The Mother Earth Gatherings

MissionStatement                                                                                                                                                Diverse Gatherings serves humanity and nature by creating awareness of our responsibility to future generations by sharing experiences, ideas and building friendships that promote healthy living.

Core Values                                                                                                                                                          Welcoming acceptance of diversity, and a willingness to learn and grow, creating a safe environment for all.

Integrity of intention allowing the individual opportunities to find  their special place in community.

History

Past                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In 1980, I left the world behind to live alone in the wilderness in southern Utah practicing a primitive Navajo lifestyle in order to survive the seasons.  I developed skills that helped me survive blistering heat in the summer and sub-zero temperatures in several feet of snow in the winter. I needed time to process my life experiences and I wanted to become more sensitive to Mother Nature.

 I didn't expect to receive the insight I did about community. During this time, I experienced my first genuine Vision Quest (helping find purpose and direction in life).

Since then, I have worked with people developing an awareness of our relationship to Mother Nature and each other. We go into the wilderness for a "survival experience"- no food, water, or shelter for 10 days in the desert!

In 1988, we held our first formal "Family and Friends Camp-out", patterned after my own family's multi-generational camp-outs.  In 1999 and 2000, we started holding camp-outs at Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton, Oregon. In 2001, we formally organized in the State of Oregon as a Non-profit, public benefit corporation.

Each year has provided valuable insight and growth.  Many volunteers contributed time and effort as we navigated through those early years.  We knew where we wanted to go, but didn't have a guide through the labor of growth. Some of our experiences were difficult, but we give thanks to the many who donated their time, efforts and means to make The Earth Gatherings what they are today!  All that has been done was accomplished through dedicated volunteers.

Present                                                                                                                                                                Today, many of our events are held at Silver Falls State Park.  The Mother Earth Gathering in June, The Family and Friends Camp-out in July and The Middle Earth Gathering in September are always different and beautiful!  We offer a spectacular location surrounded by forest and stream with some of the most incredible waterfalls in Oregon!  Additionally, we facilitate workshops that sensitize and teach people about living in a healthy community.  We provide a venue for artists, musicians and teachers of all kinds to share with others, in a safe environment. We create an experience, over the weekend, that demonstrates a healthy community and gives everyone a greater sense of belonging.

We have become more community-service oriented under the guidance and direction of our Board member, Cori Traylor.  Cori has led us to greater exposure in Oregon and worked to obtain donations from various organizations for supplies and food to help defray the cost of our events. Another key volunteer has been Christine Bosch- President of the Board, who helped navigate through the IRS Paperwork to secure our  501(c)3 certification! Now all the donations are tax-deductible!!!  Christine helps with the books, taxes and other supportive roles.

We are in a new era of growth.  We continue to need volunteers with vision to help lead us into the future.

Diverse Gatherings goal is to obtain private land on which to hold our gatherings. We strive to be a catalyst helping the world change perception of our relationship with the earth and the communities we live in. We will create a safe place where people can come and experience a healthy community that demonstrates alternatives to our current mainstream culture. We want to create a school that teaches children and adults practical skills and knowledge that give people a sense of purpose and direction. A place where  people can learn about, and see demonstrated, various types of earth-friendly homes, including; tee pees, yurts, cob, straw-bale and earthen homes, etc. We will teach organic gardening, permaculture, and alternative industry and commerce which focuses on nurturing nature instead of wasting our resources for the sake of profit.  We envision a place that becomes a resource to the world-at-large to learn about the strength of diversity, develop skills and techniques for healthy resolution of conflict, enjoy and become more aware of our relationship with each other and Mother Nature.

My hope is that we will create a new sustainable model for healthy living which others will adopt and begin to make the changes that will leave the planet a better place for the generations that follow.

