2002 ZERI CERTIFICATION TRAINING OVERVIEW

BACKGROUND
ZERI stands for Zero Emissions and Research Initiatives. ZERI is a systems approach that views waste as resource; that utilizes Nature’s kingdoms to develop both food stocks for local communities and also value-added businesses that generate revenue; and that allows people, companies and communities to do more with what Nature produces rather than asking Nature to produce more. For more information, visit www.zeri.org.

In 2001, two ZERI initiatives were undertaken in the US and on the US/Mexico border. First: the groundwork for a formal ZERI US organization was laid. And, second: a portfolio of ZERI projects was identified. Both initiatives are expected to evolve dramatically in 2002. Together, they heighten the need for trained individuals who deeply understand the ZERI methodology and its applications and benefits; can credibly represent ZERI in public and private settings; and can help substantially to establish ZERI in US communities and schools.

PURPOSE
The ZERI Certification Training is designed to provide an initial pool of highly-trained and certified individuals. These individuals will be able to think systemically; to articulate the ZERI methodology; to design ZERI projects; and to further the goals of ZERI in the US and around the world.

SPONSORSHIP
The 2002 ZERI Certification Training will be sponsored by the ZERI Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland, in close cooperation with ZERI US.

TRAINER
Since this is the first ZERI Certification Training in North America, Gunter Pauli – ZERI’s founder - will deliver all of the ZERI-related modules. As appropriate, Gunter may utilize assistant trainers in ancillary areas such as presentation skills. In subsequent trainings, it is likely that Gunter will play a lesser role.

ZERI CERTIFICATION
Participants who complete the ZERI Certification Training are candidates for ZERI certification. Completion of the training itself does not guarantee certification. Certified participants will demonstrate in written, spoken and group dynamic terms a proficiency in ZERI methodology, concepts, practices, projects, project design and other areas to be determined. Gunter Pauli will be solely responsible for certifying applicants who demonstrate the required proficiency. Participants who do not achieve certification in 2002 may apply for the 2003 training certification program.

ZERI certification will allow certified participants to identify and market themselves as ZERI-Certified Practitioners. It is anticipated – though not guaranteed - that the growth of ZERI US in 2002 and beyond will offer substantial professional opportunities for participants to establish their own ZERI-related consulting business or to incorporate ZERI-Certified activities within their ongoing business. As needed, ZERI-Certified practitioners may also become employees of ZERI US or other regional ZERI organizations. Specific rights and responsibilities for ZERI-Certified Practitioners will be presented at the September, 2002, training module. These rights and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: the certified trainer’s relationship to ZERI US and the ZERI Foundation in Geneva; referral mechanism for ZERI-related business opportunities; trainer dues and/or referral fees; use of logo and other ZERI patents and properties; ongoing ZERI Certification Training; and so on. All rights and responsibilities will be developed in good faith with the intent of maximizing opportunities for ZERI-Certified Practitioners; for maintaining the integrity of the ZERI methodology and practices; and for ensuring the steady growth and influence of ZERI US and the broader worldwide ZERI movement.

All participants who complete the training – whether certified or not – will have access to appropriate ZERI documents and images.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Applicants should be mature individuals with a serious interest in furthering their own communities, businesses, careers and/or ZERI US. Applicants should have a genuine desire to help people; to alleviate poverty; to work with existing conditions and entrenched organizations; and, most generally, to improve substantially the environmental, social and economic standards that affect quality of life. Completion of a previous ZERI public program is helpful, but is not a requirement for the ZERI Certification Training. Applicants should also have a primary interest in one of the three following areas:

l. A desire to professionally represent ZERI in public and private settings. These settings might include: making ZERI presentations to interested groups; providing ZERI Certification Training to corporations, communities and/or groups of individuals; and/or offering project design consultation to proposed and ongoing ZERI projects

2. A desire to professionally manage one or more on-going ZERI projects. These projects will require the knowledge-based, hands-on application of ZERI principles and methodologies to local communities and circumstances. As appropriate, access to a network of ZERI scientists will be provided.

3. A desire to further ZERI’s educational objectives of spreading ZERI principles through stories, curriculum development and hands-on programs for students. Typically, these individuals will be teachers, education administrators or education consultants with strong ties to education institutions.

