Our mission is to...
Facilitate resilience on a community level
5 Reasons Why Resilience Matters
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Adaptability to Unpredictable Changes:
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Resilient communities are better equipped to face unexpected challenges such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or health crises. By having the ability to adapt and respond effectively, these communities can ensure the survival and well-being of their residents.
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Essential Needs Fulfillment:
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Community resilience ensures that essential needs like food, energy, housing, safety, and overall well-being are met even during times of crisis. When communities can address these needs independently, they are less reliant on external resources and can maintain their survival and stability.
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Local Supplier Network:
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A resilient community fosters a diverse network of local suppliers for essential goods and services. This not only reduces dependence on distant supply chains but also supports the local economy. In times of crisis, having multiple small local suppliers ensures a steady flow of resources, making survival easier for everyone in the community.
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Biological and Product Diversity:
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Resilient food systems, for example, prioritize high biological diversity and a diverse range of products. This diversity acts as a buffer against crop failures, pests, or diseases that may affect a single type of food. By ensuring a variety of options, communities can mitigate the risk of food scarcity and maintain the survival of their residents.
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Redundancy and Connectedness:
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Resilient communities emphasize redundancy in their systems, meaning they have multiple backup plans or alternatives in place. For instance, having redundant energy sources or safety measures ensures that the community can continue functioning even if one system fails. Moreover, a resilient community promotes connectedness among its members, fostering a sense of responsibility and support for one another's well-being, which contributes to the overall survival and resilience of a community!
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Rooted Locally, Reaching Globally
Our 10-acre teaching farm on the 40-acre eco-campus is located in the historic Black farming community of Pembroke Township, Illinois.
The residents of Pembroke Township are stewards of the Kankakee Sands, one of the most prized ecosystems in Illinois and home to the endangered dwarfed black oaks. We are honored to carry forward this tradition of stewardship, which dates back to the people indigenous to this land, the Potawatomi.