🌍 A Journey Towards Regenerative and Compassionate Living 🌱

Kula's mission is to foster deep belonging and the right relationships through art, storytelling, and regenerative design. For the past six months, we have been working locally with change-makers and communities to co-create the initial conditions for sustainable livelihoods to emerge, guided by the principles of deep ecology. Our initiatives are led locally but transcend borders and cultural differences globally. We are currently seeking funding for three Kula-stewarded initiatives: Savu Regenerative Network, Kangra Gardens, and Atlanta Community Gardens.

🌟 Stewardship and Global Knowledge Weaving 🌐

Each of our initiatives is stewarded by a member of Kula on the ground to ensure that projects receive the attention and support needed for success. These Kula stewards facilitate communication between local communities and the broader Kula network and share knowledge, best practices, and insights gained from their experiences. This on-the-ground stewardship is essential to Kula's purpose of weaving learning and knowledge globally through local action.

By fostering connections between diverse communities around the world, Kula aims to build a global network of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, enabling communities to learn from each other's experiences and adapt successful strategies to their unique contexts. This global knowledge weaving empowers communities to implement regenerative and compassionate living practices more effectively, fostering deep belonging and sustainable livelihoods.

🚀 Initiatives Focused on Climate Solutions 🌿

1. Savu Regenerative Network (SRN) 🌴: A community-owned social enterprise in Savu Island, Indonesia, focused on planting 3,000 coconut trees and creating an agricultural commons to support a place-based regenerative economy. The enterprise model involves the entire Bodae Village community and aims to diversify coconut product offerings while providing education scholarships for children from participating families. We are seeking $330,000 for five years to kickstart this project. This initiative directly contributes to climate solutions by increasing green cover, enhancing carbon sequestration, and promoting sustainable economic practices. Learn more Savu Island Landscape Eco-Friendly House

2. Kangra Gardens 🌸: A collaboration between EduCARE India, Kula, and other stakeholders, the Kangra Gardens initiative aims to address ecological challenges in the Kangra Valley, India, through the establishment of a botanical garden that showcases native plant species, raises awareness about invasive species, and supports local regenerative economies. The garden will engage local and international communities and provide applied educational opportunities. Funding is required for initiative stewards and miscellaneous expenses. Kangra Gardens focuses on climate solutions by promoting native biodiversity, educating communities about invasive species, and fostering regenerative economies. Learn more EduCARE staff, Shabbu, in Kangra Botanical Garden Kangra Gardens Flower

3. Atlanta Community Gardens 🌻: Partnering with the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Decatur, Georgia, this initiative focuses on expanding the community garden's footprint and fostering community engagement through art and storytelling. A series of workshops will encourage intergenerational bonding, community building, and increased involvement in the community garden. We seek $8,500 to fund an on-the-ground summer intern, community art supplies, and community events. Community gardens contribute to climate solutions by creating and maintaining green spaces, promoting sustainable urban agriculture, and building climate-resilient communities. Learn more Holy Cross Episcopal Church Community Garden Earth Regenerators Getting Ready For The Season

📈 Project Updates and Lessons Learned 🌟

Since our inception, we have established strong connections with local communities and stakeholders, and have begun to lay the groundwork for our initiatives. Our progress so far includes:

• Identifying suitable locations and community partners for each initiative.
• Conducting preliminary surveys and assessments to understand the specific needs and resources of each community.
• Developing initial strategies for the implementation and growth of each project, incorporating feedback from community members.

Through our work thus far, we have learned valuable lessons:

1. The importance of involving local communities from the very beginning, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
2. The need to remain adaptable and flexible, as each community and location presents unique challenges and opportunities.
3. The value of ongoing communication and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the success of our initiatives.

💡 How Additional Funding Will Help 🌈

The additional funding from the Gitcoin Climate Grant Round will enable us to:

• Further develop and refine our implementation strategies for each initiative, incorporating lessons learned and best practices.
• Expand our network of partners and collaborators, ensuring greater access to resources and expertise.
• Accelerate the implementation and scaling of our initiatives, increasing their impact on climate solutions and community well-being.
• Measure and track our progress, providing valuable insights and learnings to inform future efforts and share with the broader climate solutions community.

📅 Rough Timeline for Project Goals ⏳

• Q1-Q2: Secure funding, finalize project plans, and begin on-the-ground implementation for all three initiatives.
• Q3-Q4: Monitor progress and gather data on the impact of our projects, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Q1-Q2 (next year): Expand our initiatives to reach more communities and further develop our global knowledge weaving network.
• Q3-Q4 (next year): Evaluate the long-term success and sustainability of our initiatives, refining our approach and preparing for future projects.

🌈 Conclusion 🌟

Kula's vision is to create a world where communities are deeply connected, nurturing, and regenerative 🌍💚.

By funding our initiatives, you will be contributing to the development of thriving local, regenerative economies and fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection within and between communities. Additionally, your support will directly impact climate solutions by promoting green spaces, sustainable economic practices, and resilient communities. Together, we can create a better world for future generations 🌱👩‍👩‍👧‍👦.