Coordinator Call
 WE – A global campaign of We, The World to unite and amplify the effortsof people, organizations and movements working for the common good www.WE.net |
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Celebrating Earth Month Worldwide
March 20th (Equinox Earth Day ) through April 22nd and Beyond See and Post Events Worldwide on GlobalUnityCalendar.org See also Trends in Global Grassroots Organizing http://WE.net/trends 
Details below!
      This year a variety of organizations, (including those above), with people around the world, are celebrating Earth Month . Earth Month is a convergence of events, broadcasts and other activities starting with the Original Earth Day on the Equinox March 20th (World Happiness Day), including World Water Day March 22nd, World Meteorological Day March 23rd, and continuing through April 22nd (Earth Day celebrated), and culminating with the Peoples Climate March on March 29th. Here are selected event details:
The Earth Society Foundation
www.earthsocietyfoundation.orgcordially invites you to participate in the celebration of the 47th Annual UN Peace Bell Ceremony  The Ceremony will begin at 6:00 AM EDT at the Peace Bell
in the renovated Japanese Garden at UN Headquarters The Earth Society Foundation invites you to ring a bell for peace March 20th on the Equinox wherever you are. The Peace Bell at the United Nations in New York City will ring at 6:29AM Eastern Daylight Time – the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Fall in the Southern Hemisphere. At the same moment (11:29AM in Austria) the Peace Bell at the United Nations in Vienna will ring. The 2017 ceremony celebrates the anniversary of the first Earth Day initiated by John McConnell on March 20, 1970, in San Francisco, and will mark its 47th celebration at the United Nations in New York City. To attend this UN event, RSVP by March 15th is required, by email, to earthsociety1@hotmail.com. Include name and telephone number. Participants should bring a photo-ID for UN Security, and arrive by 5:50 AM EDT, Monday, March 20 at the UN Visitor’s Entrance at 46th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. To participate from anywhere around the world, you may ring a bell at this shared “Moment of Cosmic Equipoise” with the global intention to facilitate peace on our beautiful planet. WBAI Pacifica Radio Show Special
Health Action With Host Kathryn Davis Preview of Planet Heart’s Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration March 20th 1PM Eastern Time (USA) Listen live online at http://www.wbai.org Featured Guests include:
On World Water Day March 22nd The Compassion Games will launch and build momentum for Earth Week happening from April 22nd through April 30. During Earth Month we will pass the Compassion Torch to different Champions of Compassion in Support of Standing Rock who are standing to Protect and Restore Mother Earth.
 One Love Rising Radio – Special Teleconference Edition for World Water Day With Host Heidi Little – Co founder/Director of International Children’s Month and Co-Host Rick Ulfik – Founder of We, The World March 22, 2017 at 1PM Eastern Time (USA)To Join the Teleconference call by phone: +1 516 418-5703 Featured Guests include:
 Planet Heart’s 10th Anniversary Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration 2017Saturday April 22, 2017 | 6:30pm (Sharp)–10:00pm (Doors open 6:00pm) Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew | 263 W. 86th Street, NYC Inspirational Talks – Live Music Performances – Inspired Poetry – Guided Meditations – Vibrational Sound Activations On Earth Day April 22nd, 2017 there will be Global Teach-ins and the March for Science in Washington DC and other locations.  The Peoples Climate March is on April 29th Thank you for all you are doing to create a better world!
Rick Ulfik
Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net Trends in Global Grassroots Organizing: WE.net/trends 11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways to Change Your World An Urgent Message >From Your Children at WeYourChildren.org GlobalUnityCalendar.org – See and post social change events and announcements worldwide! Volunteer Sign-up: http://WE.net/takeaction/volunteer Organization Sign-up: http://WE.net/11days/participate Donation Page: WE.net/donate Facebook – Twitter |
| SUBSCRIBE to our WE Campaign Global Action Newsletter CLICK HERE | ||||
| WE – A global campaign of We, The World to unite and amplify the efforts of people, organizations and movements working for the common good WE.net International Women’s Day March 8, 2018 Join the Action – Add your Programs & Events to our public international
Global Unity Calendar at http://GlobalUnityCalendar.org  When you post on our Calendar the post shows up on many other websites as well!
Please let us know if you want to synchronize your calendar with ours.
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First Annual
Featured Speakers Include
 Sande Hart – Director of the Women and Girls Sector of Charter for Compassion International  Rick Ulfik – the Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net
Other Featured Speakers include Treasures >From The Universe members Nina Laiberg, Nancy Baldry, and Sarah Otis.
Please join us for a dynamic, inspiring and interactive live conversation on the women’s movement and women’s empowerment between passionate advocates Sande Hart, Rick Ulfik and a collective of women who have come together to give birth to Treasures From The Universe – a project of co-creation and collaboration bringing light, love, and healing to the world in tangible ways.
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 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WEBCAST March 7-9, 2018 http://peacechannel.com Co-Sponsored by We, The World, Playing For Change, Unity Foundation Pledge To Peace and Step It Up for Gender Equality Since 1909, International Women’s Day has celebrated the power of women around the globe. On March 8, 2018, International Women’s Day spotlights a worldwide movement for women’s rights, equality and justice. In our first annual Women’s Day Webcast, Peace Channel honors the strength and courage of the women who make up nearly half of the planet’s 244 million migrants, preserving families and contributing to the global economy. You may Embed the Peace Channel W ebcast on your own webpage using this code: <a class=”embedly-card” href=”http://peacechannel.com/“>PeaceChannel</a><script async src=”//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/platform.js” charset=”UTF-8″></script>.
To learn more, contact us at darlene@peacechannel.com.
Let us know on Facebook if you are planning a Vigil in your area. here are our new Love Power T-Shirts! |
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Global Kindness Going Viral Show
March 8, 2018
With Host Karen Palmer
Visit www.facebook.com/spiritualitygonewild
and like the page to get notifications of when we are live On March 8th, join us for a whole day filled with inspiring interviews, global meditations, and empowering action steps to become what we wish to see in the world. Conscious Women leaders in love, compassion, and kindness will share their uplifting stories of hope and ways the audience can help co-create a kinder and more loving world for all of us.
Guests include: Ladies Go Live, Tina Valant, Lottie Hern Ross, and Jenn Nelson, Then Wendi Gilbert of Kindness Evolution, Sande Hart of Charter for Compassion Women and Girls Sector, Teri Angel of Angelspeakers and Spirituality Gone Wild, David Nichol will lead us in a Global Meditation for Unity, Ann Cabano Founder of Just Be Love Project, Scarlett Lewis of Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation, Heidi Little of We, The World and International Children’s Month, and ShaRon Rae of No Judgement Just Love Movement.
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Unleashing the African Woman Thato Angelina Gabaitse Founder and Director Gabarone, Botswana Unleashing the African woman is a program aimed and designed to train groups of vulnerable women across Botswana. The mission of this program is to empower women to take full control of their lives. The program is designed to bring out the beautiful, strong and compassionate goddess in every woman.
This program strives to achieve this goal by developing the woman’s mindset through the building of leadership, life and entrepreneurial skills. This will be achieved through training conducted for 30 weeks through a body, mind and soul transformation journey with counseling, training on the development of a wholesome and holistic childhood foundation through love, abundance, and joy. Other activities include arts & crafts, theatre & dance, and gardening. Currently we are mobilizing resources to launch the program in partnership with YWCA Botswana (Young Women’s Christian Association), an organization that gives teen mothers the opportunity to continue with their secondary education while their babies are enrolled in the day care centre within the institution!
