Regenerative Leadership Institute

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I did a bike tour with Regenerative Leadership Institute. It was a really terrific experience. The reasonably-priced tour brought together a wonderful group of down-to-earth people. In addition to the bike ride along the breath-taking Oregon coast, every day incorporated a service and an educational component which allowed us to get to know each other and meet many creative and courageous folks along the journey. The tour was well organized and led by a competent and compassionate team.

I first met Regenerative Leadership Institute back in 2008 on one of their absolutely AMAZING bike tours. I never could have fathomed at first just how much I would be taking away from such an experience. Besides the daily enlightenment in the connection between organic foods and the environment, besides the ongoing flow of insight on low impact living, this tour proved not only to be just a scenic bike run, but a life changing event! One could just feel the ambition behind this expedition; it was so inspiring. The people were amazing, the biking was amazing, the Oregon Coast was amazing AND the food was amazing! On the last day of the tour I was in complete awe. For a moment I lacked the words to describe how I felt, but I knew what it was. My mind was clear, effortlessly clear in that moment,(rid of all my usual fleeting worries) and I cannot thank Regenerative Leadership Institute enough for making me feel life as it aught to be!

Really neat how they raised funds for a free course and then used the funds to make a DVD, too.

Wonderful teachers!!! Despite all my likes and dislikes, this was the best birthday present I gave myself, and the best present the Universe gave me too. I was surrounded by beautiful souls, and this is what it counts the most.

I'm glad that I choose to attend this workshop.

The site visits were amazing. This really made this course even more amazing to visit the sites and meet such great individuals and see permaculture in action. I liked that we did participate in this project to see some aspect of permaculture design implemented. The meals were great. The way that the meals were prepared as a group was great for community building.

My overall experience is beyond words. I learned so much and meet soo many grat individuals. I had some really wonderful experinces and genuine connections

Great information at half the cost of other courses. I like the emphasis on the social component--we don't design in a vacuum, especially with the entire planet in deep environmental crisis--and I appreciate the values and the focus on eco-justice. Saundra has been skillful, informative, patient, organized, and very clear. Her humaneness, values, and heart also come through clearly. I could take an entire course from her, although I'm glad we're getting a variety of viewpoints from different instructors.

I completed a Permaculture Design Certificate course through Common Circle Education in August 2012. It was, in every respect, an outstanding educational experience.

The course was located at the site of a spiritual retreat center in Eugene, OR. Classes were held in a lovely, light-filled yurt, which was very conducive to learning. It was a very intensive course, with the entire standard content of the PDC, and much more, completed in only 9 days. The course was facilitated by company founder and CEO Vladislav Davidzon and co-facilitated by Samantha Sweetwater, founder of Dancing Freedom. Guest teachers were pioneers in their fields and included Jay Ma of Living Mandala; Max Meyers of Nor Cal Aquaponics; and Mark Lakeman of City Repair. Guest hosts for site visits included organic farmer and founder of the US organic industry, Harry Macormack; the Dharmalaya intentional living community; Jan Spencer of The Suburban Permaculture Project; and Sequential Biofuels.

I found Common Circle Education to be very professional and ethical from first contact. The company's website is very comprehensive and answered almost all my questions in advance, and the few additional questions I did have were promptly responded to via email. As a result, I was well-prepared for my camping accommodation, and very comfortable (dormitory accommodation was available for those who preferred not to camp, and showers and electricity were available for all). The vegan meals provided were, on the whole, varied and delicious. Each day was extremely well organized, with an excellent balance between classroom learning; practical projects, such as implementing a mandala garden design; and site visits, such as to the sites described above.

Without a doubt, the absolute best aspect of the course was the quality of the facilitators and instructors. Common Circle is to be commended for assembling such a stellar group of teachers. They all shared equally of their experience and passion, and I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from them. The site visit hosts, too, were only to willing to share their wisdom. I can honestly say that I learned more in my 9-day course with Common Circle Education than in any comparative educational environment I have experienced. I have a degree and a graduate diploma and have attended a multitude of workshops etc. over the years and I do not make that statement lightly.

With almost 30 people, we were a large group, but in such a positive learning environment, friendships were formed that will last a lifetime. A group Facebook page was established and is very active. I have also found Mr. Davidzon to be extremely willing to provide ongoing support to graduates, in the form of advice, ideas, and general encouragement.

I did a considerable amount of research on the various options available to me before I committed to the Common Circle Education course. I consider the course to have been exceptional value for money (scholarships are available for those in need, too). I left the course feeling fully empowered to put my new learning into practice, which is, of course, the ultimate test of whether or not a particular learning institute is worth the time and money you're investing in it. If you're considering a PDC, I believe you couldn't do better than Common Circle Education.

