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G3 Makerspace hosts Lil Sprouts camp with GSC

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub hosted students of the Guahan Sustainable Culture Lil Sprouts Academy this month.

 

The group was welcomed into the lessons by the Hub team and were introduced the concept of the circular economy.

 

“It is always great to give the children an explanation of what the circular economy is and how important it is when planning for our island’s future,” said Joseph Certeza from the G3 Hub.  “They are excited to learn more and how they can help our island be more sustainable.”

 

The group of over twenty students also took part in various activities including Mawar Tangrams, an Organic Exercise and a full tour of the makerspace.

 

During the tour the group got up close and personal with the Hub’s wide array of tools and machines that have helped many business owners, students and community members create sustainable products for sale or projects.

 

The Lil Sprouts Academy is a summer program hosted by the Guahan Sustainable Culture organization headquartered at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna, also the home of the Hub.

Gallery: CHamoru Village cleanup work by G3CC

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps joined the CHamoru Village community in the cleanup efforts at the Hagatna landmark. 

The group helped remove blown down trees and shrubbery along with other debris that blew into the iconic area. 

CHamoru Village is also the home to the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

 

G3 unveils Art Corps, lineup features emerging and seasoned artists 

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative and the University of Guam launched their inaugural Art Corps program at the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub. The G3 Art Corps aims to provide a platform for artistic expression while promoting island sustainability. 

For the program’s first cohort, G3 selected eight talented artists to collectively design, plan, and execute public murals on Guam. These murals will highlight the island’s journey towards achieving sustainability by 2030, as outlined by the G3 Action Framework and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  

The chosen artists include Ariel Dimalanta, Kamaka Aquino, Frank “Kie” Susuico, Corina Benavente, Baptist Bell, Ha’ani Bettis, Geraldine Datuin, and Lucille Ronquillo. 

Dimalanta has decades of experience as an artist, sculptor, and publisher. While semi-retired, he decided to join the Art Corps to make a difference. “It is time to give back to the community,” he said.  

Each artist will receive a stipend in exchange for participating in capacity-building activities and collaborating with the team to create the murals. For two years, two cohorts will paint 17 murals to disseminate the message of sustainability and sustainable development to a broader audience. 

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton stated that art is crucial for community engagement. “Today, we are bringing something new to the table; we have previously talked about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Technology, Engineering, and Math before. That is about figuring out the science of our natural resources. But now we add an A in between. Art is important because this is the way that we can connect with our community.” 

Meanwhile, UOG President Thomas Krise emphasized that the murals would encourage people to consider their environmental and sustainability impact. “This is another great G3 initiative,” he added. 

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio said that the project engages people and draws attention to the natural resources and beauty of the island, especially for younger generations. 

The G3 Art Corps aligns with several UN SDGs, including Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Goal 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

The Governor’s Educational Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant [Project Award S425H210004] provides support for the G3 Art Corps program. 

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability was awarded $840,311.00 for the Guam Green Growth Education and G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub program as part of the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program.

About  G3 

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the UN SDGs and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region. 

G3 and GSC launch first-ever Guam Grower’s Calendar to kick-off 2023

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The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability (CIS), Sea Grant, Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative, and the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program officially launched two community calendars for 2023 at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.  

More than just a tool for organizing and tracking important dates, Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability, said the new calendars highlight information that promotes a land and sea approach to food sustainability.  

“We import over 90 percent of all the food and goods we consume, and we want to reduce that number. The tide chart calendar shows how to catch more local fish and use our abundant local resources in our pelagic areas and the deep ocean. And with the grower’s calendar, we are showing how we can cultivate our land — starting with our own backyard — help community gardens, and bring more local food to families,” Shelton said.

The Guam Grower’s Calendar (Fanha’aniyan Manåmon Guåhan) features photos of fresh local produce. It also includes the CHamoru lunar seasons, growing tips, and pest and disease management guides. The UOG team partnered with Guåhan Sustainable Culture (GSC) for the publication.

The Tide Chart Calendar features photos of some of Guam’s best rod and reel catches, which were selected from locally submitted entries from a photo call-out in August. In addition, the calendar includes information about moon phases and sustainable fishing tips. It also features local tide charts provided by the UOG Marine Laboratory.

“Our publications team and our partners have worked hard to bring amazing information to our children and our community. This is something that we have talked about — a lot of folks are looking at ways to help people grow and catch their own food. So, both calendars are definitely going to help in those areas,” said Kyle Mandapat, assistant director for communications at Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability.

The two calendars are the first two deliverables from a UOG Sea Grant and Center for Island Sustainability project that focuses on developing and delivering place-based educational resources in marine, environmental, and sustainability sciences. The project received funding from the Governor’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant program.

