​VETS_CAFE
Veterans' Ecological Trades Collective, 501c3
Studies in Conservation, Agriculture, Forestry and Ecology
Veterans' Ecological Trades Collective, 501c3
A Washington State Non Profit Organization
In the summer of 2016 VETS_CAFE held a barbecue with a few dozen veterans who have taken our Permaculture Design programs, as well as several clients of Abundance LLC. In a candid discussion, guests talked about the work VETS_CAFE does and how to be most effective in that work. The idea of starting a 501c3 organization was discussed and several people stood to the task of creating a team to make that happen.
In December 2016 Veterans' Ecological Trades Collective (VETC) was granted Federal Non Profit Status by the IRS. The basic operational structure of the organization functions to create a nexus for veterans and allies who work in Conservation, Agriculture, Forestry and Ecological Trades to collaborate on training, skillshare, and projects initiated by the membership. Qualifications for Membership are simple; Produce an Permaculture Design Certificate from a course led by a PINA (or other approved) professional association of Permaculture teachers, and be a veteran or sponsored by a veteran. VETS_CAFE , a dba of Abundance LLC, continues to support VETC directly with donation of curriculum development and delivery, design facilitation, implementation, and mentorship for the members of VETC.
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MISSION
The Veterans' Ecological Trades Collective exists to support veterans and allies in acquiring skills that launch or refine careers in Conservation, Agriculture, Forestry and Ecological Design.
ORIENTATION
Veterans' Ecological Trades Collective provides lifelong networking opportunities for the advancement of veteran's mutual aid, regional food security and natural resource conservation.
VISION
That all veterans who are willing and able to practice their trades in an ecologically informed and socially accountable manner will be able to access gainful employment working with the land or its produce.