And soon we will be opening a branch office for We, The World in Botswana. For more information contact us at info@WeTheWorld.org |
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  ZEMYNA The Goddess of Earth
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1654075494638275 Inviting all Eco Warrior women to join hands with us to make this a better planet Organised by Namrataa Arora Singh Country Director for Charter for Compassion India, Women and Girls Namrataa Arora Singh is a spiritual eco-feminism activist, currently a fellow with Change.Org’s She Creates Change program in India, battling against the use of plastics and other issues relating to empowering women.
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W.O.M.A.N., Inc.
Women Organized to Make Abuse Nonexistent http://www.womaninc.org 26 Boardman Place | San Francisco, CA 94103
Direct Line: (415) 969-6761 24/7 Support Line: (415) 864-472
Roberta Donnay’s New Album Release
For International Women’s Day March 8th  |
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International Women’s Day 2018 Campaign Theme
 #PressforProgress https://www.internationalwomensday.com Now, more than ever, there’s a strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. There’s a strong call to #PressforProgress motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.
Individually, we’re one drop but together we’re an ocean. Commit to a “gender parity mindset” via progressive action. Let’s all collaborate to accelerate gender parity, so our collective action powers equality worldwide.
Take action here: |
 On International Women’s Day
Hear & Join Eve Ensler’s Passionate Call for 1 Billion Women To Rise! Go to http://WE.net/EveEnsler for the inspiring interview with Eve Ensler who has led a global movement to end violence against women.
“At the beginning, we got a group of women together in my living room. I think living rooms and kitchens are where all revolutions really begin.”
– Eve Ensler Tony Award winning playwright, activist, and author of the theatrical phenomenon The Vagina Monologues
Eve Ensler was the Featured Speaker on WOMEN for the 11 Days of Global Unity Tele-Summit 2015 produced by the Shift Network in Partnership with We, The World.
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It’s Time to Unite Our Efforts
Rick Ulfik
Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net
Subscribe to our WE Campaign Global Action Newsletter: WE.net/subscribe
Extended Interview with Eve Ensler at http://WE.net/EveEnsler
Resources for Collaboration & Action
11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways to Transform Your World
11 Days of Global Unity Tele-Summit 2017 – Listen to the recent interviews with Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Ralph Nader, Robert Thurman and many others!
Trends in Global Grassroots Organizing , Trends Newsfeed
An Urgent Message From Your Children at WeYourChildren.org
GlobalUnityCalendar.org – See and post social change and cultural events worldwide!
Renewable Energy Media Campaign and Movement
Volunteer Sign-up: http://WE.net/takeaction/volunteer
Organization Sign-up: http://WE.net/11days/participate
Donation Page: WE.net/donate
Facebook – Twitter
Equinox Earth Day – the Start of Earth Month! March 20th through April 22nd
| SUBSCRIBE to our WE Campaign Global Action Newsletter CLICK HERE | ||||
| WE – A global campaign of We, The World to unite and amplify the efforts of people, organizations and movements working for the common good WE.net Celebrating Earth Month Worldwide March 20th (Equinox, the Original Earth Day ) through April 22nd Earth Day See and Post Events Worldwide on GlobalUnityCalendar.org Programs by We, The World and Allies Included in this special newsletter:
Details below! |
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 The Earth Society Foundation The Original Earth Day on the Equinox Please join us at 12:15pm local NY time as we celebrate the annual Peace Bell ceremony and a shared moment of silence for “peace, justice and care of Earth.” We are encouraging people to ring a bell at whatever location you are at and add your thoughts to this powerful moment around the world – the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Fall in the Southern Hemisphere. We are also acknowledging that March 20 is “International Day of Happiness and Well Being.”
Check out the Earth Society Foundation’s new website in development at www.earthsocietyfoundation.us John McConnell was one the founders of the Earth Society Foundation as well as the founder of Earth Day. John McConnell was the driving force behind the 35 consecutive United Nations Peace Bell ringing ceremonies for over three decades, in cooperation with the United Nations. He initiated many “firsts” at the UN, including “Minute for Peace, “Earth Day on the Equinox” and the original Earth Charter. To this day The Earth Society Foundation is still celebrating Earth Day along with millions of people across the country as well as the globe.
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 Global Kindness TV
http://www.facebook.com/spiritualitygonewild   With Host Karen Palmer known as MindfulMediaMom Outreach Coordinator for We, The World Featuring Special Guests
Please share/like on facebook http://www.facebook.com/spiritualitygonewild Join us for inspiring conversations about how we can have more compassion, collaboration, and kindness in our world. Karen Palmer host of Globalkindness TV welcomes her guests Rick Ulfik of We, The World and Jon Ramer of Compassion Games. Let’s experience an uplifting dialogue of hope for all.
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 In commemoration of the
International Day of Happiness Tuesday, 20 March 2018 Special High-Level Event at the United Nations Happiness at the Center of Government Work 10am – 11:30 am, in the UN Delegates Dining Room
(NYC headquarters, 4th floor) NOTE: At this point, a UN grounds pass/badge is required for admission
This day has been decreed for annual recognition by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/66/281, Co-hosted by the Missions of UAE, Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Portugal and Slovenia to the United Nations, as founding members of the “Global Happiness Coalition. Professor Jeffrey Sachs, in his capacity as director of the Global Happiness Council, introduces the first policy report on happiness and well-being. And the roundtables will be preceded by remarks by Ambassador Al-Bayati, who spearheaded the UN Resolution, to provide background on the International Day of Happiness. The six underpinning themes of the report will then be discussed through interactive roundtables on Mental Health and Happiness, Positive Education, Social Connections, Work and Wellbeing, Happy Cities and Metrics, chaired by UN delegates, policy makers, experts and international organization representatives. Outcomes will be shared with all participants in the closing segment. The event will be followed by a special session on the World Happiness Report by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Dr. Judy Kuriansky  The April 2018 Compassion Games
http://compassiongames.org/earth-weekA 9-day global challenge to inspire acts of love, service, and compassion toward our Mother Earth and all life. April 14th and continuing through April 22nd (Earth Day), April Compassion Games catalyzes the love human beings have for the Earth by bringing people together globally to participate in a playful competition of compassionate action.
 And check out Kristin Hoffmann’s Song for the Ocean |
– ONE – The Message From Mother Earth Click HERE for more tracks from Heidi Little Heidi Little is Outreach Coordinator for We, The World  SUMMER IN THE FOREST A Film by Randall Wright Press/Launch Party on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day – 6:30PM at 3 West Club
3 West 51st Street, Manhattan New York CityFilm openings, March 23-30. In NY: March 23rd – Village East Cinemas In LA: April 6th “This full length uplifting feature movie on disabilities is: “Breaking down Prejudice, Revealing Beauty and Proclaiming the Ability in Disability.” Filmmaker was honored by the Queen of England, the Pope, and the Templeton Award.
