The 4th annual Bioneers by the Bay: Connecting for Change conference kicks off on Thursday, October, 23 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center with speakers Majora Carter, Van Jones, and Simran Sethi. The event is free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. The event begins at 7:30pm. Doors open at 7:00pm.

The three-day conference, held in various venues in New Bedford’s historic downtown, seeks to inspire, motivate, and connect everyday citizens to restore the Earth and its people. Bioneers conferences seek to educate and galvanize business owners, writers, artists, biologists, educators, and farmers, combining ecological approaches with social, spiritual and political strategies.
This year’s program will once again feature an unforgettable weekend of live keynote presentations, afternoon workshops, an extensive Youth Initiative program, a downlink of the 19th Annual Bioneers Conference in California, an exhibition hall featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, films, music, art installations, a farmers’ market, and local and organic food.

Individual and group scholarships are available to offset conference fees. For a schedule of programs and fees see http://www.connectingforchange.org. All fees include admission to the keynote presentations, workshops, exhibition hall, evening entertainment, continental breakfast, snacks and a wonderful lunch featuring local, vegetarian fare.
Featured expert speakers include: Gary Hirshberg, CEO and Founder of Stonyfield Farm; John Perkins, Economist and New York Times best-selling author; John Abrams, builder of green and affordable houses; Van Jones, green jobs leader; Majora Carter, founder of Sustainable South Bronx; and David Orr, Lynne Twist, John Perkins, Eliot Coleman, Rha Goddess, John Abrams, Dr. Thomas Rau, Peter Barnes and Riki Ott.

For more information on how to participate, become a partner, sponsor, exhibitor or register visit www.connectingforchange.org or contact Desa VanLaarhoven at dvanlaarhoven@marioninsitute.org (508) 748-0816.