The start of a new network
On a mild late summer day we find ourselves talking in 3 languages with 40 people. Some were already familiar, others were completely strangers until now. Over tasty vegetarian meals we chat, get to know each other, tell stories and exchange our ideas, dreams and experiences.
During the two days of the meeting there are presentations and workshops, and also exercises and games aimed at getting to know each other, identifying basic values, and defining objectives and activities for the network of eco-communities in Belgium. And in the evening we are gathered around the fire pit with a drink and a song, and good company.
A delegation of 3 people came from the Netherlands to share their experiences about building a GEN organization (Global Ecovillage Network).
The weekend of 11 and 12 September in ‘Het Abtshof’, eco-community in Borlo was organized by people from ‘Samenhuizen’, ‘Habitat et Participation’, an Ecolise activist and volunteers and members of start-up groups and eco-conscious communities.
This first physical meeting between BelgEco enthusiasts feels stimulating, and feels like a historic moment that we later might remember as “We were there”.
This event would not have been possible without the efforts of the volunteers to prepare the place, the cooking crew who provided five delicious meals, and the cleaners. Thanks for that, and also thanks to the people of ‘Het Abtshof’ for their hospitality and commitment.
We consider this late summer moment with participants from all over Belgium as the reinforcement and further development of the BelgEco Network. From here, plans are drawn up for recognition as a division of GEN Europe, and for promoting eco-communities in our country.
L.J.
THIS WAS THE INVITATION :
You are dreaming of an ecovillage, an urban or rural eco-community, or you are realising one, or already living in it, and you want to meet want to meet like-minded people, enthusiasts, pioneers, initiators and residents of eco-communities, and re-inforce the movement, come to
‘ BELGECO (INDIAN) SUMMER MEETING’
week-end 11 & 12 sept 2021
in ‘Abtshof’ in Borlo-Gingelom (eco-communty)
Thewitstraat 17, 3891 Borlo
Inscription required via: online form
Program :
Saturday sept 11th (from 10h) : *Reception *Opening, about Belgeco and GEN *CLIPS game (motivations & skills) *Leran to know eqch other (speeddating) *Guided tour ofthe Abtshof *Evening fiesta
Sunday sept 12th (till 16h): *Visioning for Belgeco (Holistic Mandala) *Workshop sociocracy (how to decide and organise) *World-café and thematic commitees around Belgeco *Walk in the neighbourhood of Abtshof
Permanently: *information *music *opportunities for exchange *bulletin board *posters of communities/ forming groups *outdoor kitchen *summer bar *good food *meeting people *etc. …
Who are we?
Belgeco vzw-asbl is the new association by and for eco-communities in Belgium, initiated by ‘Samenhuizen vzw’ and ‘Habitat et Participation asbl’ with the ambition to become the division of GEN Europe (Global Ecovillage Network) in our country.
Call for volunteers
We are looking for a few more volunteers for set-up (Fri.) and cooking (Sat., Sun.): meals for free, participating in the program only as far as the tasks allow.
How to participate :
–> participation = 60 € for the weekend (meals included) / 45 € to Belgeco-members (membership = 10€) (if this is difficult to pay, please contact us)
–> staying with tent or camper = free / if you want more information about places to stay in the region, ask us –> Come with public transport (because of limited parking capacity around!)
INSCRIPTION REQUIRED! (maximum participants)
via: this online form
More information via: