Solidarity Landscape Ambassador Course
Solidarity Landscape Ambassador Course
Part of Mary Christensen’s Master of Landscape Architecture thesis work involved co-creating the Solidarity Landscape Ambassador training curriculum with Villaggio Solidale educators and social workers. This is a curriculum to train the staff, social workers, and educators on how to include the landscape as a central element for community well-being.
Lesson Series Curriculum
The Landscape and I
Dec. 2023 (virtual)
Soldiarity Landscape
Jan. 2024
Healing Landscapes
Mar. 2024 (virtual)
Agroecology
Jun. 2024
Lessons
Participants were presented with a map of their landscape that included the proposed trail and were asked to place dots in significant areas. This activitiy led to the establishment of key nodes on the trail, and helped the researchers learn more about the local landscape.
A core aspect of the curriculum is to encourage the staff to explore the use of Nature Based Interventions (NBI) and how they could be integrated into the services they offer the community. Based on the findings of the participatory activities, four nature-based interventions were highlighted.
During a lesson, Mary gave the definition of solidarity and asked the class if they could add to it. The discussion lead to the addition of 5 new elements and a definition that more accurately encompasses how solidarity is practiced in the community.
Lesson Findings
Mary Christensen's Thesis