land. Relying less on food sourced from around the globe, and more on locally grown food is healthier for you and the planet. Supporting local agriculture has benefits that enhance the quality of life both locally and globally.

For more information on the How On Earth Store, CSA, or Farms, please visit howonearth.net

To call or stop by the store,
How On Earth, The Store
62 Marion Rd
Mattapoisett , MA
508-758-1341


Membership
The Marion Institute is dedicated to helping connect individuals with a wide array of innovative, effective and practical solutions that help heal the planet and its inhabitants.

The Institute has identified and researched a diverse range of progressive social, environmental and medical projects. To help support this great and vital work, one we depend on support from our members.

We have three levels of membership at the Marion Institute. You may become an Explorer Member, a Full Member or a Reader.

For more information on becoming a member, please visit marioninstitute.org or call us at 508.748.0816.


Contact
To contact us please visit, call or e-mail us at,
web: marioninstitute.org
phone: 508.748.0816
e-mail: info@marioninstitute.org



Past Partner Profiles

Operation CleanSweep >
New Bedford’s Operation CleanSweep helps to organize the City’s residents to clean litter from several neighborhood streets.