Edgewood College hosts Earth Charter Community Summit

How are charter’s principles applied in Dane Country?

Madison, Wis., Sept. 27 – On Oct. 9, Edgewood College will host Madison’s second Earth Charter Community Summit. Sponsored by Edgewood College’s Environmental Studies and Human Issues Studies programs, in partnership with the Madison Earth Charter Committee, this full day of free events will focus on how the environmental principles of the Earth Charter are being applied in Dane County.

The Earth Charter was developed by people all over the globe as a written code of ethics for environmental integrity, social and economic justice, peace, non-violence, and sustainability. Like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the charter is holistic in its approach to the relationship of the human community to its earthly home.

Earth Charter Community Summit events

Saturday, Oct. 9

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: All Earth Charter events are free and take place at Edgewood College, 1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison.
Keynote talk: “Creating a Dane County Community Well-Being Indicator,” Edgewood College professor Denis Collins and community planner Danielle Wood.
Afternoon lead-off session: “Western Civilization and Ecology: Moving from a Domination to Partnership Paradigm,” Edgewood College professor Tom Brandner.
Breakout sessions: A visit to a rain garden, a car fueled by vegetable oil from the Edgewood College cafeteria, the Apollo Project linking labor and renewable resources, sustainable businesses, healthy lawns, a tree walk, a visit to the Indian mounds on the Edgewood College campus, and more.
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Fun children’s activities, illustrating the principles of the Earth Charter for ages 5-11.

For more information, contact Penny Andrews (pandrews@chorus.net) or Rich Path (rpath@edgewood.edu).

About the Earth Charter

Many conflicts with grave consequences begin over limited resources. With pressing needs for care of the soil, air, and water in many parts of the world—including Dane County—the Earth Charter serves as a guideline for future choices. Everyone’s life is enriched by caring for a healthy environment.

The Earth Charter has been endorsed by cities like Seattle and Philadelphia and by organizations like the Worldwide Federation of Engineering Organizations and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. For more information, go to www.earthcharter.org.

About Edgewood College

Edgewood College is Madison’s only independent liberal arts college, a Catholic school with 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers more than 40 academic and professional programs, including master’s degrees in business, education, nursing, and other fields, and a doctoral program in education leadership. For more information about Edgewood College, contact www.edgewood.edu or 800-444-4861.