Bob LaDu, Jr., Executive Director,  

The Earth Gathering/ Diverse Gatherings Inc               

Box19655   

Portland,Oregon 97280

503 502-1415

Bob LaDu,Jr. Executive Director                                                                                                                                                                     Widely traveled and well educated, Bob became a nurse during his service in the military and has continued to work with Military Veterans throughout his adult service in the medical field. Obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from the University of Utah, Bob also served in the US ARMY RESERVES Public Affairs Detachment in Oregon. Bob received recognition from Toastmasters International- the worlds largest Communication and Leadership organization- by his on-going volunteer efforts to make effective oral communication a worldwide reality! He served as District 7 Governor - an area that included Washington, Oregon and California- directing the training, conferences, and administrative details to effectively lead Toastmasters in the Northwest. From an early age, Bob nurtured his relationship with Mother Nature. He began an outdoor Program called Vision Quest in 1981 in which he leads people in a wilderness adventure. He also is the founder of the Earth Gatherings which has been designed to build a spirit of community as we become betters stewards of our planet. Bob has a lovely family living in Oregon.

Christine Bosch-President                                                                                                                                                                                        Born and raised in the beautiful Northwest, Christine Bosch has spent most of her career building companies with her creativity and know how.  Cris has spent 11 years in the Mortgage banking Industry where she was very successful. While living on the island of Oahu, Cris successfully learned secondary marketing, business writing and managerial skills including; company organization, structure strategizing and implementation techniques. Cris had been successful owning her own nutrition and fitness business in the late 90's. She also has been a member of several non-profit organizations that help educate people about how to preserve nature. In addition, Cris is currently a board member for "Rooms For Peace" a non-profit organization matching lodging amenities to travelers.  She is currently a member of Toastmasters International- a non-profit educational organization promoting communication and leadership worldwide. Cris supervises all activity for the Northern Division of District 7 and is recognized as a Division Governor.

Cori has been developing committees to help collect donations for event food, supplies and other needed items.  She will also be instrumental in the planning and development of future committees and network growth within our community of artisans, experts, instructors and peers.  Cori has been working for World Peace and encouraging awareness of planetary citizenship throughout her life.   We all have a responsibility to take care of the place we live. Cori passionately states.  By attending the Earth Gatherings and coming together to foster friendships we can live in harmony with our Earth.   Cori is excited for the possibilities and foresees The Earth Gatherings growing globally and expanding to those who do not know about these efforts through key educational venues.  Cori is also a member of SGI Buddhist organization, OSPIRG, and Environmental Defense.  She is a certified yoga instructor and if you attend an event you might catch Cori in action demonstrating yoga techniques at one of  her workshops.  Cori has two beautiful children who love to attend the gatherings and spread joy to those around.  In fact her twelve year old son was quoted saying, "When I was at the Earth Gatherings it was the most mature I'd ever been." as he was given the opportunity to be a role model and mentor to some of the younger children that attended last June's Earth Gathering.    Cori is currently working with local businesses to get then involved with the Earth Gatherings to become artisans, experts/instructors for workshops and/or donations.  Cori encourages you as individuals to donate too.

Joan Stiehl

Always an advocate for the Earth, Joan took on her first environmental project at the age of six- cleaning neighborhood brooks.  High School found her advocating for civil rights and later as an anti-war protester.  She earned her degree in RI, returned to NJ and became Assistant to the Director of the local Community Chest beganning her involvement in the Not-for-Profit sector.  As Director of Operations for the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office   She ran conferences and seminars, produced the monthly newsletter and sat on various committees.  After visiting on a vacation in 1996, Joan moved to Portland, Oregon.  Now retired, Joan volunteers wherever she can, supporting Human, Equal, Environmental and Children's rights.  After attending the '08 Middle Earth Gathering, she knew she had found her new family.  Since then she has been producing the Gathering newsletters and aiding in organizational matters.

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Kevin Keene-

Past President                                                                                                                                                                     As a sales manager for SolarWorld, Kevin proudly makes a difference for the environment each day.  Kevin has worked with various  organizations to promote a message of community and "interconnectedness". He and his wife, Sharon, and their two children, Emily and Charlie, have regularly attended The Earth Gatherings.  Because of their committment to each other and love for Mother Nature, they have found The Earth Gatherings a place where they can work together to promote an effort that is in harmony with their family values.