At A Glance:
This course provides guided support and embodied practices that develop the mental, physical and emotional skills to "call people in" across lines of difference, opening doors rather than burning bridges.

Course Description:

Across the USA and the world, people are exhausted and disheartened by the level of polarization we're experiencing. There's a level of outrage in our discourse that simply can't be sustained. And for those of us seeking a path toward unity and connection, the advice from communications experts has always been to get centered, to listen deeply and to connect with others. Loretta Ross' Calling In is a welcome update that places all this in the current context of Call-Out Culture.

Like the nonviolent protest methods of the Civil Rights era, Calling In is simple in theory but requires a sophisticated connection between body, mind and emotions. It's not complicated, but it both reveals and calls upon all our complexity as human beings. For most of us to be able to put all this into practice — especially in emotionally charged situations — we need techniques to settle our nervous systems; frameworks to observe and understand others; a community of practice; and opportunities for both reflection and dialogue.

This course provides:

Daily prompts for reflective journaling - so you can read at your own pace and still keep up.
Weekly suggested readings from Loretta Ross' Calling In: How to Start Making Change With Those You'd Rather Cancel.
Weekly 90-minute online Social Presencing labs to process information and practice embodied awareness skills.
Monthly extended Discussion & Dojo sessions to integrate intellectual, emotional and body-based learnings.
Private online group for ongoing dialogue and peer support.
Access to discounted 1:1 coaching support.

Details:

Who should participate?

Anyone concerned about the current atmosphere of divisiveness or has lost relationships due to political rancor
Anyone desiring a community to process the technique and theory of Calling In, Out, On and Off
Anyone seeking to stay grounded during charged interactions
No prior experience in embodiment techniques, Calling In or other communications methods necessary

When?

Wednesdays*, March 26 - May 21, 2025, 5 pm Pacific/ 6 Mountain/ 7 Central/ 8 Eastern (Don't see your time zone? Check here)

Required Text:

Calling In: How to Start Making Change With Those You'd Rather Cancel by Loretta J. Ross

About Your Instructor:

Rie Algeo Gilsdorf (she/her/ella) is a student of Courageous Conversation, Mindful Inquiry, Deep Listening, and most recently, Loretta Ross' Calling In. She was selected as an advance reader of Loretta's groundbreaking book, Calling In: How to start making change with those you'd rather cancel. She is also an advanced practitioner of Arawana Hayashi's Social Presencing Theater, and a pioneer in its use in creating inclusive and fair environments. Rie's degrees in Zoology and Dance give her a unique viewpoint on the human body, from its expressive capacities to its ability to innately sense itself and resonate with others, to its physiological pathways of trauma and healing. She is passionate about integrating all these pieces in order to bridge the divides of our time.

Online Participants are Saying:

"I can't believe how much energy I have after this! I was feeling so Zoomed-out I almost didn't want to come, but now I'm ready to roll again!" - Rachel, St. Paul, Minnesota

“Thank you for your unbelievable facilitation of today's session. . . . you created and held an amazing space of trust, creativity and freshness.” - Dirk, Berlin, Germany

*If Wednesdays don't work, check out the Saturday morning cohort coming in May!