This student community explores grassroots democratic participation in relation to problems of environmental sustainability, social justice, and diversity from the local level to the global. We will examine systemic aspects of social and environmental problems as well as alternative pathways for change. Community-based research and engagement is a vital component of SEED, facilitating a process in which students can participate in fostering the changes they want to see in the world.

As part of their coursework for Freshman Seminar 141, SEED Freshman will have the opportunity to participate a week on a Community Based Action Research Team (ART) mentored by graduate students from the Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities' SUS "Visions of Sustainable Communities" class. This engaged learning experience will allow students to join with a variety of community partners in ways that promote reciprocal learning between those at NAU and those in the broader community. ARTs will provide a context for students to develop grassroots leadership practices and skills that enable effective collaboration aimed at enhancing good and sustainable communities.

Below is an overview of the 2009 SEED Community Based Action Research Teams (ARTS). Please check the "News" section of our website for more in-depth descriptions of each Learning Community and updates on their current activities.

PUBLIC ACHIEVEMENT --- grassroots democracy education coaching with Killip elementary school students. Students pick issues of public stewardship to work on and cultivate the next generation of leadership as they do so.

WEATHERIZATION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING --- working to weatherize homes and cultivate community relationships and capacities in Sunnyside and Southside neighborhoods.

IMMIGRATION ISSUES AND NORTHERN ARIZONA INTERFAITH COUNCIL --- working with a broad-based group to enhance understanding, respect, improved relationships, and collaborations that enhance community of freedom, equality, and engaged democracy between new immigrants and American citizens. 

WATER ISSUES AND FRIENDS OF FLAGSTAFF'S FUTURE --- working on the issue of water scarcity and sustainability in Northern Arizona, particularly in relation to developing sustainable policy concerning recent corporate efforts to tap into a local aquifer and privatize for purposes of selling bottled water.

URBAN GARDENING AND AGRICULTURE ISSUES WITH STUDENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING AND URBAN GARDENING, NATIVE MOVEMENT, URBAN LIFEWAYS --- working on campus and in the broader Flagstaff community to promote community gardening, fruit tree planting, and research on traditional agricultural practices. Study and implement modes of organizing these efforts in ways that cultivate broad participation and durable networks of support. 

FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY AND FLAGSTAFF FOODLINK --- Students will work to catalyze profound change in the way we produce, consume and value local foods here in Flagstaff. In collaboration, they will assemble a broad and diverse Community Food Task Force that will assess Flagstaff food security needs and facilitate policy changes to influence how the local food system impacts the health of Flagstaff residents, address hunger and food insecurity, and supports an economically viable, socially just and environmentally sustainable food system.

PUBLIC SPACE ON CAMPUS FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES, FORUMS/ SUSTAINABILITY CAFE! --- work with students in several other organizations to research and initiate the creation of a public space/cafe where students, faculty, and staff regularly meet to discuss pertinent issues, engage speakers, organize deliberation and action etc. Idea of a cafe that is based on fair trade, organic, and locally grown food (some in the cafe itself) is under discussion.