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 Planet Heart’s 11th Annual
World Peace Earth Day Celebration “Celebrating Our Planet, Healing Our Heart” Saturday April 21, 2018 6:30PM – 9:30PM At New York New Church 114 East 35th Street, Manhattan, New York City Cost: $25 pre-paid by April 20th or Doors Open & Registration at 6pm. Produced by Andrew Kaen in Association with We, The World (fiscal sponsor), and Jodi Serota. Come join us in NYC for A Very Special Evening with our Conscious Community as we Gather in Unity Honoring Mother Earth & The New Earth. Listen to Inspirational Talks, Experience Live Music Performances, Opening and Closing Ceremony and Inspired Poetry along with Guided Meditations. Heal, Awaken & be Ignited through Vibrational Sound Activations. Featuring Jodi Serota (Metaphysical Educator, Channel, Vibrational Healer, Professional Artist), Kurt Johnson (Author, The Coming Interspiritual Age), Premik (Composer, Arranger, Producer and an accomplished Multi-Instrumentalist), Rick Ulfik (Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign) and more. With host Mitchell Rabin (Founder/Producer/Host of A Better World TV and Radio). |
Rita Morgin Free land healing meditation call Thursday April 19, 2018
at 8 am Pacific time and at 7pm Pacific time the call will be recorded and a free MP3 provided upon request. The freeconferencecall line information is: Free Conference call invite
Join meeting with audio: Join meeting with video conferencing and/or screen sharing: Click to join: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/ritadragon79
Or, enter online meeting ID on desktop app: ritadragon79 Contact: ritadragon79@gmail.com  We, The World is seeking highly motivated individuals passionate about creating social change to positively impact people and the planet. If you want to join the WE Team and be a Volunteer WE Coordinator CLICK HERE.
It’s Time to Support Our Efforts too!
Your generous Donation will help us to continue and expand our global network of collaboration and action! Thank you! Rick Ulfik |
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Crystal Reiki is an Alternative Healing method which combines the Universal Life Force of Reiki Energy with the Healing Power of Quartz Crystals!
Requirements: Reiki Practitioner Level 1+2. If you are not a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner, please specify this, and I will include the Reiki Level 1+2 Attunements in this session.
You will learn how to use Crystals and how to benefit from the Reiki Energy for Healing.
In Association with Friends of the Institute of Noetic Sciences
Present
and the Power of Nonviolent Communication
http://WE.net/wwv-nvc-june18 Monday June 18, 2018
Registration, Seating and Networking 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Program starts promptly at 7:00pm to 9:00pm
227 West 13th Street 3rd Floor Aqua Room
(Between 7th and 8th Avenues) in Manhattan, New York City Outside of New York?
View the Free Online LIVE Webcast!
(Livestream link at www.YouCanView.com or go to WE.net)
Featuring
- Dr. Jude Currivan – Author of The Cosmic Hologram and Co-Creator of the WholeWorld-View
- Rick Ulfik – Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net, Rick is also a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Workshop Facilitator and leader
- Dr. Kurt Johnson – Author of The Coming Interspiritual Age, President of Friends of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, and a Co-Creator of Unity.Earth
- Kristin Hoffmann – Internationally acclaimed Singer, Songwriter and Recording Artist
- Gil Agnew – Co-Creator of the WholeWorld-View
- Robert Levine – Writer, activist, Yoga instructor, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator for We, The World and Board Member of Friends of the Institute of Noetic Sciences
Sliding Scale: $20, $15, or $10 (no one turned away) Limited Seating! To RSVP please write to Gil@newinnergy.com
Dear Friends,
We invite you to join us for a dynamic, inspiring, informative and interactive gathering in New York City and LIVE Online wherever you are. At this gathering we will deepen our understanding and experience of the emergent WholeWorld-View. And we will explore how the framework and language of NonviolentCommunication can apply this unity awareness, empoweringus to value our personal uniqueness and celebrate our diversity whilehealing and transforming our relationships with ourselves, each otherand our planetary home.
In this participatory and experiential evening, you will:
- Discover the key insights of the WholeWorld-View of unified reality and unity awareness
- Explore the principles and processes of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) that have touched millions of lives and inspired many to believe that practicing NVC is a key strategy for bringing peace and unity to our world
- Understand the unity movements’ impetus in the world
- Participate in an NVC experience called Shifting Towards Compassion
- Attune with the transpersonal experience of unity awareness
- Explore and share what the embodiment of unity expressed in diversity means for our own lives
- Be deeply moved by the inspiring vocal performances of Kristin Hoffmann !
We look forward to hearing from you and hope you will join us June 18th – in person or online!
Rick Ulfik – Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net
WE – A global campaign of We, The World to unite and amplify the efforts
of people, organizations and movements working for the common good
WE.net
Dear Friends,
As one of the supporting organizations of this conference, We, The World is very excited to invite you to attend (in person or via livestream) the Inaugural Global Town Hall for Global Governance Renewal, Innovation and Reform – a FREE event July 21-23, 2018 at the University of Colorado in Boulder. This will be the first of a series of Global Town Halls leading to 2020 the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. The Global Town Halls are a means for direct citizen input into an effective and inclusive preparatory process for a UN2020 summit to catalyze the renewal and strengthening of the UN.
Complete details are below. Please Note: If you Register for the livestream, you will be given the direct livestream link prior to the event. We hope you will join us!
Rick Ulfik – Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net
Subscribe to our WE Campaign Global Action Newsletter: WE.net/subscribe
11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways to Transform Your World
GlobalUnityCalendar.org – See and post social change and cultural events worldwide!
Facebook – Twitter
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Preventing war. Averting trade skirmishes. Reducing international tensions. Slowing the flood of refugees. Assuring plentiful food supplies. Ushering in an era of renewable energy. Reducing nuclear threats.
Up-Lift 2018—Raising Our Higher Consciousness Capacity
You’re invited to tune in online Saturday, August 25th for the Up-Lift 2018—Raising Our Higher Consciousness Capacity webinar hosted by Howard Martin, Executive Vice President, HeartMath Inc.; Rollin McCraty, Director of Research, HeartMath Institute; and Owen Ward, Chief Strategy Officer, HeartMath Inc.
Click here for simple instructions to determine the webinar times in your area:
- For Select time and place to convert from, choose San Francisco, Calif.
- For Select time and place to convert to, choose your country and a city in your time zone.
When you register for the Up-Lift 2018—Raising Our Higher Consciousness Capacitywebinar, you will receive a replay link
They will share valuable information and preview this year’s event, Lifting the Vibration of Our Spirit: Unleashing the Heart Power of Collective Consciousness, which will be held November 14-18 in the Mexican Riviera on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula.
Up-Lift 2018—Raising Our Higher Consciousness Capacity
(A free HeartMath/
Saturday, August 25
11-11:45 a.m. or 6-6:45 p.m.
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ABOUT US
HeartMath Institute
We are passionate and dedicated people, steadfast in our commitment to provide solutions for activating the heart of humanity. HeartMath Institute empowers individuals, families, groups and organizations to enhance their life experiences using tools that enable them to better recognize and access their intuitive insight and heart intelligence.
Resources to empower you.
Presented by type of media.
Explore HeartMath’s collection of free resource and downloadable materials for expanding your heart connections including practical solutions for your personal growth, health and life fulfillment.
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Sample of available webinars:
Empowering Coherent Groups: New Frontiers in Social Coherence Research and Development
What happens when a group’s members are resonating in-sync – past their normal performance levels? Researcher explains how an energetic field connects individual group members, which simultaneously distributes information between the group members leading to key social behaviours. Learn about a new heart rate variability system being developed for measuring group coherence and a training program for facilitating team and group coherence.
