Thanks to all who participated in the Stinner Summit on Friday, October 5 in Athens! We are excited to see all the funded projects move forward!
THE STINNER SUMMIT AND THE BEN STINNER ENDOWMENT
Those who knew Ben know what a huge impact his work had, bringing together researchers, farmers, and policy makers to effect real change in Ohio agriculture. In this prophetic poem, Ben speaks to us of his own desire to give back to the land and his challenge to us to do the same. Unfortunately, Ben's vision of sustainability was not fully realized before his untimely death, and now it must continue through us.
The Ben Stinner Endowment for Healthy Agroecosystems and Sustainable Communities seeks to extend Ben's efforts for agricultural communities through research with a holistic approach to the complex ecological and social challenges facing farming today.
What is the Stinner Summit?
The inspiration for the Annual Stinner Summit is Ben's vision of collaboration for building relationships based on common interests, his ability to see and understand the big picture, and his passion and enthusiasm for building healthy agroecosystems and sustainable communities. The Summit, held at a different location each year, is a highly engaging and participatory event that draws stakeholders from around Ohio (and sometimes beyond!). Attendees, all with different expertise and particular interests, work together to develop projects that will address healthy agroecosystems and/or sustainable communities. At the end of the day, the Ben Stinner Endowment pledges $15,000 in support of one or more projects. Breakfast and lunch are provided for attendees, and always features local restaurants and producers. The event is free of charge and open to any who are interested, though space is sometimes limited. To see photos and agendas of past Summits, check out the links below. Each year is unique, however; the best way to understand the Summit is to experience it for yourself!
In summation (though incomplete), the Stinner Summit provides attendees with:
1. Face-to-face networking opportunities
2. A multi-disciplinary, engaging environment
3. Open space to brainstorm projects related to sustainable agriculture and communities
4. Coffee
5. Food
6. Financial support for projects conceived, developed, and selected by Summit attendees.
7. A springboard for ideas, projects, and connections that can be carried into other aspects of your life.
The growth of the Stinner Endowment depends on contibutions. Please take this opportunity to pledge your support (by mail or online) to The Ben Stinner Endowment for Healthy Agroecosystems and Sustainable Communities
Video: Update on Youngstown Eats: A Project of Goodness Grows with support from the 5th Stinner Summit
