Ithaca Freeskool Call For Classes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We Are All Teachers!

Ithaca Freeskool invites members of the community to submit class proposals for summer session

ITHACA, NY April 14, 2011 Ithaca Freeskool is looking for passionate people who want to share their skills and knowledge in the upcoming summer session, June 1 to August 31, 2011. Class proposals are due on May 1 and should be emailed to ithaca_freeskool.

Ithaca Freeskool is a grassroots, all-volunteer community-building initiative that creates spaces where people teach and attend classes with one another without cost. Primarily, but not exclusively geared towards adults, anyone can teach and anyone can attend.

Class proposals are being solicited on any and all topics of interest to the community. Past classes include “Anatomy & Physiology for Beginners,” “Cloth Diapering Basics,” “Eating & Identifying Wild Plants,” “Traditional & Experimental Animation” and many more.

“Ithaca Freeskool is a way for people to have their educational needs met without making a large time or financial commitment. We can teach each other real skills that are fun and practical and make our social environment rich and vibrant,” explains organizer McKenzie Jones-Rounds.

“The great thing about the Ithaca Freeskool, is that it brings out all the flavors of our community. People can teach classes that play with and explore their interests, hobbies, and issues, which can be surprising and inspiring,” shares organizer Lily Gershon.

“About forty people participated in our ‘Be Your Own Boss’ class at the Southside Community Center in the winter session. It was amazing to meet diverse community members who were all interested in exploring self-employment as a way to become more empowered and independent,” explains Shira Golding who taught the class with her partner Ari Moore (the two run their own creative and consulting services company called Shirari Industries).

The organizers are asking for a three-month commitment for ongoing classes. Teachers can choose how often in that three-month period they want to teach their class. Single-session classes are also acceptable. The teacher should choose a day and time that works for them and find a space. Classes have taken place in people’s homes, public parks, local coffee shops and community centers.

Organizers work with teachers to promote classes by distributing physical calendars throughout the community and listing classes on the Freeskool website as well as on Facebook and via appropriate email lists. Teachers are also encouraged to create posters for their classes and do what they can to get the word out.

Class submissions should be emailed to ithaca_freeskool by May 1, 2011 in the following format:
Name of class:
Facilitator: (Name, and public contact info)
Location:
Date(s) & time(s):
A short description:
Any requirements for students (books, equipment, need to RSVP, etc.):

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For photos or more information, contact organizer Shira Golding at 607-821-0654 or shira.

Visit the Ithaca Freeskool website: http://ithacafreeskool.wordpress.com