An Interfaith Alliance rally, supported by Rev. Michael Ellick and Rev. Elizabeth Simson Durant of the First Congregational United Church of

An Interfaith Alliance rally, supported by Rev. Michael Ellick and Rev. Elizabeth Simson Durant of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, was held on November 10th at Pioneer Square in Downtown Portland.

Leaders from diverse faith communities gathered to oppose bullying, threats of deportation, and divisive behavior. They advocated for peace, bridge-building, and a more "beloved community."

Garry Bowen discussed sustainability with Michael. For more information, visit Garry Bowen's LinkedIn

Garry Bowen discussed sustainability with Michael. For more information, visit Garry Bowen's LinkedIn profile.

This discussion was published on February 8, 2013.

"Billion Dollar Crop," a 1994 Australian documentary,

"Billion Dollar Crop," a 1994 Australian documentary, explores the history, diverse uses, and future of cannabis, focusing on the versatile and potentially revolutionary plant's potential.

The film highlights how recently developed, non-drug hemp varieties are being researched and cultivated globally for their versatile qualities and environmental benefits. It showcases hemp as an industrial fiber, offering alternatives to wood for paper, cotton for clothes, and plywood for construction, thereby benefiting forests and topsoil.

Produced with Michael Cordell and Jeffrey Bruer, and directed by Barbara Ann Chobocky, the DVD is available from Bull Frog Films.

Portland is experiencing an unprecedented architectural boom, impacting citizens across many neighborhoods. While the city's Design Review process evaluates new buildings, its most stringent

Portland is experiencing an unprecedented architectural boom, impacting citizens across many neighborhoods. While the city's Design Review process evaluates new buildings, its most stringent oversight applies only to downtown and a few inner districts.

A panel will explore how Design Review functions, its effectiveness, and potential expansion city-wide. Experts Michael McCullouch, Guenevere Millius, and John Russell will share insights, with Randy Gragg moderating the discussion.

Tim Wu, the scholar who coined "net neutrality," examines how big tech platforms have reshaped our economy. In his latest book, *The Age of Extraction*, Wu argues that the internet, once seen as a

Tim Wu, the scholar who coined "net neutrality," examines how big tech platforms have reshaped our economy. In his latest book, *The Age of Extraction*, Wu argues that the internet, once seen as a source of widespread wealth and democracy, has instead created new economic classes and fostered autocracy. He proposes solutions to harness technology for the greater good and build a more balanced economy.

Join Tim Wu, author of *The Age of Extraction*, and journalist Laura Sydell on November 10, 2025, to discuss reclaiming economic control. This program is supported by the Ken & Jaclyn Broad Family Fund and partnered with the Center for Humane Technology.

Michael Kaiser of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has launched the Arts in Crisis Initiative. This program calls upon individuals and organizations to offer their skills and

Michael Kaiser of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has launched the Arts in Crisis Initiative. This program calls upon individuals and organizations to offer their skills and expertise to arts professionals and organizations struggling during the current economic crisis.

The Center plans to match arts managers in need with the expertise of professionals both at the Kennedy Center and across the nation, providing vital support for survival.

A recent webinar gathered banana value chain experts to discuss the critical role of genetic diversity beyond Cavendish. Varietal diversification builds resilient, sustainable production and

A recent webinar gathered banana value chain experts to discuss the critical role of genetic diversity beyond Cavendish. Varietal diversification builds resilient, sustainable production and market systems, reducing vulnerability to pests, diseases, climate, and market shocks. Non-Cavendish varieties offer significant agronomic, nutritional, and cultural value, enhancing food security and biodiversity.

The event highlighted barriers like Cavendish-based market standards and insufficient incentives. It underscored the need for coordinated efforts, improved market recognition, and shared learning to promote banana diversification and ensure the global sector's long-term resilience. Organizers included Victor Prada, Matheus Lima, and Adriele Benedetto. More information: FAO TR4GN and World Banana Forum.

In Toacaso, Cotopaxi, Ecuador, the Asopragma association, supported by the Paisajes Andinos project, demonstrates the power of organization and female leadership. Initially facing resistance and

In Toacaso, Cotopaxi, Ecuador, the Asopragma association, supported by the Paisajes Andinos project, demonstrates the power of organization and female leadership. Initially facing resistance and challenges like low milk prices and limited financing, 46 families (35 led by women) embraced sustainable dairy practices. This led to increased milk production, improved incomes, and better product quality.

Beyond production, Asopragma established a successful community savings and credit fund, empowering women with access to finance for productive activities, education, and emergencies. This initiative, alongside a social fund, fosters economic autonomy and community solidarity. Asopragma's story highlights how local organization, female leadership, and community finance build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Andean landscapes.

FAO and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana have launched a new self-paced online course: "Afro-descendants in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Approach to Social and Territorial Realities in the

FAO and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana have launched a new self-paced online course: "Afro-descendants in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Approach to Social and Territorial Realities in the Rural World."

Developed to make visible Afro-descendant realities and strengthen capacities, the course empowers policymakers, government officials, academics, and other key development actors. It deepens technical and territorial knowledge, fostering evidence-based, culturally relevant policy decisions for rural Afro-descendant populations.

Learn more: https://www.fao.org/americas/events/event-detail/curso-afrodescendientes/es. © FAO: http://www.fao.org #SDGs #Agenda2030 #GlobalGoals

Organized by the SIRGE Coalition, this virtual roundtable will explore Indigenous self-determination. Leaders will discuss its historical journey, current challenges, and its link to collective

Organized by the SIRGE Coalition, this virtual roundtable will explore Indigenous self-determination. Leaders will discuss its historical journey, current challenges, and its link to collective rights, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). They will also address practical steps for policymakers, states, and corporations to align with diverse global expressions of self-determination.

Additional topics include advancing self-determined priorities, overcoming challenges for self-determination's inclusion in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and navigating autonomy within this framework.

Panelists are Carlos Mamani, Les Malezer, Dalee Sambo Dorough, and Elsa Stamatopoulou. Galina Angarova will moderate.