Matthew Brouwer's Page

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In what ways do you identify with the Transition movement? Why are you interested?: I like to help individuals and organizations manifest their visions and develop sustainable habits and ways of being in the world. Ironically, many people promote sustainable practices through strong stress and anxiety producing means. In my own personal and professional development, I've found that slowing down leads to faster results, and that doing less actually achieves more. I bring these principles to my work helping individuals and groups to authentically and effectively meet community needs.

Do you have particular interests, skills, talents or resources you would like to bring to Transition Whatcom?: I am available for performances, workshops, and one-on-one work with individuals and organizations.

In what neighborhood or part of the county do you reside?: Columbia Neighborhood

Your Personal Website (if you have one): http://odinstongue.com

Please note that you do not have to answer all of the above questions in order to join, and you can always come back later to edit your profile. If it's all too many questions for now, please provide a short answer below on why you'd like to join this site (or a summary of the above, if answered).: Network with green enthusiasts

About Me:

I am a performance poet, mentor, and organizational consultant residing in Bellingham. Currently, I direct the Poetry in Public Education Program (PIPE), leading workshops for middle and high school students, and serve on the boards of Poetrynight and Young Writers Studio.

You’ll likely find me hanging around the various poetry open mics in town. I’ve performed throughout the Pacific Northwest including the Everett Green Festival, Village Books, and Poetrynight. I have one chapbook, Cannonball Island, and been published in local journals such as Clover, A Literary Rag.

I believe poetry has a vital place within the home, workplace, classroom, and both spiritual and civic institutions. My role is to bring poetry alive within these respective settings so that people can more authentically connect to the creative spirit that is within them.

From my time as a nonprofit manager I’ve been able to witness some of the sector’s more pervasive afflictions: employee burnout, service overreach, fuzzy idealism, and impersonal organizational structures that sap life from programs and hinder the meeting of human needs. My work within the nonprofit community involves helping organizations to establish sustainable habits, foster relational environments, and blossom their unique visions into vibrant services to the community.

My lengthy battle with chronic pain shapes the foundation of my experience as a mentor. I believe each person possesses an inborn creativity and innate wisdom that allows them to discover the solutions to their own problems. My job as a mentor is to help you tap into these powers so that you can choose for yourself the best path for your healing, growth, and personal fulfillment.

Matthew Brouwer's Page

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