PURPOSE
G.A.L.A. is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations, particularly in the area of ecological sustainability and community building.

VISION
A dynamic and continually expanding group of people and organizations working together to practice sustainability on the local level, so it may be achieved globally.

MISSION
To provide a networking and resource hub that facilitates the learning and practice of sustainability in the Lakes Region, N.H. and adjoining communities

GUIDING PRINCIPALS
•    Raise awareness about the global and generational impact of our daily actions
•    Cultivate peace within ourselves and between others
•    Encourage corporate and individual accountability
•    Foster social, environmental, and economic justice
•    Support creativity and innovation
•    Value diversity and the intrinsic wisdom of nature
•    Be locally attuned and resourceful
•    Remain open to new ideas and learning

HISTORY
G.A.L.A. began like many other grassroots organizations - a few people getting together around food and drink to discuss ways they can create the change they want to see in the world.

The first G.A.L.A. potluck convened one winter Sunday night in January of 2006. The evening was filled with talk about ways to, "think globally and act locally." A deep concern for future generations and dissatisfaction with the status quo seemed to be common threads amongst this loosely linked group of individuals. This initial potluck was such a success (and so delicious!) that the group decided to continue meeting on a regular basis, and thus, G.A.L.A. was born.

Currently, G.A.L.A. is a 100% volunteer-based organization made up of teachers, farmers, business-owners, youth, senior-citizens, parents, students and other folks from many walks of life. G.A.L.A. is the community it seeks to serve. Our interests range from environmental stewardship to human rights, from participatory democracy to holistic healing practices, to living and promoting peace. Together, we strive to live by Gandhi's words, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Although G.A.L.A. is still in its infant stage as an organization, it is exciting to think how far we have come since that first potluck. Everyone is encouraged to get involved in these early stages to help make sure G.A.L.A. develops in a manner that reflects the priorities, concerns, and desires of the broader community. Remember, the "history" of G.A.L.A. is really yours to write!

GOALS
•    Inspire people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
•    Create conditions conducive to life, at home and abroad.
•    Build partnerships between people and organizations with similar ideals.
•    Strengthen understanding between people of different race, class, gender, orientation, and age.
•    Provide a space for meaningful debate about issues of social and environmental concern.
•    Improve "media literacy" and mindful consumption.
•    Build a local infrastructure where "waste" from one process becomes "food" for the next (permaculture).
•    Maintain ability to adapt and learn from new circumstances.
•    Enhance sense of community and belonging.
•    Engage youth in projects that develop wholesome values.
•    Have fun.


First-Friday Film Series
On the first Friday of every month G.A.L.A. hosts a film/documentary screening at the Wolfeboro Public Library starting at 7pm. This monthly event is FREE and open to the public. The G.A.L.A. film series is meant to encourage dialog about issues of social and environmental concern. Immediately following each screening the audience is invited to stay for refreshments and a short discussion about how the film's content relates locally. Whenever possible, transportation and/or childcare will be provided upon request, also free of charge.

Host a G.A.L.A. film screening near you!  Check the G.A.L.A. website for a complete list of films that can shown in your community by a G.A.L.A. representative.  All public screening rights have been purchased by G.A.L.A., allowing G.A.L.A. to legally host and advertise film screenings anywhere. In addition, a G.A.L.A. representative can facilitate a productive, respectful, and inspirational dialog following each screening to help the audience transform their new knowledge into a blueprint for change.

Study Circles
Study Circles are a great way to come together with other community members in an informal, yet inquisitive, atmosphere to explore more deeply those issues of social and environmental concern. G.A.L.A. hosts ongoing Study Circles based on courses from the Granite Earth Institute (GEI).

Granite Earth Institute is a regional nonprofit organization that offers a format for groups like G.A.L.A. to start their own Study Circles. At a small fee, GEI provides course workbooks that participants are asked to read from before each meeting. Approximately thirteen Wolfeboro-area residents recently completed a 9-session course on "Choices for Sustainable Living" last Winter, and twelve more are scheduled to begin a "Voluntary Simplicity" course this Fall. Although suggested discussion questions are provided in the workbook at the end of each chapter, all study circles are self-run by participants.

Detailed course descriptions can be found on the Granite Earth Institute website, www.graniteearth.org or view a more brief description at www.galacommunity.org. Contact G.A.L.A. to find out when the next Study Circle starts and how you can sign up!

Theme Potlucks
As if potlucks were not already fun enough, G.A.L.A. just made them a whole lot better! Each G.A.L.A. potluck has a different theme to incorporate education and sharing into this age-old tradition of coming together around food. Themes might include "Clothes Swap", "Ebay Basics", "Recipe Exchange", "Book Share", "Craig's List 101", or "Joke/Quote Share". Depending on interest, G.A.L.A.'s themed-potlucks will take place every other month at a rotating venue. Contact G.A.L.A. if you want to host a potluck and/or have any idea for a potluck theme! View the calendar of events for a complete schedule of upcoming theme potlucks.

Sustainability Workshop Series
The G.A.L.A. Sustainability Workshop Series is an effort to provide experiential learning of basic homesteading techniques like composting, sourdough baking, canning, utilizing renewable energy, biofuel production, wool spinning, wine making, native foraging, and bioregion education. The goal of the Sustainability Workshop Series is to empower individuals to become more locally self-reliant in a fun, practical, and meaningful way.

Inevitably, G.A.L.A.’s Sustainability Workshop Series will help strengthen the social fabric of community as well as restore the ecological integrity of the given bioregion. Although G.A.L.A.’s Sustainability Workshops Series will take place in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, all course descriptions will be made available in a user-friendly template for community groups to adopt everywhere!