About
The Folk School movement was started in the 19th Century by a Danish educator, philosopher, Grundtvig. He believed that folkehøjskoler (folk school) would the allow the future generations to acquire the foundations for enlightenment and a peaceable, just society. The folk-school is a cooperative community of learners and teachers, promoting individual growth in a community matrix.
The Transition Movement is a social experiment, on an international scale, to create a viable and sustainable future in our communities.
The FolkSchool is based on five of the basic Transition concepts:
• Reskilling – Offering training in a vast range of past and contemporary practical skills.
• Inclusivity – Everyone in the community holds a part of the story and a part of the solution.
• Honoring Elders – Learning from those who have lessons to share.
• Raising awareness about the changes we need to make to create more sustainable and resilient lifestyles.
• Networking – Working cooperatively with existing groups and programs.
Mission
Educate the community by offering a curriculum covering arts and crafts, earth-based wisdom and practical skills.
Vision
Transition Folk Schools teach the skills needed to create a sustainable, resilient, ecologically sound, and vibrant community.
- Preserve the knowledge, skills and local indigenous wisdom.
- Encourage an appreciation of art and its role in creating sustainable living.
- Promote lifelong learning in an intergenerational, noncompetitive environment.
- Provide creative and meaningful learning opportunities for groups, families and individuals.
- Develop an appreciation of cultural and individual differences to support personal and community growth.
Creating new Opportunities
The Transition FolkSchool connects instructors who offer courses in the arts and sustainable living with people looking to learn these skills. The online catalog (coming soon) is a one-stop shop for affordable classes offering a host of lifelong learning opportunities. We can refer instructors to local campus sites for their classes. Some of the sites also have lodging and retreat opportunities. Artisans and educators interested in classes can download the application (see below).
Teaching
Feel free to create your own class! What can you share with your community? Download, fill in and return the Teaching Application to the provided email addresses.
Brochure
You can download the Transition Folk School Brochure with additional information and hand it out to others who might be interested.
