Join us at Vale Ondula on Monday, 4th of August 2025, for an inspiring full-day workshop on Social Permaculture Design with renowned permaculture educator Helder Valente.
This interactive and empowering session will explore how to design thriving social systems that nourish people and projects alike—whether you’re just starting out or already living and working in a community.
**About the Workshop**
Are you dreaming of building a regenerative project or community—or already part of one and facing the beautiful (and sometimes messy) challenges of group dynamics? This workshop is for you.
Social Permaculture Design is about more than just people care—it’s about designing the invisible structures that make projects and communities resilient, inclusive, and purpose-driven.
Helder will guide us through essential tools and frameworks for visioning, organizing, decision-making, and conflict resolution, all rooted in permaculture ethics and principles. You’ll leave with greater clarity, confidence, and real-life tools to apply directly to your group, project, or life.
**Workshop Themes**
1) Project Development
Vision, mission, objectives, aims, goals & scope—learn how to align your project's purpose with action.
2) Project Management
Nonviolent communication, conflict resolution, decision-making processes, volunteer coordination, and the role of rules (or the choice to go without them).
3) Bioregional Planning
Discover how communities can thrive in connection with their region—exploring ecovillages, network building, design for emergencies, neighbourocracy, and the transformational power of events and celebration.
This is a must for anyone starting or already involved in a community, ecovillage, regenerative project, or collaborative initiative.
**About the Facilitator**
Helder Valente is a seasoned permaculture designer, educator, and founder of the New School Permaculture. Trained by Bill Mollison, Geoff Lawton, and Rosemary Morrow, Helder has spent decades teaching and applying permaculture design in diverse settings around the globe. Rooted in the Portuguese countryside where he was born and raised, Helder brings a rare blend of global experience and local wisdom—making his workshops both practical and transformative.
**About Vale Ondula**
Vale Ondula is a living permaculture lab and eco-community nestled in the hills of northern Portugal. Dedicated to regenerating ecosystems and nurturing collaborative living, it’s the ideal place to dive into social permaculture and deepen your design practice in community.
**What to Bring**
- Notebook & Pen
- Your own packed lunch
- Open mind and willingness to engage
- (Tea and coffee will be provided)
**Programme**
09:30 – 10:00 Arrival and welcome
10:00 – 12:30 Morning workshop session
12:30 – 13:00 Lunch Break (bring your own lunch)
13:00 – 16:00 Afternoon workshop session
**Contribution**
Adults: Sliding scale of €50 to €70
Please note: While Vale Ondula is normally a family-friendly space, we kindly ask that children not attend this particular workshop. This is an exception for us, but as the entire core team wishes to fully participate in the session, we will not be providing a childminder on this occasion. Thank you for your understanding.
**RSVP Required**
Spaces are limited—please secure your place in advance by registering.
Come explore the human side of permaculture and strengthen the foundations of your project or community. We can’t wait to welcome you to Vale Ondula for this powerful day of learning and connection!
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