“We are excited and appreciative about all the work that has been put into this project to be able to give locally produced materials to our students,” Sylvia Calvo, GDOE school program consultant, said at the launching.

The community can get copies of the calendars at the UOG Sea Grant office or the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village. A digital version of the calendars can also be downloaded at uog.edu/seagrant.

Corporate responsibility workshop leads social lesson at Innovation Hub

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub played host to a Corporate Social Responsibility workshop featuring Ericka Anderson, co-founder of the Guam Human Rights Initiative.  

According to Anderson, social legitimacy and capital are both key measures of a group’s standing in their community.  

“A company exists because society allows it to exist,” explained Anderson. “Social legitimacy is the relationship you have with society, and social capital is more of a manifestation effect.” 

Anderson says that organizations can see their social capital levels change throughout their existence.   

“You can build social capital, or you could lose social capital,” added Anderson. “You build it by having a positive impact on your society.”  

The workshop was a part of an ongoing series of development and education for local businesses offered at the Innovation Hub in the CHamoru Village in partnership with the University of Guam Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.  

Anderson also presented at the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration.  

“Corporate Social Responsibility is when corporations and organizations self-regulate themselves as citizens within the community and they aim to contribute to goals of philanthropy, activism and charity,” said Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Coordinator Myracle Mugol. “It’s when a company takes a positive role in the community, and they consider the environmental and social impact of their decisions and practices.” 

Ten local businesses and organizations confirmed participation in the workshop and sent representatives who learned about local implementation of CSR strategies and practices.  

For more information on upcoming workshop schedules visit www.guamgreengrowth.com.  

G3 Innovation Hub workshop allows community to make art and learn about traditional medicine

Makerspace

As part of the fourth installment of the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub’s “Seed Talk Sessions,” the facility held a printmaking workshop facilitated by Roldy Aguero Ablao, a queer mixed CHamoru artist and cultural practitioner who explores culture and identity through printmaking, fashion, and more.  

The “Seed Talk Sessions” are a series of developmental opportunities offered by the facility in which industry professionals engage island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship. 

The premise of this workshop involved thinking about ways participants could adorn themselves with imagery reminiscent of Guam.  

“Sometimes when we would go on hikes here such as Litekyan or to different family homes, we would go to the jungle and ask for permission. The folks from that land would give us leaves called pupulu aniti, or “spirit leaf.” You wear it on your body as protection close to your chest and heart,” said Ablao. “I found that very sacred, but it also changed the way I related to the land around me. It made me walk a little more gently. It made me breathe a little more deeply because now the land is on me and I am part of the land. We are always part of the land.”  

According to Ablao, the steam created by boiling these ferns can help decrease congestion. He added that he would gather these ferns from a friend’s house or a neighbor’s yard and paint them onto shirts to always have a remnant of the land with him.  

Participants prepared for the workshop by going on an åmot walk in which they gathered medical plants within the Paseo area. During the walk, they harvested climbing ferns (kahlao) growing on a tree, half-flower (nanåsu) fruit and flowers from the beach strand, as well as leaves from a noni plant near a sidewalk.  

After, they reconvened at the G3 Makerspace and made prints of using the materials they gathered by painting onto flowers and stamping them onto a piece of cloth or painting the outline of leaves.  

The workshop ended with a chant recited by Ablao and Joseph Certeza, the G3 Makerspace attendant.  

When asked about what advice he would give to aspiring creators, Ablao said, “The first word that comes to me is inagofli’e’ which means “to see” or “witness with care.” I want creators to see ourselves with care and know that our stories are worth it even if others do not see that.” 

Participants prepared for the workshop by going on an åmot walk in which they gathered medical plants within the Paseo area. During the walk, they harvested climbing ferns (kahlao) growing on a tree, half-flower (nanåsu) fruit and flowers from the beach strand, as well as leaves from a noni plant near a sidewalk. After, they reconvened at the G3 Makerspace and made prints of using the materials they gathered by painting onto flowers and stamping them onto a piece of cloth or painting the outline of leaves.

Comic publisher inspires artists in first Seedtalk Session event at Makerspace

Makerspace

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace welcomed Jean Marie Munson, a Guam-raised publisher, cartoonist, podcaster, and educator as a facilitator of one of its latest workshops, the first in their recently launched “Seedtalk Sessions” series offered at the facility’s innovation hub in CHamoru Village on June 29, 2022. 

Munson is a founding member of Plot Twist Publishing, a Nevada-based publishing house that specializes in comics. She is also a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Inspired by cartoons and comics such as Sailor Moon, Archie, and Peanuts, Munson developed an art style that reflected her identity and desire for diversity within media.  
 