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should complete the attached application electronically. The completed application must be received by 8 PM EST on March 31, 2002. Send the completed application to the Training Coordinator - Harvey Stone: hastone@aol.com. If email is not available, please mail the application to: Harvey Stone, Box 474, Tesuque, NM 87574. Early submissions are appreciated.

Efforts will be made to represent different geographic areas and different areas of prime interest. As such, qualified applicants may regrettably be asked to participate in a future ZERI Certification Training. All applicants will be notified of acceptance or postponement by April 10, 2002 at the latest.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The ZERI Certification Training is a concentrated and rigorous program that optimizes learning, interaction and participation. While it will cover some content areas that were previously discussed at Omega Institute, Schumacher College or other ZERI public programs, it will be a great deal more detailed in content and participative in style. Specific content areas will include – but not be limited to – scientific, economic, environmental and social factors. Participants will be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of all of the above areas and to demonstrate a particular proficiency in at least one of those areas. In addition, participants will be expected to have proficiency in designing ZERI projects by the end of the program.

The ZERI Certification Training will be more process oriented than previous public programs, i.e. training sessions will be structured around individual and group involvement in content-related exercises and discussion. Additionally, it will be more performance oriented than previous public programs – namely, participants will be expected to demonstrate in both written, spoken and group-dynamic terms a working knowledge of the ZERI methodology, programs and other relevant material. Training locations mentioned below are in the vicinity of established or proposed ZERI projects; as appropriate, participants will visit one of more projects in each location and/or meet with project stakeholders.

Attendees should be able and willing to set aside the necessary time to complete all assignments and to attend all trainings.

TRAINING MODULE DATES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS
The three training modules are as follows:
Module #1: Thursday – Sunday, June 6-9, 2002.
Thursday - Saturday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM; 7 PM – 9 PM

• Sunday: 8 AM – 3PM
• Location: Santa Fe, NM; venue TBA
  
  Module #2: Thursday – Sunday, September 26-29, 2002.
  
• Thursday - Saturday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM; 7 PM – 9PM
• Sunday: 8 AM – 3PM
  
• Location: El Paso, TX; venue TBA
  
  Module #3: Thursday - Sunday, December 5-8, 2002
  
• Thursday - Saturday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM; 7 PM – 9 PM
  
• Sunday: 8 AM – 3PM
  
• Location: Santa Fe, NM; venue TBA
  
  In-between each of the 3 modules mentioned above, ZERI Certification Training participants will:
  
• Complete all assigned readings
  
• Submit one or two 5-10 page papers on an assigned topic
  
• Make at least 3 ZERI practice presentations to groups in the participant’s community or sphere of influence
  

Participate in any scheduled online chat rooms or other group activities to be determined

TUITION
There are 3 tuition categories for the ZERI Certification Training:

Category	Tuition
Individual	$4,000.
Foundation/Government	$6,000.
Corporate	$10,000.

The above tuition categories represent a special reduced tuition for the 2002 inaugural ZERI Certification Training. An applicant’s tuition category will be a function of who pays the tuition. It covers the training itself and all training materials, as well as lunch, dinner and snacks during the training days. The tuition does not include travel or lodging. If desired, attempts will be made to find accommodations for out-of-town attendees at homes in the community hosting that particular module. Also, if desired, attempts will be made to arrange car pools to-and-from modules; however, no guarantees can be made in regard to these accommodations and car pools.

Payment for the entire Training program must be received within 14 days of acceptance into the Training. If alternative payment terms are needed, please contact the Training Coordinator - Harvey Stone (hastone@aol.com or 505/989-8943). Checks should be payable to: Sustainable Communities, Inc. Sustainable Communities, Inc. has been a strong supporter of ZERI and is acting as fiduciary agent for this training. Please write “ZERI” on the subject line of your check. Checks should be mailed to:

Sustainable Communities, Inc.
P.O. Box 8017
Santa Fe, 87504-8017

Refunds can only be made for emergency cancellations. Eligibility for a refund will be at the discretion of ZERI. A limited number of work-scholarships will be available. For information about scholarships, contact Harvey Stone (hastone@aol.com or 505/989-8943).

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