Chris Hardie's Blog

Sometimes I get uppity and decide that there's enough wrong with the world to merit doing something (more) about it. Sometimes I get frustrated and decide that there isn't enough going on in my area in that regard. Sometimes I get lazy and decide I just want all the answers to COME TO ME! The solution? Since 1999, I've been organizing a conference here in Richmond focused on sustainability, cultural change, politics and activism, and generally just networking with interesting, like-minded people about these issues. It tends to bring participants from all over the continent and at least 10 states for a truly awesome time together. The success of the conferences are simultaneously a testament to the need for such intentional dialogue about the state of our world and our place in it, and also to the fact that any wacko with a website can get a bunch of people to send him money. Oh wait. Forget that last part. But really, the experiences I've had through this work have been amazing, and I know it's also inspired some really positive personal change for many of the people who have attended, so that's also rewarding beyond words. I also take some pleasure in smuggling this conference into a town that doesn't always like to confront such issues. This year's conference is happening this weekend, and it's become my focus as of late. Wish me luck.