“What influences my art style is women empowerment, body positivity, and a lot of feminist themes,” said Munson. “I always have a sort of homage to Guam. In my dedications and branding, I would say that I’m from an island because I want people to know that great literature and art can come from a non-U.S. place.”  

During a presentation at the G3 innovation hub, Munson talked about her journey creating a sustainable art career. After, she facilitated a workshop in which she taught and encouraged participants to tell their own stories in a short format.  

Munson’s workshop is a part of a series of developmental opportunities provided by the G3 Makerspace in which industry professionals interact with island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship.  

“The island has done a lot for me as a human being. Giving back is non-negotiable for me,” said Munson. “I want to spend this part of my life paying it forward and I really want to be part of the larger driving force that claims Guam as a creative hub and a place of innovation.”  

Guam Green Growth Makerspace wows crowds and welcomes new members at CHamoru Village Night Market 

Makerspace

The community is invited to get a closer look at some of the equipment and services available at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub every Wednesday night during the CHamoru Village Night Market.  

All three houses that make up the Makerspace and Innovation Hub including the Plastics House, the Green Store and the Workshop are all open and feature tours to for visitors who can leave the weekly event with a full stomach and what could be the start of their own small business.  

“When people come in and check out our facilities, I love seeing the lights go off when ideas come to their minds,” said G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Myracle Mugol, who oversees the Makerspace. “We have such creative people on our island and when they come in here and see the tools they can have access to, it really motivates them to take that leap into entrepreneurship.” 

Along with Mugol, herself an award-winning small business owner, the entire Makerspace team is comprised of small business owners ready to assist in growing the green economy.  

“Our very experienced team is standing by and ready to answer any inquiries one might have about joining as a member of the Makerspace and Innovation Hub,” explained Mugol. “Members will have access to the CNC Routers, 3D printers and all the other tools for a membership fee that will still be way below the costs of having to buy the machines themselves and then have to ship them and house them here.” 

Ryan Shane has often thought about starting his own business but never had access to the machinery that is available at the Makerspace before. 

“It is really amazing to see this stuff here in Guam for the people to use,” said Shane. “I have priced this equipment out before, and I would need to really secure some loans before being able to buy them. Having this service and this membership opportunity will get me into production so I can make that money and eventually be able to buy (the equipment) on my own, hopefully.”  

Members can also avail special rates for training courses and services according to Mugol.   

“We have a month-to-month membership at fifty dollars, or we have an annual membership that gives you a thirty-three percent discount overall,” said Mugol. “As a member you will have access, special pricing for certain services and other benefits that pop up throughout the year.”  

To see the membership packages and to enroll visit www.guamgreengrowth.org today or visit the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.  

G3 Makerspace shines through CHamoru Village Night Market

G3 Makerspace shins through CHamoru Village Night Market

The Wednesday Night Market has returned and our G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub team is happy to be part of the Chamoru Village familia!
 
Visit our three houses: the Green Store & Innovation Hub, our Plastics House, and our Makerspace and see all that we have to offer for makers, entrepreneurs, and anyone wanting to start and continue their sustainable journey!

The Corps provided outreach by educating attendees on proper waste disposal at the G3 and i*recycle bins and by assisting guests who visited the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Si Yu’os ma’åse’ to everyone who stopped by!
 
For membership information or workshop schedule check out the Makerspace website!

Gallery: Workshops at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub

Gallery: Plastic Bag Pouch Workshop

Check out the schedule and sign up for a workshop at the Makerspace today!

After its official launching at the start of the year, the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub has now started to offer workshops at its location in Chamorro Village.  

The Makerspace and Innovation Hub supports G3’s mission to establish sustainable and profitable cottage industries, improve the performance of enterprise facilitation and development programs, and support regional economic development.  

The workshop series was designed to achieve these program goals.  

So far, the Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub has already successfully concluded the following workshops earlier this month: Plastic Workshop: Creating Textiles and Zip Pouches, March 12; Natural Fiber Poksi Workshop with @youngbiha: March 17, and; Natural Dye Workshop with @taopacificdesigns: March 19. 

Meanwhile, the following sessions are still open to the public: 

  • Bamboo Processing & Wood Burning Workshop: March 24 
  • Plastic Workshop: Creating Textiles and Zip Pouches: March 26 

At the latest G3 steering committee, Myracle Mugol, Circular Economy and Makerspace coordinator, invited the community to check out the sessions.  

“We have some amazing artists and makers who are joining us to teach including some of our in-house attendants who will be there. If you’re interested, please sign up,” Mugol said.  

Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/…/guam-green-growth-circular… for more information on signing up and membership options. More workshop opportunities for April will be announced soon.