Vashon Resilience

Geologist and Islander Steve Bergman leads us through a fascinating exploration of the geological history of our island, this region and the planet  - starting with the rocks on the beaches of Vashon and Maury.

To view Steve's full slide show (he had to cut some slides for the video due to time constraints) click HERE for Part A and HERE for Part B. 

Julie Shannon shares a lifetime of experience selling her crafts through this generous presentation on strategies for success. Get inspired to venture into your own cottage industry doing something you love.  Her fabulous presentation and tricks of the trade will help you avoid pitfalls and chart a path to success.  

Herbalist Jane Valencia's presentation reconnects us to the place that we live and its capacity to heal body and soul. As an herbal educator, Jane brings makes her vast knowledge and deep relationship with plants and place easy to understand so that you can foster your own skills and well being. 

Antoinette Guy is a talented photographer and an excellent presenter. She is also eleven years old, so watch out world! Enjoy Antoinette's tour through her love of photography and the pro-tips she has learned from her talented island mentor.  

Cathy deSmet is a deeply respected physical therapist living and practicing on Vashon. In this presentation Cathy leads us through a number of stretches designed specifically to help us through the long days of computer work and remote learning.  

Stacey Hinden, executive director of the Vashon Wilderness Program facilitates an inspiring and useful exploration of a gratitude practice that she has utilized and spread via the Vashon Wilderness Program.  https://vashonwilderness.org/

Besides being an expert in Xena Warrior Princess, Victoria, aka "Tori" chose to share her tips and tricks on cultivating resilience in challenging times, self-care, setbacks and bouncing back. She concludes with a valuable collection of resources to support your wellbeing.   

On September 19, 2020 the Vashon Island Time Exchange celebrated its launch with a 6 hour community Teach-In. 9 pesenters shared their knowledge, skills and passion across a wide variety of topics. The day started with this fantastic Q&A session with historian Bruce Haulman. 

Kim Nelson's dry humor is matched by her mastery of furniture repair. Don't miss this fun and extremely useful tutorial on chair mending, furniture refinishing and repair including lots of PRO-tips and tricks. So GREAT! From the Governor's Mansion to Vashon Island, she's fixed or finished it. Check it out!

This excerpt is from a recent virtual creative tactics training. We met with warehouse workers around the country to train them on a couple of Backbone Campaign's signature tactics. In this segment, Bill brings folks through the process for creating and deploying the giant deer fence banners, something that Backbone is famous for.  More about that at http://BackboneCampaign.org/banners

Here's probably the quickest possible introduction to the concept of rhythm, pulse and syncopation that you'll ever get. Bill brings us into pulse through a body movement and uses vocalization to demonstrate subdivision of time. He then gives his perspective on the origins of syncopation via clavé and polyrhythm. He wraps up with a lightening fast pro-tip on the single and double strokes. Whew!

Fiber artist, community weaver, and freelance writer Julie Shannon initiates us to the art of spinning yarn - and tells a few stories along the way. Whether for mental health or cottage industry, you can't lose!  Check out Julie's generous skill sharing, helpful tips and passion for the craft. 

Deborah shares an astounding array of delicious concoctions for toast that are easily and affordably made at home.

Recipes included below!

Artists Bill Jarcho and Sharon Shaver take us on a fascinating tour of their (and artist George Wright's) current gallery exhibition "On Our Way to Mars."

Quinn engages Teah-In participants in an honest conversation on "What is True Wealth?" This brief, heartfelt discussion gets to the core of why community matters and how connection to each other provides the resilience we need to persevere.

On July 17th, Backbone hosted a call with community leaders who are working on a variety of innovative projects designed to increase our local resilience, as we move from an extractive economy to a more circular one.  

Susan McCabe facilitated an inspiring interview and profound discussion with Lawrence Jenkins, his wife Aleta Haskins about their work growing food.  The discussion will surprise and move you.  Don't miss this!

Food is a basic need and healthy local food should be a fundamental right.  At the heart of the food system is the seed.  Our current food system is so broken in most all ways.  We will talk about the effects of racism and colonization on our food system and how those oppressive systems relate to growing a garden and saving your seeds.    

Check our new mutual aid project Vashon Island Time Exchange . Sign up to share your time and talents, and receive credit toward getting the help you need.

General information and CoViD-19 alerts visit: VashonBePrepared

Since the end of March, Backbone Campaign has mobilized over 30 volunteers to safely plant, harvest, weed, construct, and organize at Matsuda Farm, Vashon Island's not for profit farm. They have given over 400 hours to grow de-commodified food!