Marion Institute Hosts Internationally Acclaimed Gathering of Scientific and Social Innovators

Bioneers Conference Comes to the Northeast

Marion Institute Hosts Internationally Acclaimed Gathering of Scientific and Social Innovators

Marion, Massachusetts: August 8, 2005 - The Marion Institute, today announced that it will host the 1st Annual "Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change" Conference, to be held at UMASS Dartmouth, from October 14-16th.

The "Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change" Conference is the 2005 northeast regional Beaming Bioneers satellite environmental event. Bioneers is an internationally acclaimed annual gathering of scientific and social innovators who have demonstrated visionary and practical models for restoring the Earth and communities.

This UMASS Dartmouth event will feature such topics as renewable energy systems, new paradigms in business, native ecology, healthy food, youth leadership, holistic health, sustainable communities, a Youth Initiative program and much more and is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees, on each of the three days.

Featured presenters will include, Anna Lappé, Gunter Pauli, Juliet Schor, Jim Kunstler, John Cronin, Peter Forbes, Jonathan Todd, Susan Witt, John Lash, John Holdren, Roger Payne & Lisa Harrow and Dennis Whittle & Mari Kuraishi. Topics will include renewable energy systems, new paradigms in business, native ecology, healthy food, 'brownfields,' youth leadership, holistic health, sustainable communities, smart growth and more. We are also hoping to bring environmentalist icon Julia Butterfly Hill and AOL founder Steve Case.
"Bioneers by the Bay," explains Executive Director Callum Grieve, "is swiftly becoming the go-to environmental event of 2005, here in the northeast - and the Institute and our partners are proud to be collaborating with Bioneers to create an annual gathering of visionary and practical solutions, with an emphasis on environmental issues that have particular relevance to our region." Those interested in attending, exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities are invited to visit www.connectingforchange.org, call 1.508.743.0511 or email info@connectingforchange.org

The conference is a partnership between the Marion Institute, the Small Planet Fund, the New England Grass Roots Fund, The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, UMASS Dartmouth and a wide array of regional colleges and grassroots organizations.

In addition, the conference will present a program of speakers, workshops, panel discussions, exhibitors, food, entertainment, a film festival and related events. The "Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change" Conference will be linked, via satellite, to the main Bioneers event in San Rafael, California.

About "Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change"
"Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change" is a partnership between the Marion Institute, the Small Planet Fund, the E F Schumacher Society, the New England Grass Roots Fund, The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, UMASS Dartmouth and a wide array of local colleges and grassroots organizations — ensuring that this event becomes a profoundly inspiring, dynamic and successful annual experience. This conference features a live satellite downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA. Visit the Bioneers website at www.bioneers.org for more information about the Bioneers Conference and our partnership.

Early Bird registration runs until August 15th. For more information about the "Bioneers by the Bay Connecting for Change" Conference, please call visit www.connectingforchange.org, call 1.508.743.0511 or email info@connectingforchange.org. Space is limited.
About Bioneers
Founded in 1990, Bioneers is a nonprofit organization that promotes practical environmental solutions and innovative social strategies for restoring the Earth and communities. For more information about Bioneers, please call 1.877.BIONEER, email info@bioneers.org or visit us online at www.bioneers.org


About The Marion Institute
Founded in 1992, the Marion Institute is dedicated to identifying and promoting programs that seek to enhance life for the Earth and its inhabitants. The Institute has long been dedicated to exploring new frontiers in health and healing of the mind, body, and spirit. We are committed to uniting people who want to heal the planet-and themselves-by encouraging a deeper understanding of the past, a dynamic experience of the present, and a passionate vision of a healthy future. We believe in the interdependence of all life and the critical balance necessary for a sustainable future. For more information about the Marion Institute, please call us at 508.748.0816, email us at info@marioninstitute.org or visit us online at www.marioninstitute.org


Press contact
Callum Grieve
Marketing Director
Marion Institute
508.748.0816
cgrieve@marioninstitute.org