By Peter Berg
I have been thinking a lot about why an organization like AERO is so important to our future. Here in the US and around the world institutions of law, decency, education and even basic freedom are under attack.
Hard lines have been drawn and we have seen the rise and entrenchment of tribalism at it’s worst. It seems that we can no longer have conversations about facts, the good of society or our future without being labeled or dismissed.
Much of this is a result of an education system that does not honor the drive to learn and be free. Way too much is spent coercing youth into doing something because they’re told to or because someone, somewhere came up with arbitrary standards that even the most competent of adults couldn’t reach.
I believe this is why AERO’s work is even more important than ever. Some of you know me and know my connection to AERO those of you who know me best know that I wouldn’t give so much of myself to an organization unless it was moving the needle in the direction of liberation and freedom, with a large dose of heart-centered work.
AERO is now in its 30th year and our work has helped shape the global revolution in education. AERO has been the inspiration for and has directly helped thousands of adults and youth to start programs, schools, learning centers, and organizations.
Indeed many organizations that are currently doing important work in ‘alternative education’ got their start with AERO and or have used AERO events as a launching pad for their crucial initiatives.
AERO is still the only organization that brings together all learning alternatives on a worldwide scale. From helping youth and families to find the right educational fit to providing, resources and support to changemakers and visionaries it would be hard to quantify exactly how many people’s lives AERO has changed.
AERO believes that the oppression of voices, creativity and freedom especially in our youth has gone on quite long enough and can no longer stand which is why AERO will be embarking on exciting new initiatives, such as:
- More Local Events – Building on the success of local events such as most recently, and notably, the AEROx regional held at Workspace Education in Bethel, CT, we will be holding more local, smaller gatherings in the future as well as the National conference.
- School/Learning Center Tours – Tours in particular areas that are designed to showcase the innovative work
- Podcasts – Monthly podcasts about current educational trends and issues
- Message Board – Connect with other members on the message board to get advice, feedback and more
- AERO Representatives – We have AERO representatives throughout the globe who will offer consultations and guidance Course Offerings/ Trainings – In addition to the school starters course AERO will be offering new courses and trainings over the next few years.
- AERO Documentary – There seems to be interest in an AERO documentary that would chronicle AERO’s work and spread the word about educational alternatives.
