Ecopsychology Convergence

Join Dr Charlie Brennan, Bridget O'Brien, Garden Juju Collective, Gateway Farm & guest speakers for our inaugural Ecopsychology Convergence! We are often asked, "Is there actually such a thing as 'Ecopsychology'?'' And the only possible answer is, "How could there not be!" Our ecopsychological feelings, identities, relationships with forests, rivers, seas, gardens, farms, towns, all beings and even highways – everything – are fundamental. And yet, in this human-centered world this is often overlooked or denied. 

We will be hearing from speakers & panelists, participating in workshops, world cafe style conversations & emergent discussions. Ecopsychology is bound with sense of place, place literature, ecology, Indigenous & Cultural studies, from literature & beautiful ideas to how we practically live our everyday lives.

We are super excited and honored to confirm the following speakers and presenters for Saturday:

- Rachel White, LMSW CTRP - Reset Brain and Body 'Finding Resilience (in these times)'
- Fatima Al-Rasool, Dean Nesreddine, Sara Alqaragholy - Arab American National Museum ‘The creation of Al Hadiqa rooftop garden: A place for community healing'
- Chad Monfreda - 'Earth Attunement with a Dharma Perspective'
- Katie Hipple, RYT-200 - Bliss Wellness Sound Bath 
- Playback Theatre - of Matrix Theatre Detroit 

Also during the Convergence 

- We will have a tree planting ceremony and Farm Tour during the event 

- World cafe workshop for reflection and group participation 

- Charlie & Bridget will present ‘Why exploring/using ecopsychology & place perspectives are crucial to the survival of us & the planet'

Join us for this most fundamental and exciting event. Expect be challenged, reassured, stimulated, re-enchanted and more. 

Please arrive by 8:30am for refreshments and registration.

There will be a catered luncheon.

Attendees are invited to linger after the Convergence for appetizers and a fireside chat.

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We also suggest joining us for the whole weekend - plan to attend Saturday's Ecopsychology: Place & Self workshop as well as Sunday's Convergence.

Day One - Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9am-5pm

Supporting, challenging and empowering you, this workshop provides tools and skills (including place making exercises), ideas, language and step-by-step plans for change. All of this is located within a body of literature and supported by an essential design tool. Participants will emerge from this workshop with an understanding of ecopsychology and their vital sense of place in this changing world.

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All levels of experience are welcome.

All ages are welcome. Youth 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 5 and under are included in the price of a caregiver ticket. Please supervise younger children. 

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs and we will accommodate you. 

Community Up-Skilling Events are a collaboration between Garden Juju Collective and Gateway Farm and take place at Gateway’s beautiful, abundant, permaculture-inspired, regenerative farm ‘hub’. 

We warmly invite you to be part of these enriching events where together we can learn, grow and thrive.

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Garden Juju Collective and Gateway Farm Hub events may be recorded in photo and video. By attending one of our events, you consent to being photographed and/or recorded. Images, recordings, and audio may be used for promotional purposes, both in print and online, including our social media channels and documentaries.

If this is a matter of concern, please inform event staff upon arrival and we will put every effort into accommodating you. We can avoid closeups but while we will do our best, we cannot make a guarantee with wide, group shots. Our staff will avoid children’s faces unless there has been expressed guardian consent. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!