Exogeny Network ™

Ideology behind The Exogeny Center
Once upon a time, long long ago, it was not uncommon for "city kids" to take vacations with their families and visit their country relatives.  In the country, they were exposed to an entirely different world where fishing, country food, gardens, livestock, pets, and fascinating things happened.  Sometimes it was for holidays, sometimes in the summer, but these visits were treasured memories for those fortunate enough to have "country cousins" as part of their lives.

Today, few of us have those country relatives, and many people rarely leave the city in which they live.  Some have never walked down a forest trail, or seen a cow being milked, or have any idea where eggs really come from before they land in a carton at the grocery store.  Often, people never associate "beef" with a cow, or "pork" with a pig.  Few people realize that chevon is the meat of a goat.  While most people can accurately associate the lamb chop with a young sheep, do they realize that mutton is the meat of the sheep?

Fishing, hiking, camping, and basic skills like tracking and tree identification are skills that aren't commonly taught in an urban school, but without a fondness for these types of activities we are in danger of our current wilderness areas losing their protective status.  Why?  Because if they aren't valued by future generations because of the unique offerings found there, then they are not going to be inclined to protect them.

So, what does The Exogeny Center plan on doing?

Because of its multifaceted nature, the issues will be addressed in multiple ways.  A traditional vacation experience of camping, either in a cabin or the campground, will be offered, along with structured offerings of the working farm facet of The Exogeny Center.  The cabins are to be prototypes from the program developing compact, low-cost, sustainable housing constructed on site from pre-fabricated components, as well as from the project looking for mid to long term housing solutions for disaster victims in a more aesthetically acceptable manner than the traditional travel trailer answer delivered by FEMA in the past.  Another program would explore low-cost energy production technology currently in production for its applicability in disaster housing situations where the "grid" is not necessarily available in the near future.  Self sufficiency for the agricultural conservancy program would be attained by the sale of these products, which would also be donated to local senior and low income food distribution programs to benefit the local community.  In addition, seed and breeding stock would be offered for sale as available, further funding the continuation of the agricultural program.

Low cost or free camp experiences would be offered to youth groups and other organizations, allowing these groups to experience the offerings at The Exogeny Center as well as those who can afford to stay and participate.   Students from schools at all levels would have the opportunity to visit The Exogeny Center, with programs focused on their learning level, abilities, and focus of study.  Programs would be adapted to the needs of the handicapped, allowing everyone to experience the programs.

In addition to programs conducted at the Center itself, outreach programs with visiting staff would bring the information to schools and other groups.  The Anti-Poverty Initiative would continue advocating programs delivering nutritious weekend packs to needy children, ensuring adequate nutrition over weekends.

That's a big plan, how would this be achieved by The Exogeny Center?

Like any big plan, this would have to be conducted in phases.  Some phases are already in the works, despite a funding deficit.  Others would be implemented as funding would be obtained.  Each phase will have to be clearly defined in the completed plan, which is already in the works of the founders and supporters of The Exogeny Center.

 

What we are today

The Exogeny Center is currently considered a non-profit social organization.  When funding is available, a more formal structure will be sought.

How is The Exogeny Center funded?
At this point, The Exogeny Center is primarily founded by small contributions from its founders and supporters.

What does The Exogeny Center need at this time?
At this time, The Exogeny Center has needs for funds for operational costs.  While most of the regular expenses are covered by its founders and core supporters, we have regular monthly expenses such as web space, etc. to pay for.

 

We are also in need of "seed money" to use to plan fundraising events, such as the cookbook project.  It is a sad but true fact that it costs money to raise money!

What is the approximate dollar amount needed by The Exogeny Center for these needs?
The total dollar amount needed at this time is approximately $1,300 for the cookbook project.

If The Exogeny Center obtained this amount to achieve these goals, what would be the next step?
At that point, The Exogeny Center would be eligible for applying for grants, which would assist in obtaining funding for the projects currently in the planning stages.  In addition, The Exogeny Center would also begin its search to obtain suitable land for its planned programs, ideally a farm with water frontage located in a rural area.  Obtaining this land would be a critical part of many of the facets of the programs currently being planned by The Exogeny Center.

How would The Exogeny Center benefit society in general?
The Exogeny Center is a multi-faceted program with numerous benefits for society.  Included in its planned programs are the conservancy of heirloom strains of garden and agricultural plants, trees, and herbs, as well as heirloom breeds of livestock, ensuring genetic diversity for future generations.  Another program is the conservancy of nearly forgotten arts and skills, from wood working to needle arts to hand crafting of once common items.  In addition to preserving and passing on these skills and arts, the craftsmen and women who possess this knowledge also happen to frequently be members of two particular groups of society: senior citizens and low income.  By employing these people at The Exogeny Center, these people remain productive citizens.  Other programs benefit the local community in which The Exogeny Center is located, the music and arts community, universities are able to utilize the Center's heirloom projects, social programs to benefit low income & urban children and young adults, internships to students, and recreational opportunities for society at large will all have the ability to benefit from The Exogeny Center's programs.