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The UN High Level Forum on The Culture of Peace, 5 September 2018 at United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY – Webcast at UN WebTV At this Forum key UN and civil society leaders discuss strategies for resolving and preventing conflicts and implementing the UN Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace. 1992 Nobel Peace Laureate Dr Rigoberta Menchu Tum will be the keynote speaker. President of the General Assembly and UN Secretary-General will also speak. The theme of the Forum is “The Culture of Peace: A Credible Pathway to Sustaining Peace“. Please visit the following UN link to know more: https://www.un.org/pga/72/wp-content/uploads/sites/51/2018/08/PGA-letter-Culture-of-Peace.pdf “Contact: Iris Spellings optu.ny@gmail.com
Join us on the Road to 2020!
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11 Days of Global Unity is a community action-oriented program, hosted by the Florida Earth Charter Initiative and “We the World.” Beginning on September 11th, and leading up to the UN’s International Day of Peace – September 21st – Syraj Syed, founder of Your Authentic Self Work, and Sue Blythe, creator of the FutureFlash! Climate Challenge, will interview community activists for each of 11 Themes for Change.
Register at https://docs.google.com/forms (copy link to browser) to receive each day’s Community Exchange and learn how you can find your place in the movement of movements for a sustainable, just and peaceful future.
Join us on the Road to 2020! |
Join indigenous leaders from around the world for a day of Earth-based wisdom teachings, prayers, and music to support transformation, healing, and social change.
Powerful Indigenous voices from our beloved Mother Earth are coming together to share sacred knowledge with you… (scroll down for details)
There is no registration required to attend… just visit our Facebook page here on October 8 starting at 9am Pacific Time.
During this full-day Facebook Live gathering, you’ll:
- Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, October 8, 2018 LIVE with sisters and brothers all over the world
- Receive stories and wisdom from Indigenous elders
- Participate in reverent moments & an opening ceremony
- Learn about prophecies regarding enormous change & heart-connected evolution
- Discover how to take action for change!
- View The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code — a compelling documentary film by Sheldon Wolfchild
And much more good healing for us all!
At the core of global restoration is the recognition that Indigenous peoples carry a way of being that is sustainable, harmonious, healthy, and just. Their ancient wisdom can guide us in healing our hearts, transforming our minds and creating truly loving, collaborative communities on our planet.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that on Indigenous Peoples Day, Monday, October 8, 2018, The Shift Network is presenting a full-day Global Indigenous Wisdom Summit via Facebook Live!
This will be a profound spiritual gathering of Indigenous leaders from around the world sharing Earth-based wisdom teachings, prayers, and music to support transformation, healing, and social change, as well as concrete examples for birthing a new era — one in which all members of the human family are treated with respect, understanding, compassion and justice.
The day will be hosted by Indigenous speaker Shawna Bluestar (Shawnee, Lenape, Azteca), and will include keepers of wisdom from around the world, such as:
Grandmother SaSa (Swan of the North) is a seer, a dreamer and a universal healer. She founded The Rose and The Swan Healing Center for Healers, where she conducts teachings and the Medicine Hoop of Life ceremony twice a year.
Grandmother Flordemayo is a founding member of the Church of the Spiritual Path, the Confederation of Indigenous Elders of the America, Institute of Natural and Traditional Knowledge, International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, and recently founded The Path a 501(c)3 organization.
Woman Stands Shining (Pat McCabe) has the honor of being of the Diné (Navajo) Nation. A life-bringer, life-bearer mother, writer, artist, activist, speaker and cultural liason, her work is driven by the study of the Science of Right Relations. Moving from the central knowledge that we, the five-fingered-ones, are born into beauty, as beauty, for joyful life, she brings the understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing into discussion and inquiry on sustainability.
Dave Courchene , Nii Gaani Aki Innini (Leading Earth Man), has traveled internationally, carrying a message of hope and peace. Dave shares ancient Indigenous knowledge that he believes can act as the foundation in supporting the new life that Mother Earth is now entering, and that the elders have confirmed has arrived. He has created a special place for sharing ancient Indigenous knowledge — the Turtle Lodge — built based on a vision he received many years ago.
Grandmother Moetu-Taiha Ransfield is descendent of the Ngai Tuhoe and the Kahungunu tribes of Aotearoa New Zealand. Moetu is always connected to her land, her mountain, her river and her people because she is them. She carries her ancestors with her. After an experience with cancer, she was given a choice of whether to stay “here” or go to the ‘loved ones’. Grandmother Moetu chose to stay and made a commitment to be a channel for helping humanity. Her ‘calling’ is her life. She wants to find and build leaders, the ones who want to make a difference and be a force for good in the world.
Pura Fé is a Native singer-songwriter, seamstress, teacher and activist. She is also the founding member of the Internationally renowned Native American women’s a cappella trio, “Ulali”.
Ilarion (Kuuyux/Larry) Merculieff has over 40 years of serving his Unangan (Aleut) people and is a carrier of messages from Indigenous elders from around the world. He speaks all over the world, has received many awards and co-authored two books.
Tiokasin Ghosthorse is a musician, writer, educator. He is an internationally-syndicated host, executive producer and founder of the 26-year-old “First Voices Radio,” heard on 77 public, community and commercial radio stations in the U.S. and Canada. Photo by Ivan March.
Joanne Shenandoah , PhD, is one of “America’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed Native American musicians of her time” (Associated Press). She is a Grammy Award winner with 3 nominations and over 40 music awards, including 14 Native American Music awards – a Hall of Fame Inductee. Her music ranges from solo to full symphony and 22 recordings.
Shawna Bluestar Newcomb (Shawnee, Lenape, Azteca) is a spiritual guide and mentor for women, supporting them to share their unique gifts and voices. Shawna is working with her father Steven T. Newcomb to challenge The Doctrine of Discovery, and dedicated to bring about healing for humanity, Mother Earth, and future generations by sharing The Reverence Code based on ancient and Indigenous wisdom.
Buffy Sainte-Marie is an internationally renowned recording artist, activist, educator, visual artist, and winner of countless awards. In 2017 she released Medicine Songs, a career retrospective of Sainte-Marie’s song collection spanning nearly 50 years. Medicine Songs features new recordings of Sainte-Marie’s songs about the environment, alternative conflict resolution, Indigenous realities, greed, and racketeering. Part rhythmic healing, part trumpeting wakeup call, Medicine Songs is the soundtrack for the resistance.
Unci Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance is an Oglala Sioux who lives on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She is a Lakota keeper of the traditional ways, great grandmother, Native American Church elder, and beadworker descended from Long Visitor and members of the Crazy Horse Band, named for the great warrior, Crazy Horse.
Steven Newcomb (Shawnee, Lenape) is the co-founder and co-director of the Indigenous Law Institute, along with Birgil Kills Straight who is an Oglala Lakota headman and ceremonial person. Steve Newcomb is author of “Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery” and co-producer of the documentary film, “The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code” directed by Sheldon Wolfchild (Dakota). Newcomb is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Doctrine of Discovery based on the 40 years he has spent investigating and writing about these issues. Photo by William P. Laronal
Leah Shenandoah is an Oneida Iroquois Wolf Clan award-winning singer-songwriter, jeweler and multi-media artist. She considers herself a radical compassionist in a world filled with suffering.
Nathan Blindman is a commercial artist and a producer known for “CowJews and Indians” (2013).
Reverend Eila Paul is a Grandmother and healer who has a spiritual and physical connection to her people, the Maori of Aotearoa New Zealand, and to her culture. Eila works with the elderly, and children, to weave deep and sacred connection to the earth and all beings. She travels through North America and Europe offering sacred seeds of knowledge and healing.
