Defining Central Terms

  Community

  A community is a group of interacting organisms sharing an environment and/or interests. The word       "community" comes from the Latin communitas, and joins the Latin prefix com, meaning "together," with     the word munis, pertaining to service.

  Geography

The study of the earth and its features, inhabitants and phenomena. The bridge between physical and human sciences, geography studies where objects and life forms are as well as how they have changed and come to be.

Sustainability

Humanity's investment in a system of living that is projected to be viable on an on-going basis that provides quality of life for all individuals of sentient species and preserves natural ecosystems; "Improving the quality of life for all within the capacity of the earth to provide that life for current and future generations." The intertwining of economic prosperity, environmental integrity, and social equity.

Ecology

Derived from the Greek word oikos, meaning "household" or "place to live" and logos, "knowledge" — the scientific study of the distribution of life and the interactions between living organisms and their environments.

Culture

Stemming from the Latin colere, meaning "to cultivate," culture refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activities significance and importance. Includes goods created for consumption and pleasure, as well as the processes which produce such goods and give them meaning, and the social relationships and practices in which such objects and processes become embedded.

Generativity

The act of caring for, nurturing, and taking responsibility for those coming after you.