Join us for a weekend workshop to explore how we can find wise responses to the social and environmental crises facing our world today. Grounded in the framework of the ‘Work that Reconnects’, this workshop will support us to navigate these uncertain times with hope, resilience and creative power.

The Work that Reconnects (WtR) is a supportive framework to reawaken our connection to ourselves, each other and the world. WtR has become increasingly relevant to current issues including the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, war, racism, and fragmented societies.

WtR provides an opportunity to understand and express both our concerns and our love for the Earth and our societies, and to (re)discover and give shape to our hopes. Through our remembering, we are able to go forth with new eyes and renewed purpose to continue contributing to a Life Sustaining Society. Drawing on the Expanded Spiral of the Work that Reconnects, the facilitators also seek to acknowledge historic and ongoing traumas from colonization, genocide, and systemic racism by bringing in: self-awareness of our social location; awareness of the social conditions, structures and the inequities causing pain in the world; and committing to our collective liberation.

This is a participatory workshop that involves solo processes, as well as conversational and group processes. The facilitators also bring their love of the natural world into the workshop by integrating nature connection experiences and Deep Ecology ideas with WtR practices.

The workshop will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day. Note that we recommend that participants have a gentle evening on the Saturday night if possible.

We will be enjoying a shared potluck lunch so please bring a plate on both days.

Ticket specials - half price for activists and First Nations people!

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS:

Emma Brindal is the founder of WiseEarth Education, which was established to nurture and build respect for our planet through experiential Earth connection programs. She has been running Work that Reconnects workshops for over 15 years and loves sharing this important work with others. Emma also works at Northey Street City Farm, where she has developed and offered a range of educational programs, drawing on Permaculture, Deep Ecology and Place-Responsive Education theory and practice.

Em Maltby has worked with community groups, adults and young people to create opportunities to enjoy, connect with, and support the Earth and each other. She approaches her work and life with a deep awareness that our personal and collective wellbeing are intertwined with the Earth’s wellbeing. Em first encountered the Work That Reconnects in a friend's bookshelf, and has been passionate about sharing its wisdom and strength with others for over 10 years.

Pam Blamey first encountered Joanna Macy’s work in the mid 1980s. She was an activist with Extinction Rebellion for a few years, and this year joined with First Nations Allies. Pam has attended Work That Reconnects workshops and facilitator training and studied more of Joanna’s work including an online course with Violet Hartounian in the US. Pam has a background in counselling and art therapy.

Contact the host of Active Hope: Wise Responses for Uncertain Times