Jay Ma did a great job in teaching us the basics of permaculture, contouring of the land via an a-frame and the storytelling tradition he shared touched all of us in some profound way. Mark Lakeman was a great example of how to move on even when the city may work against you. His city repair projects and the way he showed us to integrate a neighborhood according to permi principles was inspiring and encouraging. It made me want to mobilize my own community. Max Meyers was, of course, a permaculture hero! His knowledge base was astounding and i wish we could spend more time learning more about earthworks, aquaponics and everything else from him. I definitely would've enjoyed more sessions from him, especially b/c he made the info so palatable and easy to digest. Samantha was sort of the glue that held everything together! It was wonderful to have a feminine energy along w/the social component integral to permaculture.

I enjoyed her movement sessions and her ability to connect w/everyone. Lastly (but most importantly), vladislav w/the help of Sarah... This course wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did if it wasn't for the rock of the course! Sarah was so helpful in the kitchen! Vladislav really made sure that everything was seamless and consistent. I know samantha also had a lot to do w/the planning and organizing... Thanks to all of you for making it a fabulous experience!

I also must say that it helped that most of you (if not all of you) had a background in community organizing/activism, which I felt had a lot to do w/the course's inherent ability to move people. With my own background in activism and community work, I really feel we won't be able to make a change w/o being proactive. all the instructors are extremely proactive and that is a great gift and example to us all!

The design projects were the perfect way to end the course. Even though it took our group a little longer to begin the process due to differing of opinions and personalities, we eventually figured it out and came together at the end. It felt good to apply all that we learned into a project to help us feel comfortable w/the material and feel confident to apply the permi principles to our own projects at home or business.

The site visits were truly inspiring! It was great to see everything in action and how easy it is to apply permi principles in your own backyard on a minimal budget. I loved the biodiesel gas station! I never would've thought that that kind of gas station would be able to sustain itself monetarily. Not to mention, all the vegan options, kombucha, yummy coffee/teas and healthy snacks... In a gas station! Unheard of and so inspiring!

I have experienced it twice, and have gotten to live in a community in a way I never had before. I got to connect with people in a beautiful, honest, supportive way. I learned things both times that have altered the way I live and steer my life. I got to explore my assumptions, examine the way I communicate, refine my goals and my self definition, and apply these lessons within the frame-work of permaculture and regenerative design methods that inspire new visions of possibility for the future. If you think you are interested in taking a giant leap forward in your life, please take this class! I hope I will get to see you there :)

I'd like to individually speak about all the instructors, and I will say as a whole this was the most supreme education I've received in my whole life of 31 yrs on the planet.

Vladislav told me he's not one that needs a pat on the back, and still I feel he should be commended for bringing together such amazing human beings for the benefit of the course. I was highly impressed of the flow and the transparent communication over the entire course. I especially appreciated the meditation everyday, and of course from my background I wish they were longer, and possibly another at the end of the evening.

Samantha to me was one of the most important energies of the course. I truly felt the Divine Mother Aspect at work through her, and for me having that woman energy is very important in allowing others to feel comfortable to open up, and release their personhood or inhibitions. I heard from several people after Samantha's day with the group that they grew so much in that one day. One thing I would mention is that there was a bit of a void the last day without Sam there, and hopefully in the future she or someone like her (good luck finding someone:) should be present for the final presentations.

Jay Ma is a wonderful soul, and I'm so fortunate to have met him. Of course the highlight for me was the indigenous tale at the end of the night. Jay's passion for the story and those people shined out of his heart, and I could put myself right in the time and place it happened and connect deeply with the indigenous people through the wonderful story. It was lovely to be in the field with him working hands on. I felt Jay to be a true gentleman and a kind soul that cares for Mother Earth and all beings. I appreciate the diversity with having Jay Ma as a part of the instructors, not everyone has the same teaching style and for me it was wonderful to have a very personal touch with Jay.

Mark from City Repair was of course a great presenter and I enjoyed his humor and overall silliness that still in fact would drive home a very important point in an easy-to-understand way. His portion has inspired me to do the same thing for communities in Houston, starting with 3rd Ward which is the African American community that Gunjen and I actually lived in for 2 years.

Max Meyers: Oh boy this was the big highlight for me, just fast forward intense programming of knowledge. I appreciated that Max would give respect to others and still continue to be himself, even if that meant using a comment that not everyone will agree with or enjoy, at least he was clear about who he was and gave respect to everyone before carrying on. I personally had zero problems with anything he said just based on the fact that Max admitted that he just is who he is. And I love him that way. I felt like I was in super hero training school, being taught by the world's greatest super heroes. I personally would have enjoyed another FULL day with Max.

They were good to extraordinary and got my interest in wanting to come to the course. Since I was living not too far away from Eugene, I jumped at the chance to apply for the scholarship to take the course. Thank you for selecting me!

I adored each and every one them that were our facilitators and instructors! Vladislav is a dear and loving, sensitive soul. How amazing Vladislov is to design this course training with so many exceptional people. This program would not be what it is without him! And Samantha, such a lovely, sweet lady, such a compassionate and inspiring spirit. Certainly without the two of them the course would have not been as cohesive, bringing together all the important emotional and spiritual parts of the training. Jay was wonderful with his beginning presentation for permaculture, great slideshow and videos, and the gardening project. Mark was wonderfully enthusiastic about spreading permaculture practices within the city - urban areas -- and the field trip following to Dharmalaya made it all a reality, and dream come true! Max was truly amazing, and his enthusiasm and genius was undeniable, and he was mentioned so many times as the favorite part of the training.

