The mission of the Institute for Social Ecology (ISE) is the creation of educational experiences that enhance people's understanding of their relationship to the natural world and each other. By necessity, this involves the ISE in programs that deepen students' awareness of self and others, help them to think critically, and expand their perception of the creative potentialities for human action. The purpose of the ISE's programs is the preparation of well-rounded students who can work effectively as participants in the process of ecological reconstruction.
Murray Bookchin, ISE founder, dies at 85
Murray Bookchin Obituary
Murray Bookchin Tribute
ISE Update, Summer 2006
In March of 2006, the Institute for Social Ecology completed the sale of its Maple Hill campus in Plainfield, Vermont. This is the end of an era for us, bringing us to a new beginning for the Institute. After 31 years of offering campus-based educational programs for both graduate and undergraduate students, the Institute's active membership has reaffirmed a commitment the core principles of social ecology and begun mapping out our plans for the future. We will continue to pursue our mission of education toward an ecological society, and are exploring exciting new ways to bring social ecology into today's urgent public debates.
The Institute remains committed to the central importance of an anti-authoritarian, ecological, and utopian vision for our time. We seek to implement direct democracy in our communities, and ground our practical work in a coherent body of political, ecological, and ethical principles.
Concretely, over the next year we will pursue a range of projects, including a major revision of this web site as a resource for activists and public intellectuals, several internal events and colloquia, web-based publishing, and revitalizing our Speakers' Bureau. We are continuing our academic relationship with Prescott College on the MA level, and are exploring exciting new program ideas with Burlington College. The ISE library, containing nearly 6000 volumes, is now housed at Burlington College, and is accessible to everyone associated with the Institute. Our Biotechnology Project is continuing its campaign of grassroots education and action on genetic engineering issues, including an innovative new Safe Food Community Media Project.
We plan to use this web site as a tool for ongoing dialogue with our international community of colleagues and supporters, and to expand the reach of social ecology for a new generation of activists and students. Please continue to check this site for new developments, as we pursue web-based discussions and topical forums, organizing and networking opportunities, and other educational projects. Our Board, along with our wider network of alumni and associates, are engaged in the continuing evolution of the ISE, and we invite your participation. |
