Current Events

Climate Change ForumThe Living Landscape – From Lawn to Native GardenSun May 1 – 1:30 pm – zoom below Designer, architectural writer, and educator Michael Cockram will discuss plans to transform the OMNI center’s grounds into a sustainable “Living Landscape”. Michael will trace his path to green buildings and landscapes through his career as an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon; to reporting on the “sponge cities” of China and efforts to save New Orleans from rising waters using the techniques developed in the Netherlands.  We’ll discuss how Living Landscapes can mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce pollution, […]

Washington County needs people worried about democracy to step up and party.  Omni is encouraging members and friends to work with the Democratic Party to hold fun and enjoyable house parties that will introduce local candidates to their constituents, connect you to what’s happening in Washington County and help to get out the vote for the primary election now, and the general election in November. You invite your friends …your local candidate shows up to meet everybody …you all have a great time, and everybody shows up to vote on May 24! It’ll be such a win-win! If you like […]

Perfect inspiration for the seasonIn this informative video from last spring, Michael Cockram joins plant expert Burnetta Hinterthuer and the Ross family walking their lovely acreage finding spring bursting out. They’re choosing spicebush to bring back and plant at Omni. The video is from spring 2021, but the plants are eternal.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1027rGpFvc

Saving Climate Activists: Resilience Support Needed Climate Activist Research Study Informational Session >Begins May 10, 9-week research study>No charge for the informational session or participation in the research >More information below! >Help yourself and other activists thriveProject Lead: Sami Aaron Director of the Resilient Activist Center. Training, Research, Impact, and a Heart for Caring ActivistsIf you care, you suffer too. The Resilient Activist believes that the world needs inspired, visionary activists who have the resilience to see us through these unprecedented times. If you’re one of those visionary activists, or sense just how difficult the times are now, you know […]

A Conversation Fri April 22 – 7:00 pm – in person at Omni CenterJoanie Connors, therapist, peace activist, poet, author and former resident of Fayetteville is writing a book on her father’s experience as a military veteran and the impact of his PTSD on her family. Her research and thinking has made her very curious about other families and how that experience played out for them. This event will be a presentation on Joanie’s book and a conversation on this difficult but crucial topic that is central to helping a war culture begin to heal from the trauma we’ve both experienced and […]

Postcards to Swing States: A Progressive Turnout Project Initiative Save Democracy with a Stamp“Postcards to Swing States” formed when studies showed that a personal postcard, even from an unknown person, had a significant impact on voter turnout. The project had important results in the past two elections. The upcoming primary election is EVERY BIT AS IMPORTANT. It’s also well-known that when voter turnout is good, progressives tend to win. If voter turnout is low this primary, it will have potentially catastrophic effects on democracy.Arkansas is not a big swing state of course, but we can make a difference by helping […]

On Sunday April 10 we’re planning a “mock orientation” to pilot the starting Time Bank plan. It’s meant for a small group to give us feedback on how things flow. Would you like to join us for the test? Email us at omni@omnicenter.org to volunteer, friends! The Time Exchange design team is planning to be ready to go “live” (meaning we’ll start organizing member orientations and sharing transactions) as soon as a break in the virus opens up. Watch for social media to begin soon.

PLEASE SIGN!Does Arkansas need more prison beds?Join us in demanding NO NEW PRISONSPlease sign this petition to Governor Hutchinson! Click here  Governor Hutchinson announced an expansion of 498 beds to the Calico Rock North Central unit as a response to the backup of state sentenced Arkansans being housed in county jails across the state. The project is slated to cost between $60 and $100 million and is made possible by the state’s billion-dollar surplus pending approval from the legislature   There’s more at the link. Here’s a hint of what could happen instead of more prisoners: Arkansas’ punitive approach ignores data-backed […]