We were having a discussion regarding what is wanted vs. what is needed for making a transition to a self-reliant culture when we were reminded of an ongoing service project here in the community creating sleeping mats out of plastic grocery bags. These mats are being distributed in Africa, South America, and to the homeless here in Salt Lake City. When such an item is sought after as a prized possession, the reality of needs vs wants comes more into focus. So, what is needed is one question and to what extent should a family strive to achieve it?

The obvious answer to the first question is food, shelter, a source of energy and sanitation. For most of us, we currently depend on supply chains. Yet, we are quickly coming to the realization that these supply chains are easily interrupted. So far, these interruptions, though frustrating, have not stopped our access to the essentials. However, it has become evident that these interruptions could become catastrophic. or can we now say, will become such in the future? 

The second question is: to what extent should a family strive to become self-reliant? To answer that, you have to ask yourself this question: If you knew that in 18-24 months, you were not going be able to acquire water, food or shelter, to what extent would you cut back now or what assets or strategies would you employ to make sure those essential were available?

This is not fear-mongering, this is a simple question. We now have approximately 22 million Americans that are unemployed. This has all happened in a few weeks’ time. What are we going to do when someone says that we have to do away with all physical currency because it is contaminated with the virus? There will be more about this next week. However, today please take time as a family to discuss what it is you want to do to become less dependent on others to supply your daily needs.

God speed,
Philip J. Gleason
Director

WORM FARMING

Why in the world (literally) would I want worms in my garden?

Do they really compost, or is that a myth?

Aren't all worms the same?

You've got questions, and we've got answers! Join us this Thursday!

*Please note that after you register, you will receive an email invitation with a website link and info with instructions on how to view the live webinar.

Sponsored by the Academy of Self-Reliance

Start learning how to write grants, have fun and win prizes!

This is the first of multiple opportunities to start learning how to apply for one or more of the 1,000s of grants available in any number of areas of interest and opportunity.

PRIZES:

Seniors (18 and above)
1st Place - $25 plus a 1-year subscription to the Path Series ($300 value)
2nd Place - $10 plus a 6-month subscription to the Path Series
. . . . .
Juniors (17 and below)
1st Place - $25 plus a 1-year subscription to the Path Series ($300 value)
2nd Place - $10 plus a 6-month subscription to the Path Series

DEADLINE:

25th of April Noon (Saturday 12:00pm) 
Winners to be Announced 28th of April.

SUBJECT: 

Why a Ropes Course would benefit me and my family at the Riverbed Ranch.

REQUIREMENTS:

1 1/2 to 3 pages 8 1/2”x 11” with 1” margins
Double spaced
Font - 12
Persuasive content
Correct writing mechanics, such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, etc.

SUBMIT:

Send as a word document to Coleen Gleason at coleen@academyosr.com and good luck!

Do you have a gift, talent or experience with being self-reliant that you could share among us?

If so, we invite you to submit an article to be published in the Academy Newsletter. To help you submit your article, Coleen Gleason, one of our editors, will be happy to assist you. You can contact her or send your articles to her at coleen@academyosr.com. Upon review and acceptance, you will be notified when your article will be published.

Thank you for sharing!

Here's what we've got going on!

Want to learn how to achieve greater self-reliance in our 250-family modern homesteading community? Then check out our Intro Meetings where we discuss what you can do, and where to start!

Would you like a personal tour of the site of a 250-family homestead community being built on the Utah OSR Land Co-op's 1,245-acre Riverbed Ranch in Juab County, Utah? Then join us for our Munch & Mingle Tour! We'll show you what we're doing now, and what we have planned for the future!

For more details and information about each of our events, click the button to visit our Events Page.

Join us this June for our very first tree planting event!
 
There are several projects happening at the Riverbed Ranch involving planting trees and shrubs to begin regenerating the soil and providing forage for bees in areas around the Welcome Center, the 40 acre Special Projects Center (The Academy Campus, Rescue Home, Therapy Barn, etc.), and eventually the future Green Belt/Waterway. Initial planting projects will begin where water is already available to keep plants alive, and many plants and cuttings are already being gathered to get this started!
 
In mid-June, 2020, we will be inviting OSR shareholders AND the interested public to come to the Riverbed Ranch for a 1-day mass tree planting event. The primary goal of this 1-day event is to plant 2,020 trees and shrubs in one day, and of course, the secondary goals include socializing and gathering public interest in regenerative agriculture and the mission of the Academy of Self-Reliance and Utah Land Co-Op!
 
Crowdfunding and Advertising campaigns are launching soon to gather funds and participants. There is additional help needed, of course! Below is one specific role we are looking to fill, but of course this 1-day event will only be accomplished with many helping hands.

Please contact Sarah Vezzani at loftium4@gmail.com if you are interested in filling the below role or would like to help in other ways.
 
POINT PERSON NEEDED FOR DAY-OF FESTIVITIES:

Responsibilities include planning and coordinating the people-related logistics of the day: checking participants in, distributing water bottles and T-shirts, directing families to different stations (rest areas with snacks, bathrooms, baby changing/feeding area), ensuring everyone has necessary equipment (and training if needed!) to help out, organizing activities for younger children, and entertainment (can simply be music playing - we have a volunteer for supplying the sound system)

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Have you heard? We're building a ropes course!

The Academy OSR Ropes Course will offer a unique series of team-building exercises that will have a variety of activities and programs that will challenge you, your friends, family, coworkers, and teammates to master challenges and conquer fears.

This state-of-the-art facility incorporates a continuous belay system that provides for maximum safety as participants learn and internalize concepts such as:

• problem-solving   • leadership skills   • communication   • self-confidence

. . . and so much more! We truly believe this will bless the lives of the young, and the not-so-young. 

GRANT UPDATE: We have completed the preliminary two steps necessary to qualify for committee consideration for a grant from the State of Utah for the Ropes Course. We finished the application and the final committee will meet May 6-7 to determine who will be awarded for this year.

Are you on social media? Then let's connect!

We'd love to have you join our Facebook Group, where we post about upcoming events and meetings where you and your friends can learn more about what we're doing! It's a great and easy way to help spread the word!

We are in the process of providing a discount for solar-energy equipment.  We have selected Sol-Ark as a supplier.

To increase our discounts, we are needing to combine our purchases.  We can get improved discounts if we place an order for 10 or more units.  And at 20 or more units, we receive an even larger discount.

If you are thinking of purchasing solar-energy equipment, whether for your new home, existing home, friend’s home, camping, etc…, please fill out our online questionnaire so that we can combine our orders and get big savings.

This is not a commitment to purchase at this time.  We are only getting a list of potential buyers.