Keynote speakers

James O'Dea, former president of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, the Seva Foundation and Amnesty International. He speaks frequently about conscious evolution, spiritual activism, social healing, and social synergy.

Andrew Harvey, Oxford University scholar and founder of Institute for Sacred Activism, who will speak about the simplicity and implication of activating one's true purpose in life.

Barbara Marx Hubbard, president of Foundation for Conscious Evolution, will show how to accelerate the positive.

Sequoyah Trueblood, native American elder and peacemaker, will offer perspective on how to "be here now."

LOCAL LEADERS

Five local leaders will speak about their vision for local change. They were chosen by conference director Mali Leach because of their visionary, local activism - and need for financial and volunteer support.

Dave Krick, owner of Bittercreek Alehouse and Red Feather Lounge. "Many people don't realize he has a worm composter downstairs," Leach says. "Even as a restaurant entrepreneur, he has cut down and almost eliminated waste. He's very conscious about what he throws out."

Jayne Sorrels, founder and executive director of Interfaith Sanctuary. "She has the courage to address (issues) that haven't been addressed, like homelessness," Leach says. "Jayne recognized the need and did something. If you see a need, it can happen."

Leslye Moore, executive director of International Rescue Committee. "Especially because of the economic situation, many refugees are up against it in a bad way. She's taking action on a very pressing need," Leach says.

Mark Ickes, founder of Think Boise First! and Sustainable Community Connections of Idaho. Through his work to emphasize local farmers and merchants, "He's a bit like a messenger and community herald," Leach says. "It's a quality of awareness."

Mara Andersson, founder and director of Ecotropolis: Explore your Universe! This project will provide children a space to ignite and experiment with their imaginations and possibilities.

If you go

WHAT: Living in the Fire of Change: Sacred Activism Conference.

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise.

TICKETS: $50. or the Egyptian box office or www.sacredactivismconference.com. Scholarships available.

® $25 for 7-10 p.m. Friday only.

WHAT: Meet the speakers.

WHEN: 5-7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Egyptian Theatre.

TICKETS: $45 ($95 includes full conference pass), Egyptian box office or www.sacredactivismconference.com.

Conference benefits Sustainable Futures

James O'Dea points to a Boise business called Sustainable Futures as a model for "recycling things and renewing people." Women from the East Boise Correctional Institution clean wine bottles to recycle back to wineries or cut into drinking glasses for sale. As part of the process, they learn new, green, marketable skills and gain self-esteem through an accompanying program that includes nutrition, meditation and, O'Dea points out, an accompanying shift in consciousness.

"There's the green movement that talks about environment and nature and animals. Great. But what about the people? In Sustainable Futures, they've put them together," says O'Dea.

"The change that is happening in a larger story is one where we're putting things together that got somehow disconnected. ÉEconomy and ecology look separate. Change says we can put these back together in a way that's really exciting. Economy and ecology help restore our communities."

"At a time when our president has formed an "office of social innovation," I want to say, 'Look at Sustainable Futures.' "

"Living in the Fire of Change: Sacred Activism and Social Transformation" is a fundraiser for Sustainable Futures.

Visit their Web site: www.sustainable-futures.us.