Lyla June is poet, musician, educator, anthropologist, activist and community servant of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages. She holds a degree in Environmental Anthropology with honors from Stanford University as well as a degree in American Indian Education with distinction from the University of New Mexico.
Throughout the day, these powerful leaders will help open a deeper understanding within you about the many challenges Indigenous nations and peoples face, and how we can work together toward a brighter future for humanity, all living things, and Mother Earth.
At the Shift Network, we are deeply committed to our Indigenous brothers and sisters and see healing our society’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples, and supporting their upliftment, as essential for the larger healing of our world. That is why we dedicate this event to hearing more of their voices of wisdom, which carry important medicine for our time.
Please join us!
There is no registration required to attend… just visit our Facebook page here on October 8 starting at 9am Pacific.
“Give Yourself A Raise!” FREE LIVE Online Webinar!
Dear Friend,
I have something to share with you today that will help you lift yourself above any feelings you may be experiencing of overwhelm around your health, relationships, money issues, politics, or the state of the world.
It’s a FREE Online Video Class called ‘Give Yourself a Raise’ that will raise your mood, consciousness and energetic presence!
Here’s some of what you’ll experience during the class:
- A Convenient Truth! See how science and age-old wisdom merge seamlessly
- Brain Power! Stimulate your neurotransmitters to expand your sense of flow
- Inhalation Exhilaration! Breathe into a lighter state of presence
- True Story! Real life example of how one breathing session is life shifting
- Moving Experience! Move your energy in the “light” direction
- And so much more!
This FREE class was created by my good friend and co-host of the award-winning Get Conscious Now TV program, Stu Zimmerman, who has interviewed numerous luminaries, including Deepak Chopra, Byron Katie, Neale Donald Walsch, Marianne Williamson, George Zimmer, Van Jones,Tony La Russa, and Gay and Katie Hendricks.
I have known Stu personally for over a decade, and I know you’ll benefit from his many practical pathways that will lead to greater levels of peace, joy and playfulness, no matter what is happening in your life.
Find Out More About Stu’s FREE Online Video Class: ‘Give Yourself a Raise’
In Oneness,
Steve Farrell
Worldwide Executive Director
Humanity’s Team
P.S. If you feel like your life is in a rut of any kind, the class will lift you out of it fast and get you moving along your destiny path again in no time!
Access this New ‘Give Yourself a Raise’ Video Class for Free
An Online Summit Celebrating 10 Years of Transition in the US!
On Saturday, October 27th, Transition US will host our first-ever national online summit, bringing together Transition US community members and organizers from across the country for a day of education, inspiration, and celebration. Both groups and individuals are invited to join in the fun!
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
We will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Transition Movement in the US with an inspiring full-day program, including:
– Keynote sessions featuring international Transition Movement founder Rob Hopkins and world-renowned author, educator, and activist Margaret J. Wheatley.
– Engaging panel discussions focused on sharing some of the greatest success stories from our national network and deepening connections with the wider movement for community resilience.
– A live, interactive session with a talk by Transition US staff about the state of our movement and the presentation of several awards nominated by you, the community.
Scroll down for schedule and program details, and additional information on how to participate! Tickets available here.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration is now available here, with flexible pricing options available for groups and individuals.
We encourage Transition groups to use this Online Summit as the basis for hosting local gatherings. Click here to download a PDF guide for how to host a local watch party for your Transition or other community resilience-building group.
Please email info@transitionus.org for more information or if you’d like to join our planning team.
Here’s to another decade of building thriving, resilient community for all!
DETAILED SCHEDULE
Below are approximate times for our livestream of this event, which requires online registration and will take place via our Zoom video-conferencing platform. Please note that if you’re planning to host a watch party in your community, all of these times (except for our live, interactive session) are flexible. Suggested schedules for organizing an event in all four North and South American time zones are included in our downloadable “How to Host a Watch Party” guide.
– Arrival and welcome: 12:45-1:00pm Eastern Time (9:45-10:00am Pacific)
– Rob Hopkins keynote: 1:00-1:45pm Eastern Time (10:00-10:45am Pacific)
– Replicable examples panel: 1:45-2:30pm Eastern Time (10:45-11:30am Pacific)
– Margaret Wheatley keynote: 2:30-3:15pm Eastern Time (11:30am-12:15pm Pacific)
– Wider movement panel: 3:15-4:00pm Eastern Time (12:15-1:00pm Pacific)
– Live, interactive session: 4:00-5:15pm Eastern Time (1:00-2:15pm Pacific)
– Visioning, discussion, and closing: 5:15-6:00pm Eastern Time (2:15-3:00pm Pacific)
PROGRAM DETAILS
Below is a list of session titles, descriptions, and presenter bios. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
KEYNOTE 1
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON “THE TRANSITION MOVEMENT: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE”
In this lively keynote session, Transition Movement Co-Founder Rob Hopkins, Sarah McAdam, Delivery Director for Transition Network, and Don Hall, Co-Director of Transition US will explore a wide variety of themes that have emerged from the practice of Transition internationally and here in the US since its inception over a decade ago. In addition to pointing out successful strategies and common challenges, we’ll also look forward from this reflective moment to consider how the movement might continue to broaden, deepen, and scale-up its reach and positive impact over time.
Rob Hopkins: I’m a co-founder of both Transition Town Totnes and Transition Network. I’m also a serial blogger, author of The Power of Just Doing Stuff and 21 Stories of Transition, and I tweet as @robintransition. I previously wrote The Transition Handbook and The Transition Companion, and was awarded a PhD by the University of Plymouth – and more recently – Honorary Doctorates by the University of the West of England and the University of Namur. In 2012, I was voted one of the Independent’s top 100 environmentalists and one of “Britain’s 50 New Radicals.” I have appeared on BBC Radio 4’s “Four Thought” and “A Good Read,” appear in the French film phenomenon “Demain” (“Tomorrow”), have spoken at TED Global once, and at three TEDx events. I am an Ashoka Fellow, a keen gardener, one of the founders of New Lion Brewery in Totnes, and a Director of the Totnes Community Development Society, the group behind Atmos Totnes, a very ambitious community-led development project. If you’re wondering why I’m now writing a book about imagination, you can find out here.
Sarah McAdam: I play a coordinating role for Transition Network, paying attention to the overall health and strategic direction of our organisation. I’m currently working with people across the international network of Transition Hubs to design and implement innovative governance models and projects which support the sharing of power, resources, and learning across and beyond the Transition movement. I’m also a Council member for ECOLISE, the European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability.
Don Hall: I have had the good fortune to participate in the Transition Movement in a variety of capacities over the past decade. Initially serving for two years as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Transition Colorado, I went on to found and direct Transition Sarasota from 2010 to 2016. A certified Transition Trainer and experienced facilitator, I was named Co-Director of Transition US in 2017. I hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University and currently live in Sarasota, Florida.
KEYNOTE 2
INTERVIEW ON “CREATING ISLANDS OF SANITY: LEADING WELL IN THIS TIME OF INCREASING TURBULENCE”
Margaret (Meg) Wheatley is dedicated to awakening us to be leaders for this time of profound disruption, to reclaim leadership as a noble profession that creates possibility and humaneness in the midst of increasing fear and turmoil. She summons us to use our influence and power to create Islands of Sanity, to commit ourselves to engaging with compassion and insight amidst the increasing turbulence of our world.
