We have been using the winter atmosphere to take the time to edit videos that we shot this last summer, organize for future videos, seek out grants and other sources of funding (like you!), and prepare for all that the New Year has had to offer.

Last summer Owen shot many hours of footage for the Bullocks Permaculture Homestead on Orcas Island, WA while attending the Permaculture Design Course. The result of this production will be several short videos including pieces on: Tree Grafting, Chinampas and Permaculture Guild Planting.

Guisepi is working on projects shot last summer on San Juan Island, WA that include subjects like an anti-litter initiative on San Juan island that focuses both on prevention and pick-up, the sjRIDESHARE program that encourages safe hitchhiking, and alternative green building practices and community involvement in the construction of a cob (mud) house.

Alright, folks... Here it is. The International Humanities Center has officially become Awaketrain's fiscal sponsor. They are a 501(c)3 tax exempt status whose goal is to work with and sponsor non-profits and other projects that have ecological and humanitarian goals. This does not mean that they provide us with funding, rather they are sponsoring our project by providing us with many financial resources (i.e. tax filings, reviews of budgets, financial management, etc.). We now can receive financial contributions tax-free and they can be written off of donors' taxes as we are considered a project of the IHCenter. We now have a PayPal and EZ Cart option for ease of online donation. See our homepage or funds page to contribute...

This is a huge step for Awaketrain and we are looking forward to working with the IHCenter. It's happening, folks!

Alright! Our last event went great with an estimated 150 people in attendance throughout the night. A big thanks to all the bands and the Soul Flower Bakery! Orcas Island always proves to be a supportive community.

A big move for aWAKEtrain will be the gathering of the three of the main folks at aWAKEtrain in the Northern California. Starting in March, Owen, Ali and Guisepi will be pushing to make more films, as well as securing resources and support in the Bay Area. As of now, plans also include creating films this summer in the San Juan Islands.

Oh yeah, we also have a new barter item - a Specialized Bike - so check it out by clicking here.

When: Friday, February 16th 5:30pm

Where: Oddfellows Hall, Orcas Island, Wa

Who: Soul Flower Bakery in association with aWAKEtrain

What: An evening of food, music and dance in support of the Soul Flower Bakery and aWAKEtrain. Musical performances will include

- Katie Gray

- DJ Zechino

- Chief Baker

- Orca Marimba

- Be Careful

And more...

Soul Flower Bakery is dedicated to providing good food and an inspiring atmosphere where music and ideas can be created and shared. This event hopes to continue this tradition by highlighting positive musicians, providing a platform for aWAKEtrain to offer information about its organization, and by serving a delicious meal, tea, and dessert.

aWAKEtrain will have brochures available. Get on our email list and know what events aWAKEtrain will be putting on by emailing Guisepi at joe@awaketrain.com

Do you have any art, films, music, food, projects, words, time, energy to help with one of our forums, let us know. We appreciate everybody's input and offers. See our contribute page.