Jennifer DeCoste - LifeSchoolHouse, Folk School Networks, Community Development

Jennifer is dedicated to work that builds strong and connected communities. She is the Founder of a non-profit network of barter-based folkschools called LifeSchoolHouse that began n Nova Scotia, Canada. This platform for grassroots skills sharing creates stronger mor interconnected neighborhoods and reduces the impact of social isolation by offering nourishing spaces where neighbors can learn, connect, and thrive. This project has been scaled globally and Jennifer is the first person in Atlantic Canada to receive the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship for her work.Jennifer and her partner are also growing a new social enterprise in Nova Scotia called FireLoch: a space in the forest for community, care, and continuous learning. As a social enterprise, FireLoch is a forested retreat space with a sustainable model to support charitable work: offering bursaries and scholarships for deep rest and care for teams from the Non-Profit and Charitable sector in Nova Scotia.Jennifer has two children and sources great joy from introducing them to the true prosperity in Atlantic Canada: a history of cooperative action, the shared wisdom of multiple generations, and the kindness of strangers.LifeSchoolHouse - https://www.lifeschoolhouse.com/ Download Jennifer's Book "Tea for Community" - https://www.lifeschoolhouse.com/start-a-folkschoolOrder "Tea for Community" from the Folk School Alliance - https://www.folkeducation.org/Sys/Store/Products/346171FireLoch Gathering Place and Retreat - https://fireloch.com/Thoreau College: www.thoreaucollege.orgDriftless Folk School: www.driftlessfolkschool.org