Meg is especially interested in bringing the concept of Islands of Sanity to Transition Towns. Building on the strong identity of community that’s been established, sane leadership is the necessary next step. Sane leadership is the unshakable confidence that people can be generous, creative and kind. At this time when fear and polarization predominate, and people find it increasingly difficult to work well together, how do we create the conditions for people’s best qualities to manifest within the community on behalf of the issues we most care about?
Since 1966, Margaret Wheatley has worked globally in many different roles: a speaker, teacher, community worker, consultant, advisor, formal leader. From these deep and varied experiences, she has developed the unshakable conviction that leaders must learn how to evoke people’s inherent generosity, creativity, and need for community. As this world tears us apart, sane leadership on behalf of the human spirit is the only way forward. She is a best-selling author of nine books, from the classic Leadership and the New Science in 1992 to her newest book (June 2017) Who Do We Choose To Be? Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity.
COST
To cover the costs of producing this event while ensuring that no-one is turned away for lack of funds, we are offering a variety of different registration options for individuals and groups. Please click here to register as soon as you’re ready.
For Individuals: $15 covers our cost per person to produce this event, $5 is our minimum suggested donation, and $30 covers our cost per person while helping another person to attend on scholarship. Those who are unable to afford the $5 minimum donation are welcome to attend for free.
For Groups: We are offering a sliding scale from $20 to $200. If your group is well-resourced or you have a member who can afford to pay $200, we’d greatly appreciate it! If not, consider taking up a collection at your next meeting – just four people contributing $5 each will provide a basic level of support and you should be able to easily make this back (and then some) by turning your local event into a fundraiser for your initiative!
WATCH PARTY HOSTING GUIDE
We strongly encourage Transition groups of all sizes to use this historic summit as an opportunity to host local gatherings and watch parties. We’ve prepared this PDF guide to support you in facilitating a live event with your local community resilience-building group to celebrate 10 years of Transition in the US.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we’ll publish a listing of local Online Summit Watch Parties and other live events here on our website. If you’re planning something, let us know!
If you have any questions, or if you’d like us to list your local watch party here on our website, please email info@transitionus.org.
PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
This movement is fully organic and 100% people-powered. Please help us make it irresistible by sharing this excellent opportunitywith your local and extended network of change-makers and resilience-builders.
Please RSVP and Share our FB event page here.
Thanks!
~The Transition US Team
THE ALCHEMY OF WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE WISDOM AND POWER Pre-Parliament Women’s Sacred Circles On November 1, 2018, 9- 12 PM EST, a collaboration of women’s organizations will host a circle with a sacred center for 200 women and girls attending the Parliament of The World’s Religions in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, www.parliamentofreligions.org.
We hope you will host a local circle anytime on Nov. 1st, and connect with us in prayer and through this Group. We will live-stream the opening, speakers, water ceremony and the closing. We will have reflection questions that empower and unite us as a mighty force of feminine energy. The questions and other information will be posted here. We will have a water ceremony and encourage you to have one also. Each person adds water from their source to a common bowl and blesses the water.
Please connect as local circles of women, men, youth gathering to give each one a voice in a circle with a sacred center that supports, encourages and empowers the collective feminine wisdom and power. Please spread the word to organizations, circles, groups and individuals. Please put in your newsletter, newspaper, FB groups and Timeline.
Basic Circle Principles and information on how to start a circle found on www.millionthcircle.org and www.gatherthewomen.org
SEE more on Facebook — Alchemy of Women’s Collective Wisdom & Power
Print, Customize, and Post #HonorNativeLand Art
Imagine going to a local coffee shop, music venue, grocery store, or town hall, and finding a sign on the wall acknowledging traditional lands. Sound far-fetched? It doesn’t have to be! As part of this campaign to #HonorNativeLand, we partnered with Native artists to create downloadable signs that you can print, customize, and post in your community.
After Downloading the Guide, Take the Pledge
We urge organizations, collectives, institutions, and agencies to publicly commit to practicing traditional Native land acknowledgment.
Those who have taken the Pledge:
- Artist’s Laboratory Theatre
- Arts in a Changing America (ArtChangeUS)
- ArtSpark
- ArtWell
- California Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center
- Dancing Earth
- Democracy at Work Institute
- Emerging Arts Leaders/Los Angeles
- Indigenous Women Rise in Gallup
- Ink People, Inc.
- IU First Nations Educational & Cultural Center
- Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
- Marietta Ohio Arts Innovation Lab
- National Council for Science and Faith
- Native American Music Awards
- Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
- New Economy Coalition
- SOMArts
- Women of Color in the Arts (WOCA)
- Artivists LA
- Kamiah Community Library
- Peñasco Theatre Collective
- Self Help Graphics & Art
- The Field
- YWCA Olympia
As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation, our organization commits to open all public events and gatherings with a statement acknowledging the traditional Native lands on which we stand. Such statements become truly meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and sustained commitment. We therefore commit to move beyond words into programs and actions that fully embody a commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural equity.
Militarism, violence, and war are pervasive in pop culture and the entertainment industry. The mainstream news media largely refuse to critique skyrocketing military spending and the vast negative impacts of perpetual warfare. Join World BEYOND War for our next free webinar featuring experts on the strained relationship between militarism and the media.
Militarism is the “elephant in the room,” says FAIR founder Jeff Cohen. Former TV pundit for MSNBC, CNN, and Fox, Jeff was fired for shedding light on the perils of U.S. interventionism and in particular, for opposing the invasion of Iraq on the air.
Rose Dyson, President of Canadians Concerned About Violence in Entertainment, expresses concern about the culture of war that is perpetuated by TV, music, video games, and social media. Popular culture glamorizes the use of guns, normalizing violence and conflict.
Tune in to our Militarism in the Media webinar with experts Rose Dyson and Jeff Cohen to discuss the role of media in promoting war and violence, and how, in turn, we can be peaceful advocates for a world BEYOND war.
WE – A global campaign of We, The World to unite
and amplify the efforts of people, organizations
and movements working for the common good
WE.net
UNITY EARTH LIFT OFF
http://www.unity.earth/lift-off
AN INTERACTIVE CONCERT & BROADCAST
IN CELEBRATION OF UN WORLD INTERFAITH HARMONY WEEK
@ One of New York City’s Largest Theaters 
The United Palace
A Magnificent Landmarked Urban Treasure
4140 Broadway at 175th Street in Manhattan New York City
Featuring Performances By
BELLA GAIA – an unprecedented NASA-powered immersive experience that blends live music, dance and large screen NASA imagery into a breathtaking planetary journey.PATO BANTON – a Grammy-nominated artist whose audiences become participants as the beat keeps them on their feet, and Pato delivers a message that is food for the mind and soul.
KRISTIN HOFFMANN – a Juilliard trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and recording artist with a transcendental ability to take audiences on a journey of deep awakening to Spirit.
AKIM FUNK BUDDHA – a Zimbabwe-born legendary urban performer known for his holistic approach to Hip Hop, rhyming, beat-boxing, mouth percussion, story-telling, Mongolian throat-singing, and martial arts.
MYSTIC VOICE – her soothing and meditative chanting stems from a deep spiritual connection to the ancient texts such as the Tao Te Ching, the Buddhist Sutras, the Sanskrit Vedas and the poetry of Rumi.
PLUS Appearances By indigenous leaders, diplomats, artists, scientists, peacemakers, interfaith and faith-based activists in an unprecedented celebration of our common humanity
& Other Special Guests to be announced!
