Douglas Stevenson, your host for the Sustainable Life Retreats

Douglas is the host for the Sustainable Life Retreats and workshops that take place throughout the year. They highlight  the joys and and challenges of life in community, sustainability, spirituality and the lessons learned through his 35+ years with the The Farm.

Douglas Stevenson became a member of The Farm Community in 1973, arriving with his high school sweetheart Deborah Flowers when they were both 19.

Dog, Deb and son Jody
Douglas at Tikal
Tikal, Guatemala

Douglas, Deborah and their two children spent 2 years in Guatemala ('78 - '80) with Plenty International, doing relief work after a devastating earthquake.

Douglas served as a radio technician for the group of volunteers, providing the daily communications link back to The Farm in Tennessee.
In 1980 he started Village Media, a small business based on The Farm that provides video, web and other communications services for companies and nonprofits throughout the U.S., such as state-wide video communications networks for Bell South in Tennessee and Sprint in Florida.
africa

In the late 1980's he spent three months in Nigeria installing satellite systems for a television station and a hotel.

Video work sent Douglas to former Soviet Republic of Belarus, and down to New Orleans after Katrina.
camcorder Mag

Douglas is also a published author with one book and over 1000 articles that have appeared in a variety of national and international newsstand magazines.
belize
 Ready for a change, in 2000 Douglas and Deborah became active again in the nonprofit sector, again serving as volunteers for Plenty International, this time in Belize.

Deborah taught midwifery to Mayan women from 10 villages scattered through the mountainous region.

Douglas used his time there to assist a Mayan village eco-tourism association in marketing and promotion.
Douglas and Deborah rest outside a cave in Belize.  



2012 Calendar
Belize Adventure Jan./Feb.
Hike in the jungle. Stay in Mayan villages. Visit Plenty relief projects. Contact me for details.
Vegan Cooking Retreat Feb. 24-26
Whether a confirmed vegan or simply seeking new recipes to better health, you'll find yummy new foods, easy gourmet recipes and a jam packed weekend.
The Spiritual Path March 16-18
Personal rejuvenation and healing, achieved through focus on our collective consciousness. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Healing Touch, Music...more

Farm Experience Weekend
March 30- April 1 Our 10th year!
The best overview of life in community, exploring green building and solar technology, organic gardening, midwifery, education and so much more.
Experience the Land April 20-22
In addition to our regular Experience Weekend activities and tours, on Saturday afternoon we'll hike to a waterfall in the 1475 acre Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. The Saturday night dinner and entertainment will be a fundraiser for Swan Conservation Trust.
The World Peace Diet Conference with Dr Will Tuttle May 3-6
Author of The World Peace Diet speaks and performs his music. Hands-on garden tour, vegan cooking classes plus lectures, workshops and with Will...more
The Farm School Family Fest
May 12 &13
Music, Tours, Hikes, Games, More!
Men's Retreat May 18-20
An opportunity to explore men's yang, creative energy, build our strength and better understand our place in the world. Building the bond between brother, fathers and sons....more
Community & Sustainability Conference May 25-27 Your opportunity to explore the connection between lifestyle and intention..
Women's Retreat
June 1-3 Sisters of all ages come together for very special gathering. Hosted by women of The Farm...more
Organic Gardening Intensive June 3-10 or 8-10 A week (or weekend) of hands-on gardening as well as garden tours on and 0ff-The Farm to visit Shiitake operations, a bamboo nursery and more...more
End of Summer Retreat July 25-29 or 27-29 (weekend only) Swimming, hiking, kid activities, workshops and GREAT FOOD! Fun for the entire family. Includes camp sites. Click here for a list of accommodations
Farm Experience Weekend
Sept. 21-23 Our 10th year!
The Vegan Cooking Retreat
Oct. 12-14
Whether a confirmed vegan or simply seeking new recipes to better health, you'll find yummy new foods, easy gourmet recipes and a jam packed weekend.
Midwifery Assistant Workshops
Visit our web site to see the 2011 calendar.
www.midwiferyworkshops.org/
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Camp sites include
water, shower and bathroom facilities.
Click here for a list of accommodations

Essay:
True Sustainability
NEW: The Farm's Green Home Gallery
 
swanwaterfall
A waterfall seep on
Big Swan Headwaters Preserve.


Returning to the States, he became the president of Swan Conservation Trust, and signed the note purchasing land that established the 1475 acre Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. He serves as the organization's principle fundraiser in a capital campaign to raise over 1 million dollars.

After 9/11, Douglas became a founding member of PeaceRoots Alliance and served for a number of years on its board of directors.

He used his skills in graphic design and media to create anti-war and pro-peace billboards which have appeared in over 200 locations throughout the country, promoted through the web site PeaceSigns.org.

His company's latest project is a documentary profiling 10 Intentional Communities across the United States.

Douglas has served on The Farm Community ’s board of directors for 6 years and for 8 years as The Farm’s “Manager,” supervising community projects, maintenance and improvements to the infrastructure while also serving as the community’s public relations spokesperson.

He documents life on The Farm through www.thefarmblog.org and publishes a monthly e-newsletter called Farm Fresh. (subscribe)

His current passion is to help others build a sustainable life that establishes a balance of family and good health along side work and right livelihood.

In addition to juggling work, playing music, and his many different projects, Douglas tries to spend a couple of hours each day growing and preserving food.

His daughter Leah lives on The Farm with her husband Chris and their two children, where she serves as an accountant for The Farm Community,

Douglas spends as much time as possible with the grandkids.

family
L to R: Deborah, Douglas, Lulie, Chris, Leah & Charlie

 

 
 
  Green Life Retreats
A division of Village Media Services
PO Box 259
Summertown, TN 38483
931-964-2590 - office
931-626-4035 - cell
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.greenliferetreats.com
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com