The Natural Step Madison is here to educate, agitate, and have fun. The Natural Step is not a new phenomenon to Madison, to Wisconsin, or to the United States. But I did know much about it when I was invited to attend a “Green Tuesday” film in Monona last summer.
The film was on living simply and was hosted by The Natural Step Monona: a very active green group spearheaded by Heather Gates. While there I learned about a 9-evening long study circle that would be held on Tuesday nights. I signed up, and would go on to complain, discuss, laugh, and learn with a group of about 8 smart people from all walks of life in Monona.
We centered our discussion on a book, but 1/2 the fun were the tangents: frustrations we shared with trying to make changes in our wasteful ways or get a handle on how we were supposed to describe a new concept, such as permaculture. Our fearless group leader was Steven Jeffries.
Stuff like this circle has been going in Madison and Wisconsin since the late 90’s [historians please correct or add] and I know that at least one major initiative – the Sustain Dane’s RainReserve Rain Barrel project – was generated by a Natural Step study circle. Based on the number of folks that wanted to be in our recent study circle, I believe we are seeing a renewed explosion in interest in The Natural Step and the greening of life in every aspect. [YAY!]
As of this writing in April 2009, Natural Step study circles are springing up in Mount Horeb, Middleton, and are gaining firmer footing in Monona, in Jefferson, and…. ?
Natural Steppers, please leave your comments and personal stories here and let the world know where you are, who you are, and what sort of new ideas and activities your own groups are generating!
The Natural Step Madison 