General Admission Tickets: $20
VIP Reserved Orchestra Seating Tickets: $100
(includes Pre-Concert Recepton with the Artists + VIP admission to the After Party!)
The Concert Livestream plus Interviews and Special Features
will be Broadcast on multiple platforms including
We, The World’s Facebook Page: Facebook.com/TheWeCampaign
We, The World
is excited to be partnering with Unity Earth for this remarkable concert and broadcast event! We invite you, your friends and families to join us for UNITY EARTH LIFT OFF February 2nd – in person, if you are in New York City, or via Online Broadcast. Tickets are available at www.unity.earth/lift-offNOTE: Do you have an organization that might be interested in joining our Road To 2020 Coalition? Are you available to attend a special high-level organizing meeting in Manhattan NYC the day before the concert, on Friday Feb. 1st from 11AM – 4PM? If so, please reply to this email as soon as possible since this free Leadership Conference is by invitation only and is nearly at capacity. Please include information about your organization and a link to your website.
I would be thrilled if you can join us in person or online for the UNITY EARTH LIFT OFF CONCERT February 2nd. Together let’s grow this worldwide movement for unity and peace!
Rick Ulfik
Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net
Subscribe to our WE Campaign Global Action Newsletter: WE.net/subscribe
11 Days of Global Unity – 11 Ways to Transform Your World
An Urgent Message From Your Children at WeYourChildren.org
GlobalUnityCalendar.org – See and post social change and cultural events for a global audience!
Volunteer Sign-up: http://WE.net/takeaction/volunteer
Organization Sign-up: http://WE.net/11days/participate
Donation Page: WE.net/donate
Facebook – Twitter
Climate Change & Consciousness 2019 Live-streaming
20-26 April 2019
Connect with a worldwide community of people who are willing to face Climate Change and are committed to creating a sustainable future for all beings on earth.
Breaking News:
Attending the livestream of the Climate Change and Consciousness Conference now qualifies for CPD certification!!
By registering, you can:
- Access the conference through livestream
- Engage with other livestreamers through livechat during the event
- Access our social network CCCnet where you can share inspiration and meet all other participants
Access recordings:
- Streamed sessions are available about 30 minutes after the end of each live session to watch in your own time.
- You have lifetime access to all livestreamed sessions.
Findhorn livestream provided me with an exciting, heartfelt, inclusive and sublime experience – very close to actually being there in the Universal Hall.
EW, Tallahassee, USA
Your host Thomas George is here to welcome you and answer all your questions. (findhorn.live@findhorn.org)
Click here for detailed information on speakers and workshops etc.
Click here for the livestream schedule.
Click here for the CCC19 website.
Create your own mini-conference (CCC19 hub)
We invite you to use the livestream as a basis to create your own mini-conference. Imagine if groups all over the world come together in a single week to take responsibility for their part in Climate Change. Our vision is that these hubs will stay connected after the conference and keep working towards a sustainable future for all beings.
Do you feel called to be that person in your community, company, city? Read our hub-guide and see the growing list of hubs.
If you need help with setting up a hub, please email: ccc19.hubs@findhorn.org.
Pricing & Registration
Subscription prices are self-selected on the basis of personal income levels, the size and type of group as well an organisation’s profitability.
Our next Community Conversation will be on
Thursday, July 18
9:00 – 10:30 am PST / 12:00 – 1:30 pm EST
The terrible issue of immigrant children detained at the U.S. border
The United States of America has, since its inception, been a country formed by immigrants. Yet now, at our southern border particularly, thousands of people leaving their home countries are requesting asylum or entrance and are being held in detention centers and processed very slowly. Meanwhile, the immigrating families are being separated and the children held in cells – cages in many cases – without adequate sanitation or bedding, without adequate nutrition and without access to their parents or adult relatives. In spite of legal and popular objection this problem has continued and continued to worsen for over a year under the Trump administration.
Is the description above adequate to define this problem? What are some of the underlying causes of the problem and what can or should be done instead? What actions can we take to effect those changes?
Looking at this issue through your social justice and elder lenses, please read the materials suggested below, focus your attention on this issue in other news you read and conversations you hear, then bring your thoughts on the subject to our conversation July 18th.
In our Community Conversations we draw on the experience and wisdom of our group to better understand the critical issues we are facing and discern what actions we would want to take as elders in our society today. We offer moral support for each other as we grapple with the issues and challenges of our times and discern how to best support the activism that we are each engaged in.
Resources:
Letter from Santa Fe Dreamers:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We know that you have all been reading and watching the absolutely horrific news unfold about the conditions of detention on the border. We know that many of you feel scared, frustrated, angry, and powerless by the way that our government is treating vulnerable people, especially children. We are writing today with information and direction towards action but also to urge you not to feel powerless. We are always capable of making change through our collective power. Of course this requires courage, stamina, and an intelligent, disciplined, and organized theory of change. It will not be easy. We encourage you to turn away from despair and towards this place of collective power knowing that it will test you. We will be with you the whole way. Below you will find some ideas for inspiration.
Love,
Your friends at Santa Fe Dreamers Project
- Educate yourself: Here at SFDP this is always our number one piece of advice. The more you know, the fiercer you will be as an advocate and a voter. There are plenty of explosive news articles to read but here are a few that we have learned from recently: We suggested this piece in our last newsletter but if you haven’t had a chance to read it we highly suggest Dara Lind’s “The Border is in Crisis. Here’s How it Got This Bad”. The New Yorker ran an incredibly thought provoking piece written by a historian about “The Unimaginable Reality of American Concentration Camp”. Again from the New Yorker, a report from the lawyers who were recently allowed in to inspect a children’s facility in Clint, TX, “Inside a Building in Texas where Government is Holding Immigrant Children”. Another really important thing to learn about (and something that is not highlighted enough in the news) is the Migrant Protection Protocol or MPP program that has currently turned thousands of thousands of migrants around at the US border to wait in Mexico. This is an excruciatingly dangerous policy that is threatening the lives of migrant families day after day.
- Understand that this cruelty is not new and these tactics did not just begin. In fact, the Obama administration reignited the practice of family detention in 2014. One of the reasons this summer feels so out of control is because the sheer numbers of people asking for asylum are so high. The Obama and now Trump administrations’ policies attempted to deter migrants through punishment, suffering, and torture but their success was dependent on the flow of migrants actually stopping. Now that the numbers are so high, these cruel and failed policies have now turned deadly.
- Engage with politicians: Here is the thing: The Trump administration cannot be swayed with moral arguments or blame. They are doing this on purpose. One way of thinking about engaging with politicians is to remember that Congress has the power of the purse and is funding this enforcement regime. One theory is that we can defund ICE and CBP and redirect that money to agencies or NGO’s that are capable of handling a humanitarian crisis of this scope and are not killing people for political motive. This means we have to pressure progressives and democrats and republicans with a conscience to do more than just signal compassion for immigrants. We need these leaders to articulate how they are going to disempower the Trump Administration and make sure it is part of the work they are doing to secure our votes. We can and must demand courageous leadership from our Senators and Representatives and that their actions reflect our deep desire to end the state sponsored violence on the border.
