About a year ago, I made the decision to become a plaintiff in a lawsuit, a decision I didn't make lightly. I lost friends because of it. My whole life changed because of it. A year later, the plaintiffs and defendants came to a settlement, and within the next few days the outcome of the work of many people will hopefully lead to the purchase of some land along the Rio Grande for a community park June 27th, 2014.
This land acquisition is only the beginning. I see myself working toward this community asset for many years to come. I see myself directly investing money, time and talent in my future, the physical environment of Alamosa, and the future of the people of this community by the work I am doing right now. I can think of no better use of these precious personal resources than to create a health-focused park in the heart of our community.
I am also preparing a microloan system to support local food producers, sort of a mega-CSA, which will not only provide me and others with nutritious food but will create meaningful jobs and soil-friendly regenerative economic development in our region. A year ago I realized that my IRA investments were 'funding the catastrophe'--I was giving capital to the sub-prime mortgage investors. Even in my 'socially responsible' portfolio I was funding McDonalds. I was funding oil companies. When I asked how I could personally divest myself from companies that I didn't want to fund, I was told that would be impossible to do, so I realized I needed to plan for my future in another way. This park, and other projects I am supporting, are my way of using my resources to directly impact outcomes I want to see--to create the future world I prefer, rather than the continually dismal, seemingly apocalyptic, future provided by my so-called socially responsible investment portfolio.
We have raised over 90% of the funding for the land purchase so far. If you'd like to learn more about the project, please visit healthylivingpark.org.
There is an Indigogo campaign with a deadline of June 6th--check out our video and premiums here.
If you'd prefer to send a check or miss the June 6th deadline, please send payment to: SLV Local Foods Coalition, PO Box 181, Alamosa, CO 81101. Please make checks payable to “SLV Local Foods Coalition” In your check memo, please write “Polston.” You may also donate through credit card/paypal here.
And finally, my dad Ken Lemke composed a song titled "Water and Earth" and has offered the proceeds from it to support the park. To listen to the song and/or download the tune for free, click here.
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