Association for Experiential Education
This year’s Rocky Mountain Regional (RMR) Conference theme, Educators Connecting the Divide, emerged from the host committee’s discussion on why regional conferences are valuable: to connect and learn from one another. However, with our geographically vast region, the value of a “regional” conference also can involve extensive travel times and monetary investment. That is why the RMR Committee is dedicated to hosting a regional conference where the benefits far outweigh the costs, ultimately strengthening the region and increasing involvement in AEE.
We invite friends, colleagues, and first-timers to come together around experiential education so that we can continue to build social capital in the RMR and beyond. As such, this year’s theme has a twofold meaning: (1) the states in our region span the Continental Divide, and we’re striving for involvement from ALL of the states in our region at this year’s conference; and (2) as practioners and educators in myriad fields, we may seem disparate/”divided”, yet we can and will learn so much from one another. Workshops, storytelling by Opalanga Pugh, music by Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, and enjoyable meals will provide extensive time for connecting and spanning the divides. We look forward to seeing you at...Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, April 4-6, 2008!
The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) is a nonprofit, international professional organization whose mission is to develop and promote experiential education. AEE was formed in the early 1970s and now has close to 1,400 members in 30 countries worldwide. The association is committed to supporting professional development, theoretical advancement and the evaluation of experiential education worldwide. Our intent is to contribute to making a more just and compassionate world by transforming education.
AEE does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, or professional affiliation in matters of employment or application for membership. Our diverse membership consists of individuals and organizations involved with education, recreation, outdoor and adventure programming, the environment, mental health, youth development, programming for people with disabilities, service learning, and organizational development.
Opalanga has been educating through the art of storytelling for more than 20 years and has engaged audiences of all ages and in professional fields, including education, mental health, business, and community development. She has worked in outdoor education as a group facilitator for mainstream, leadership training and mental health/recovery populations. Her accumulated experiences serve to create culturally rich and educationally sound programs. She has a unique ability to reach diverse populations and tap into the well of what it means to be human.
Opalanga has found storytelling to be a tool for personal development, a vehicle for education and a force for social change. In 2004, the Conflict Center in Denver awarded her the Ambassador of Peace Award. Among myriad additional honors, NBC featured her, along with nine others across the country, as an African American "Living Legend."
Opalanga's keynote will complement our theme of Educators connecting the Divide." By honoring how Stories can Bridge the Gap. Using stories and metaphor, and call and response to explore the sacred place will allow us to experience the importance of connecting with other educators, practitioners, students and clients.
Spring Creek Bluegrass Band is quickly gaining a reputation as the hottest young band in the Rocky Mountains. The quartet play a mix of bluegrass standards and compelling originals, and all four musicians are also accomplished vocalists. Spring Creek is built on the fundamentals of bluegrass, yet the create their own classic contemporary style. Spring Creek's members have a deep respect for tradition, as well as an innate sense of musical innovation. The band won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band contest in June 2007 as well as won their second Planet Bluegrass tittle in July 2007 at the 35th annual Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Festival.
The aim of the 2008 Rocky Mountain Region AEE conference is to be carbon neutral. THis will entail off-setting emissions from such thngs as conference attendees' transportation, publications, utilites used during the conference, and food transportation and production. As determining carbon emissions is an elusive endeavor, we will use available resources to make an educated assessment.
Contact Western State College's Extended Studies Program at https://www.western.edu/extendedstudies/index.html or 970-943-2885 to find out more about earning 1 CEU.
Holiday Inn Express 970-641-1288 (with mention of AEE)= $72.00 + tax.
Free Camping on Western's campus.
Of course, your car/truck is always an option.
Gunnison Valley Information: http://www.gunnison-co.com/
Driving Directions and Campus Map: Please access the Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) website through www.aee.org to find directions and the campus map.
Weather & Clothing: Early April weather is far from predictable. We could experience snow, rain, or beautiful blue skies (the latter is the most common in Gunnison). We have had record amounts of snow this year – the most in 20 years, so the ground will likely be wet/damp/snowy. Check www.noaa.gov prior to your travels and type 81230 into the zip-code search option.
Meals: The meal plan is $62 and includes the following (Please refer to the RMR website for more meal details):
Friday: dinner
Saturday: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sunday: breakfast, and lunch
PLEASE BRING A MUG/CUP, SO WE CAN REDUCE OUR IMPACT!
Room Share & Car Pool: Please do the following to connect with potential room share and/or rideshare folks:
1. Subscribe to the AEE Rocky Mountain listserv by e-mailing to aeerocky-join@aee.org . You will receive a confirmation e-mail with guidelines and tips.
2. Upon confirmation receipt, e-mail aeerocky@aee.org to send a message to the listserv community.
Silent Auction: Please bring items to contribute to the silent auction – no matter how big or small. Additionally, if you are willing to be the state coordinator for the state silent-auction baskets, please contact Brooke Moran at bmoran@western.edu. (“Baskets” – often backpacks – can be filled with goodies, such as clothing, toys, gift certificates, food stuffs, and wine.) At the 2007 November International AEE conference, the baskets raised lots of money. It would be great to raise similar funds for our region.
Exhibitor, Sponsorship & Advertising Information: Please visit the Rocky Mountain Region website through www.aee.org and click on: Sponsorship_&_Advertising_Packet
