S.E.E. - Southwest Experiential Education
community-based, hands-on, real-life, learning
community-based, hands-on, real-life, learning
We're on a mission to connect you
with inspirational and transformational
educational opportunities for real-life learning
in real-life places with real-life people
"We are passionate, caring community members who want to support a better future for our world. The Community Learning Network is a New-Mexico-born and locally-based grassroots 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization born out of this communal intention and global need. We are a web of real-people in real-places who work together to provide extraordinary real-life learning experiences that inspire responsible, respectful, relational living and that will deepen the way you look at life...and the world."
~ Connect & Learn ~
Connect with local residents and community organizations & learn about life including: local history, cultural preservation ,language revitalization, food security, sustainable farming, seed saving, water conservation, sustainable building, traditional adobe, peace-making, conflict resolution, historical trauma, colonialism and de-colonization, economics, micro-enterprise development, non-profit management, the arts, teaching and learning in a diverse world, innovative regional careers, and more... |
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Where?
New Mexico ~ "The Land of Enchantment"
(They call it that for a reason...explore and you will agree)
Known as Nuevo México by the Spanish and Yootó Hahoodzo by the Dine (Navajo),
New Mexico is home to 22 indigenous nations and numerous old Spanish settlements and mission churches. Tucked between Arizona and Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Mexico. the Rio Grande River is the lifeblood of the region.
The 400-year-old capital city of Santa Fe, "City of Holy Faith,"
is nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
which translates from Spanish into English as "Blood of Christ."
By car, Santa Fe is one hour north of the international airport in Albuquerque
and one hour south of the mountain town of Taos, New Mexico.
New Mexico is home to 22 indigenous nations and numerous old Spanish settlements and mission churches. Tucked between Arizona and Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Mexico. the Rio Grande River is the lifeblood of the region.
The 400-year-old capital city of Santa Fe, "City of Holy Faith,"
is nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
which translates from Spanish into English as "Blood of Christ."
By car, Santa Fe is one hour north of the international airport in Albuquerque
and one hour south of the mountain town of Taos, New Mexico.
A Glance into Santa Fe, New Mexico's Past
The region was originally inhabited for thousands of years by numerous indigenous nations including Pueblo, Ute, Apache, and Dine' (Navajo). Later, the Spanish came to settle in Santa Fe around 1608. In 1680, the Pueblo Revolt succeeded in pushing the Spanish out for 12 years. While developing Santa Fe as a trade center, the returning settlers founded Albuquerque in 1706. Then, Spain forfeited the province of New Mexico to Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence. Later, the Mexican-American war was ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, and Mexico ceded to the United States what is known as the American Southwest and California. In 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state in the US. Spanish is spoken by more than 28% of New Mexicans, and numerous indigenous languages are common including Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, and Keres, as well as Ute, Apache, and Dine' (Navajo).
Serve Others
Serve and Learn!
Plant corn, clean acequias, distribute food, work in a local soup kitchen, distribute food to families and elders in need, meet with area students and teachers, and even muck stables, feed horses, or milk goats. There are plenty of ways to serve others in Santa Fe and more! An extraordinary opportunity for community exchange and environmental education in the art and science of right relation. 
Taste Centuries of History and Culture
The region is home to over 22 indigenous nations and numerous 400-year-old Spanish settlements. People have survived and thrived thanks to a deep commitment to family and community, as well as culture, nature, and "Creator."
Traditional languages and cultures still survive despite years of colonial occupation. |
Build with Adobe
We love MUD...hope you do, too!
Much of Northern New Mexico is built from adobe - a mixture of earth, clay, straw, and water. Join us in this timeless tradition and learn about our historic buildings and churches, adobe architecture, wooden vigas, kiva fireplaces, earthen ovens, mud plaster, latillas, passive solar, and energy-saving design. We are building a future while honoring the past! Steep in the deep heritage of the region while participating in intergenerational community work projects. 
Visit local Heritage Sites
We joke around in Santa Fe that there is an old Catholic Church every 5 blocks. Museums, historic monuments and archeological ruins, trails and parks, the pueblos, and of course, lots of adobe churches and historic buildings to see!
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Help Sustainable Farms
Get Growing!
Put your hands on the earth... plant, weed, harvest food.. .learn about the food cycle, composting and seed saving, as well as water democracy and our centuries-old acequia ditch system, and more... Learn about environmental stewardship, food security, and land conservation while enjoying the extreme beauty, culture, and history of northern New Mexico! 
Steep in the Beauty and Wonder of Nature
When pondering how to create well-being for life, clean water, fresh air, healthy food, and natural wonder are part of the recipe. Here in the Land of Enchantment, nature still prevails and her splendor is is everywhere. The quality of light and air here can't be described easily but the natural beauty is palatable, prevalent,
and refreshing medicine for the spirit and soul. |
AND Much More!
Whatever your learning interests,
we have phenomenal things to learn, see, hear, feel, and do...
AND
we can create a unique, custom plan to support your educational needs
Some of the areas of interest we explore:
we can create a unique, custom plan to support your educational needs
Some of the areas of interest we explore:
Plus, we work with a range of different groups...
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College or High School
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Alumni
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Families or
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P.S. - Just say AHHHHhhhhhhh!
A Special Note for Alumni, Post Graduate students, Working Adults, or Retirees:
Northern New Mexico is special and we are especially good at shaping a visit that is uncommon, restorative, and inspiring.
Come and enjoy the rich culture and history of the region,
meet with local community members and visit local organizations, projects, and attractions.
Spiritually nourishing and personally restorative,
the natural beauty and historic charm of northern New Mexico is pure medicine.
(Plus, Professional Development credits may be available!)
Northern New Mexico is special and we are especially good at shaping a visit that is uncommon, restorative, and inspiring.
Come and enjoy the rich culture and history of the region,
meet with local community members and visit local organizations, projects, and attractions.
Spiritually nourishing and personally restorative,
the natural beauty and historic charm of northern New Mexico is pure medicine.
(Plus, Professional Development credits may be available!)
"Working with the Community Learning Network in Santa Fe provides participants with a remarkable and unforgettable program which promotes cross-cultural understanding and a provides profound experiences which highlight the rich tapestry of the interconnection of the spiritual and cultural aspects of the Southwest. It has been my privilege to bring groups of adults and teenagers to the Santa Fe area where they can experience a deeper understanding of their own faith, and their own humanity. I hope to be involved for several more years with the Community Learning Network which provides high quality programming and personal attention." Deacon Steve Herrera, Diocese of San Jose