The Great Lakes Bioneers Conference..

is organized by a small staff of multi-talented volunteers who meet on a regular basis throughout the year to create what has become a robust project of positive energy and networking. We all bring into the group a diverse set of personalities, experience and skills that have strengthened the local network of progressive thought in Northern Michigan.

The Great Lakes Bioneers Conference is led by two non-profit organizations, SEEDS and the Neahtawanta Center.

This link for: Contact Information

• SEEDS is a sustainable projects incubator.  It is a non-profit research, design and educational institution that seeks the development of socially and ecologically sustainable environments through participatory design and holistic education.
• The Neahtawanta Center is a place of peace and quiet that has for over 20 years drawn inspiration from the waters of Lake Michigan and the beauty of the woods. Through workshops, retreats and the bed and breakfast inn, people have gathered at Neahtawanta to deepen their relationship with themselves, each other, the larger community and the earth.

We would also like to thank the many artists, musicians and creative people who put their positive effort to into the conference. For a partial list: Credits & Recognition.

Our Current Project Team for 2006 (some of whom are pictured above) includes dozens of volunteers and sponsors and an amazing core group including: Sarna Salzman, Pete Munoz, Torie Bunn, Gary Howe, Brad Kik, Bob Russell, Sally Somsel, Jayson Spaulding, Todd Springer, Erin Truog, Jeremy Truog, Sally Van Vleck, Libby Mahaffy, Sairy Franks, Marty Heller, Michelle Ferrares and Bronwyn Jones as our NMC Liason.

Mission of the Great Lakes Bioneers Organizers:

To make the Great Lakes Bioneers an effective community experience that is functional and supportive, professional and joyous. Building from our foundation of optimism and compassion, we strategically move forward with the visionary pursuit of nourishing harmony among Earth and its dependent beings.

Principles:

• The Great Lakes Bioneers organizers are a group that recognizes and enjoys our diversity as individuals. For this reason, flexibility is a key ingredient in all aspects of functionality keeping absolutes and ideology minimized.
• With consensus as our decision-making tool, we stress the importance of maintaining an environment where all have, and are encouraged to exercise, the freedom to speak and contribute.
• We strive to empower tangible action during the conference and throughout the year.