If there is a theme to this issue it would probably be labeled Activism since so many articles are penned by activists for other activists, to either get support for their specific causes or to create more analytical understanding as to the best of strategies for their causes... whether it has to do with Peace, non-violence, creating disciplined communities of non-violent activists, non-violent communication methodologies, learning self-sufficiency models for survival and fun or building earth structures that integrate spirituality with ecological vision and social justice. It’s all here in this issue.

We have Katie Renz writing about her recent two-week permaculture design course with Starhawk and Penny Livingston-Stark, two extraordinary activists who are dedicated to changing the world as well as changing our view toward food, water and shelter Owen Dell responds to a number of responses to a piece he wrote in the last issue about the next stage for the peace movement. His collage is diverse and intriguing as to the possibilities of where this movement is going. See page 6.

To complement Owen’s piece, Mark Phillips explores his own apathy and his new burgeoning activism and lets us in on his secret. Heh, folks, it’s fun out here in Activism world. And as Michael Moore frequently likes to chide: it’s better to have lots of people doing small things than letting the few do all the major things and getting burned out. Plus, we can be slackers at heart while still being an activist. See Mark’s piece on page 10.

When I learned of the success of an anti-Patriot Act forum in Cambria, I asked the organizers to describe in detail HOW they did it so other activist organizations can strengthen their specific causes. Teresa Campbell and Connie Davidson spell it out clearly on page 12.

An articulate spokesperson for the “houseless” approached me with his complaints about what was happening locally. I asked him to write an article. Wow! Founder of “Zero Tolerance for Denied Shelter” Gerald “Zorro” May reports on the “Houselessness” issue and advocates some strong and radical changes. Read his piece on page 14.

Peace activist and regular contributor to HopeDance, Gene Knudsen Hoffman, summarizes the work of Douglas Steere’s of over 50 years ago when he wrote of creating disciplined communities of peacemakers — a timely piece for the peace movement, to determine if we are ready and serious enough to take on this new phase. Are we ready? See page 17.

There is much occurring within the independent media: websites, cyber radio, satellite dishes, listservs, documentaries. Bob Banner summarizes the bad news while highlighting the new and exciting independent programs, stations and campaigns that are happening right here and now. So quit your complaining about mainstream news broadcasts and start supporting, listening, reading and viewing the independent media. It starts on page 20.

Activism also includes building structures, putting our hands and feet to work to build a better society. “Earth Building in Thailand” discusses the building of cob/mud temples and housing for Buddhist monks and nuns in this exciting interview. See page 21.

David Palmer goes deep into what he learned at the recent Marshal Rosenberg workshop held in Santa Barbara a couple of months ago. This is cutting edge. For activists who work in the areas of communicating in oftentimes heated debates, NVC may be a very important and vital way to help all involved. Start reading on page 36.

We have lots more in this issue. The ads alone are interesting in themselves for they tell a story about our becoming, our maturity, our new needs that demand that we become the change we wish to see. We have stories on supporting local farmers (11), the new development of turning almost anything into oil (16), Solar PV investments (22), Permaculture Design Courses (35) and plenty of Shorts, book reviews and other fascinating radical solutions to inspire hope.