About

Based in the Puget Sound, at the southern end of a diverse ecosystem known as the Salish Sea, the Slow Motion Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering deep relationships between individuals and their local environments through place-based learning and ecologically conscious travel. 

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Slow Motion Institute is to cultivate a sense of place and environmental stewardship by encouraging individuals to immerse themselves in their local surroundings. By promoting slower, more deliberate travel and learning experiences, the Institute aims to inspire a greater appreciation for local cultures, natural landscapes, and sustainable living practices.

The Leadership Team (Send inquiries to us here: Slow Motion)

Irina Gendelman, Ph.D. is a co-founder of the Slow Motion Institute. She is a communication studies professor at Saint Martin’s University. Her interests include instructional development, place-based education, travel, visual communication, and storytelling. While working at Saint Martin’s University, she founded the Center for Scholarship and Teaching, the Communication Studies Program, and the Native Voices concentration. Gendelman teaches undergraduate and graduate classes and co-leads food and culture focused student trips (Morocco, Spain, and Italy) and local experiences (foraging, service, and flâneurie). She earned her Ph.D. in communication at the University of Washington. In 2023, she was a Visiting Teaching Fellow at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. 

Jeff Birkenstein, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Slow Motion Institute. He is a professor of English at Saint Martin’s University. His major interests lie in the short story (American, world) as well as food, travel, and cultural criticism.  He has published seven co-edited collection of essays, including Classroom on the Road: Designing, Teaching, and Theorizing Out-of-the-Box Faculty-Led Student Travel (Lexington Books, 2020) with Irina Gendelman. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 2003; he has a second MA in Teaching English as a Second/Other Language. He is a two-time Fulbright Scholar (Petrozavodsk State University, Russia, 2013; Bar-Ilan University, Israel, 2024). 

Core Focus Areas

1. Place-Based Learning

   • The Institute offers educational programs that immerse participants in their local environments. These programs include workshops, guided tours, and experiential learning opportunities designed to deepen understanding of local history, ecology, and cultural traditions.

   • Collaborations with local educators, historians, and ecologists ensure that the content is rich, accurate, and deeply rooted in the local context.

2. Eco-Conscious Local Travel

   • Encouraging travel that minimizes environmental impact, the Institute promotes the use of public transportation, cycling, kayaking, and walking tours. 

   • Programs are designed to highlight the beauty and significance of local natural places, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the environment.

3. Local Food and Sustainable Practices

   • The Slow Motion Institute champions local food systems by connecting participants with local farmers, food artisans, markets, and foraging. Workshops and events often feature farm-to-table experiences and cooking classes that emphasize the use of local, seasonal ingredients.

   • The Institute also advocates for sustainable agricultural practices and supports local food sovereignty initiatives.

4. Cultural Knowledge and Respect

   • Cultural immersion is a key component of the Institute's offerings. By partnering with local artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners, the Institute provides authentic experiences that honor and preserve local traditions.

   • Educational programs emphasize the importance of respectful and mindful engagement with local cultures, encouraging participants to approach new experiences with humility and openness.

5. Mindful Engagement

   • Mindfulness is integrated into all activities, encouraging participants to be fully present and engaged in their experiences. The Institute offers mindfulness workshops, nature retreats, and other programs that promote mental well-being and a deeper connection to the surrounding environment.

Impact and Community Involvement

The Slow Motion Institute works closely with local communities to ensure that its programs benefit both residents and visitors. By prioritizing local knowledge and resources, the Institute helps to strengthen community resilience and foster a sense of pride and ownership among locals.

The Slow Motion Institute is more than just an organization; it is a movement towards a more sustainable, mindful, and respectful way of experiencing the world. Through its focus on place-based learning, eco-conscious travel, and deep cultural engagement, the Institute inspires individuals to slow down, connect deeply, and live more sustainably in harmony with their local environments.

Resources:

Pulling Together: A Guide for Front-Line Staff, Student Services, and Advisors by Ian Cull, Robert L. A. Hancock, Stephanie McKeown, Michelle Pidgeon, and Adrienne Veda