Like other chambers of commerce, this Berkeley organization seeks to advance the causes of the business community, particularly those of its member businesses. It supports Buy Local Berkeley and the Sustainable Business Alliance which encourage community-based, environmentally-responsible businesses reflecting local values.
Multicultural Institute is a non-profit organization helping immigrants improve their lives. Through vocational and social education, GED preparation and after-school tutoring, the institute attempts to help people help themselves and their communities. The Multicultural Institute is one of many programs linked to the Province of St. Barbara, Franciscan Friars. Check its website for a full list of activities. Donations are always welcome.
The First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley is located just south of UC Berkeley’s campus on Dana Street. On Sundays, the church hosts two traditional services in the morning and two contemporary services that attract college students as well as folks from all across the East Bay. The church also offers activities and groups for all ages, focusing on music and charitable work. To learn more about Presbyterianism or about the church, call the number listed.
This not-for-profit organization employs a community land trust model to provide affordable housing to low-income families in the Bay Area. It both builds and renovates existing properties to rent or sell below market cost to residents who have been trained in home ownership responsibilities. The organization also offers office space when available.
The modest goals of the Berkeley Geochronology Center include "establishing the history of the earth, its inhabitants and its interactions with the rest of the solar system." It facilitates collaborations between researchers around the world, examining the geologic record embedded in rocks and other earth materials. Along the way, they learn much about human evolution, climate change and the way the earth has changed over its history. See the website to learn about public events sponsored by the center or to see the latest news in geochronologic research.
This architectural association is built (so to speak) on the radical notion that people should design their houses and communities for themselves. It was founded and is run by Christopher Alexander, a celebrated architect and UC Berkeley professor who puts these ideas to work in community redevelopment projects around the country.
Nia House provides a Montessori curriculum to a diverse group of children ages 18 months to six years in the hopes of educating them in the values of peace, understanding and equality at an early age. The Montessori learning method has stood the test of time and space, having been developed in Italy more than a century ago, and focuses on freedom within limits for children who are thus incited to learn from themselves. It has been remarkably successful. The Nia House tries to provide this experience to all families by providing scholarships to those in need, but needs your donations to continue this practice.
On the winding Sterling Avenue just before it circles Miller Avenue in t heavily treed area is the home of the Berkely Hills Nursery School. Founded in 1938 as one of the first parent cooperatives in the country Berkeley Hills Nursery School is a small, private, non-profit pre-school dedicated to the total development of your child. Allowing children to develop at their own pace Berkeley Hills Nursery School offers emphasis on social skills along with emergent and enriched curriculum to ceate an environment tialored to the growth of your child.
This building hosts many Finnish cultural and historical events. The owners rent the space at reasonable rates to local event planners. Its well-lit, roomy studios are large enough to accommodate groups, and are also appropriate for dancing or martial arts rehearsals. The building is located just north of University Avenue in Central Berkeley.
Within three to twelve months, students can complete a course of study at Inter-City Services Workforce Training Institute that prepares them for jobs currently in demand in the technology sector. Its instructors come from industry and focus on practical, career-focused vocational training offered on a flexible schedule. This non-profit also provides financial aid and career placement assistance to ensure its services benefit as many people as possible.
Mathematical Sciences Research Institute is one of the premier institutions for mathematical research, hosting more than 2,000 mathematicians and postdoctoral students from the U.S. and abroad. They work collaboratively on issues that affect economics, science, technology and national security. The institute also features educational programs and events for kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as events throughout the year for the general public.
These Emmy- and Peabody-award winning producers put on the Berkeley Video and Film Festival and provide various film training services to up-and-coming filmmakers. It holds a number of workshops and classes on such topics as screenwriting, documentary production, editing and post-production. It also does video duplication and rents equipment to independent producers; a screening room is currently being built.
The Zen center offers introductory classes in Zazen and in Buddhist subjects as well as daily Zazen sessions in which participants sit in silent meditation. It also hosts longer sessions, called sesshin, that last up to seven days. To learn more about the principles of Zen Buddhism, see their schedule online.