Before signing up for this training course, I was particularly interested in aquaponics, and Max's experience in designing several large Aquaponics systems was very encouraging for me. I also enjoyed Max's presentations and slideshow he had prepared, showing all the different permaculture systems he designs, including his own home. However, I still must get back to the emotional training presented by Vladislov and Samantha, with the Trudell video and audio recordings, and the open discussions that followed. By getting our focus back to the culture and ways of our ancestors is a major portion of the ideals for the permaculture movement. The other videos that were shown during the course, some of Mollison's, and the other leaders in the permaculture movement were great, too. I'm looking forward to the new book Vladislav will be writing soon.

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I fully appreciated all the effort that went into designing this course, and I loved meeting all the new people who became such good friends during the course. I now feel I have a good understanding of all the newest practices in permaculture, and what is needed to keep our planet alive. I have more faith that we may be able to save some of people on the planet, and turn around the destructive forces that are threatening our existence, and overcome the pollution that has been ruining our environment. I have some hopes in seeing permaculture systems replacing industrial farming, reconditioning our depleted soils, and increasing crop yields to feed our hungry planet. However, creating more food, and not establishing more birth control will not solve the overpopulation problems. I foresee some more collapse in overpopulated countries and those without enough fresh water sources. With climate change and global warming, even using permaculture practices will be a challenge, and many changes will come with the lack of fossil fuels as the supplies decline. I've come back to my home again to live with my family, daughter and grandkids as a result of taking this course. I want to continue to develop permaculture systems on our ranch home property to help sustain us in the years ahead. With 1.5 acres to farm, a fresh water well producing 100 gal/minute, and a solar (grid-tied) system to be changed over to off-grid, we may have a chance of survival. (If we can protect ourselves).

I am forever grateful to all of these amazing individuals who shared their visions and expertise with our class. And the class participants were exceptional, too. I loved them all! Keep on doing what you're doing! You're the best! You are so desperately needed...

Very inspiring to see first hand what these Oregonian Leaders in the permaculture movement have done.

Got a good idea about permaculture - a big pictures with different areas that one can venture into - hope the resources are available as we progress and have to make choices.

I thoroughly enjoyed the group interaction, group circles, and especially the movement portion of this amazing experience!

It was extremely beneficial to see the permaculture principles being used at Jan's and Heiko's homes. They enabled me to generate my own ideas as to how I will begin to transform my home and my community!

I wish the course was longer, possibly 12 days, just a more even number. Otherwise, spectactular -- I plan to take more classes in the future with Common Circle. Unfortunately, work gets in the way, but I am working to change that!

Though I enjoyed all of them I really liked Max. The course wasn't what I expected, but it was what I needed. Thank you for all that you did to put it together.

I really appreciated the non-linear approach to education all of the instructors embodied. Max in particular was an incredible instructor with and easy going and funny personality that added to the already awesome concepts he was teaching. I really enjoyed having Samantha's energy around every day and her wise contribution to discussion.

The number of sites that we were able to visit in such a short period of time really allowed us to see an array of not only permaculture practices in action, but other farming techniques that provided contrast to permaculture.

Heiko's energy was contagious! He was also very organized and ready to put a large group to work on a number of different project. I really enjoyed meeting Jan and visiting his property, but I would have loved to work on a few more projects. Maybe one more service project would complete that aspect of the course.

I love to camp and the site was very conducive and comfortable for that. To live on a permaculture site while learning permaculture was invaluable. To walk around and see the principals in action certainly added to the experience.

I am extremely grateful to call myself a graduate of this permaculture course. I really had no expectations going into the course, but was pleasantly surprised by the dialog that took place in and out of the classroom. This course inherently seemed to attract very aware people and I think that in itself really distinguished it's path. For that I think Common Circle did a a great job of marketing and organizing.

The instructors were all amazing and each brought a unique perspective to permaculture.

Samantha was by far my fave person instructing! She was just the right person {and only female..hmm} to bring it all together in a way that made sense to me.

Was a very, very, full 9 days that I am happily reflecting on...while sitting in my back yard, staring at the corner where a water tank will one day be ;)

Very friendly and helpful! Prepared well. Heiko was well organized and that helped with learning varied skills. The first site with the posters etc with Jan was a good basic start and it was nice to see the permaculture in practice. The biofuel sight was a good insight and linked to the other issues in perm. Nice to actually have an expert talk rather than just read about fuel. Other sites rounded out the program. Would like more perma sites.

Well put together. I would have learned more with more sleep. Don't really know how to resolve that. I feel each of us had our exhausted days. A waste not to be sharp at all times.

The meals were out of this world. The teams did such a creative job of cooking something new each day and presenting it with such artistry.