Talk will explore ways ecological principles improve societies

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—An upcoming speaker at Western Michigan University will share her insights about how broadly applying ecological principles can lead to better-designed societies.

Permaculturalist Pandora Thomas will present her views at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in Room 1910 Sangren Hall. To be guaranteed a seat, reserve a free ticket online. Free parking will be available in Lot 41 behind Sangren Hall.

Presentation and speaker

In her talk, titled "Sankofa & Social Permaculture," Thomas will tie ecological principles associated with sustainable agriculture, which more recently has been expanded to encompass the notion of permanent culture, to ways of improving how humans treat one another, build their communities and protect the environment.

A speaker, teacher and writer, Thomas co-founded the Black Permaculture Network, has been featured in films such as "The Future of Energy" and "Inhabit," and has presented at Tedx Denver and San Francisco.

She spent six years helping Toyota to design the Toyota Green Initiative, which supported African Americans in understanding the benefits of adopting sustainable lifestyles. Thomas also co-designed, taught with and directed Pathways to Resilience, a permaculture and social entrepreneur training program that worked with men and women returning home after incarceration.

In addition, she worked with the Urban Permaculture Institute in California on a planning process that supports community members to assess and design strategies for their own resilience.

Thomas' visit is being co-hosted by the WMU Office for Sustainability and the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. For more information, visit the WMU Office for Sustainability website or call the office at (269) 387-0943.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.