- How to respond to the threat of ICE raids: Trump’s twitter threat for a massive enforcement action last week was credible and achieved its purpose of scaring the shit out of immigrant and refugee communities all over the US. While it has been “delayed”, now is a wise time for communities to get organized. The American Friends Service Committee published this resource about how allies can support their immigrant and refugee neighbors during this time. Here is the ACLU’s guide to knowing your rights during ICE encounters and we suggest exploring it. Santa Fe Dreamers will be holding walk in hours for people to help families with power of attorney and family prep plans every Friday in Santa Fe from 1-5 at our 1213 Mercantile Rd office. If you work with concerned families let them know about this resource.
- Actions happening in NM: There is a lot of talk about national protests to close concentration camps on July 12. One of the organizations that is involved with planning this is called Lights of Liberty. Their Facebook page is a source of info– although we don’t have much info yet about that organization. We are talking with folks in NM about planning more locally focused actions and as soon as we have more details we will announce it. Choose your social media of choice or keep reading our emails to stay in touch.
- Where to donate: Of course here at Santa Fe Dreamers Project we use your donations to protect vulnerable immigrants and refugees in a million different ways every day. Specifically, we need more help on the border. We just rented a much larger office space in El Paso for our expanding team there and are raising funds for a legal assistant so we can have greater impact in the borderlands. You can donate to that effort here. Write border in the note! We are grateful for any help you can give putting this donation link out there into the universe. For those of you wondering where else it might be useful to donate here is our list of several grassroots legal organizations that we know are having impact (we also know we have left many out!)
- And finally an offer of poetry from our director, Allegra, who likes to contemplate what this particular poem is trying to teach us when thinking about the horrors we witness:
Now you know the worst
By Wendell Berry
To my granddaughters who visited the Holocaust Museum on the day of the burial of Yitzhak Rabin
Now you know the worst
we humans have to know
about ourselves, and I am sorry,
for I know that you will be afraid.
To those of our bodies given
without pity to be burned, I know
there is no answer
but loving one another,
even our enemies, and this is hard.
But remember:
when a man of war becomes a man of peace,
he gives a light, divine
though it is also human.
When a man of peace is killed
by a man of war, he gives a light.
You do not have to walk in darkness.
If you will have the courage for love,
you may walk in light. It will be
the light of those who have suffered
for peace. It will be
your light.
Regarding Investor Activism:
Here are some groups focused on Social, Environmental and Governance-conscious investing:
- Proxy Impact
- Sustainable Investment Institute
- As You Sow
- Green America (and also: www.greenamerica.org/finance)
And finally, for your research about political donations, money flow and lobbying influence:
How to join the conversation:
We will be using Zoom video conferencing, which is very easy to access by computer or regular telephone. If you choose to use your tablet or smartphone, be sure to download the Zoom app ahead of time. We will be starting each meeting on time so please connect 15 minutes before the call so that the host can help with any technical difficulties or questions you may have. Once the call starts the host will be not be able to help with connection issues. Once you are connected via Zoom you are welcome mute your microphone and turn off your video until just before the meeting starts, or you may enjoy chatting with others in the meeting while you wait.
Instructions and access to Zoom conferencing
To receive email reminders for Elder Activists for Social Justice (EASJ) meetings, monthly community conversations and workshops, please sign up here:
SIGN UP
Honoring the Past • Healing the Present • Celebrating the Future
A CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN ART, MUSIC AND CULTURES
Thank you Joanne and Monte for this inspiring, hope-infused interview.
Tickets: www.sheatheater.org
Note that the concert is at the Shea Theater at 17 Avenue A in Turners Falls at 7:30 pm on Saturday and tickets are available before the event at a reduced rate and also available at the door.
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Festival details and schedule: www.nolumbekaproject.org
P.O. Box 285, 91 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01302
The mission of the Nolumbeka Project is to promote a deeper, broader and more accurate depiction of the history of the Native Americans/American Indians of New England before and during European contact and colonization;
To protect and preserve sites sacred to, and of historic value to, the Native Americans/American Indians of New England; to create and promote related educational opportunities, preservation projects and cultural events; and to work in partnership, as much as possible, with the tribes.
We will strive to exemplify the Native American/American Indian peoples’ respect for Mother Earth and all living beings; to be mindful of our role as caretakers for future generations; and to honor our connection to the Earth and Sky and to the Creator.
The Nolumbeka Project, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of Native Americans/American Indians of New England through educational programs, art, history, music, heritage seed preservation and cultural events. We are actively building, maintaining and expanding an historical archive research library for use by the Tribes and Educators of the Northeast and beyond.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who have been active for more than 40 years in a number of other preservation, historical research, environmental and social justice organizations.
Weekly Coherence Call for Our Co-Mentoring Community – REGISTER TO JOIN COHERENCE CALLS
WE’RE BUILDING A FIELD OF COHERENCE AROUND THE PLANET FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE
Our Weekly Coherence Call is for Mentoring Stewards of GOOD of the WHOLE. We invite you to join our community and open to your infinite, creative potential each Wednesday. We intentionally gather to build a field of coherence and conscious connection. We delight in expanding the resonance and resting in the experience of our inherent wholeness and (w)holiness, while we move into generative, co-creative, mutual support of one another. On this weekly Coherence Call we will:
- Attune to our wholeness and (w)holiness
- Build a field of coherence for the GOOD of the WHOLE
- Co-Create a conscious, deep connection with each other and all aspects of life
- Provide generative mutual aid and support
- Experience unique co-mentoring opportunities
There are TWO STEPS to participate. If you aren’t already, you must be a Mentoring Steward (CLICK HERE) of GOOD of the WHOLE. And then, please sign up (BELOW) to join us. You will receive notices and Zoom information about our weekly gatherings of conscious community, connection and coherence.
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The Convergence
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel
In a world inevitably going global and multicultural, what becomes of religions and spirituality? What becomes of activism towards real global change? In THE CONVERGENCE, global Interspiritual pioneer and scientist Dr. Kurt Johnson joins interfaith leaders Ben Bowler of Australia and Doug King of America in engaging women and men who are inspiring leaders and change agents around our world. Spiritual and cultural leaders, sacred and secular activists, scientists, artists, writers, economists, politicians and even shamans join in this discussion of a world trying to wake up and grow up. What is at stake and what are the technologies and cosmologies creating a world that can work for everyone? If you are concerned for our world’s future and sincere about your commitments to bold and world-serving ideas, you’ll want to tune in to The Convergence on the VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel.
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Episode Description
VoiceAmerica presents this Evergreen Special detailing major 2019 and 2020 global events upcoming from UNITY EARTH partners Standing for Peace Campaign, Road to 2020 Events, and Caravan of Unity across America. The five sections of the Special spotlight, now and for months to come: United Nations mandated global holiday events like the International Day of Yoga and the International Day of Peace, the vision and work of Light on Light Magazine and VoiceAmerica in covering all these events, UNITY EARTH and its partners month to month activities and initiatives 2019-2020, and the roles of partner groups like Transformation365, We, the World, URI, UNIFY, EcoPeace and The Evolutionary Leaders. Featured are global leaders from the UN, UNITY EARTH, Light on Light Magazine, Transformation365, We, and The Evolutionary Leaders. Lets share this Special, ongoing, as a resource and PR instrument pointing toward all of these global events and gathering a global constituency for their success!
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Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu
His Excellency Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu is a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service representing the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York. He holds a Master’s Degree in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School. His extensive background includes being a fluent Chinese speaker and having previously served in China on four separate postings. More recently, he was the National Coordinator for establishing the International Solar Alliance in India. Significantly, Ambassador Naidu is a long-standing yoga practioner. Reaching back to a tender age, he was exposed to his grandfather rising early to teach yoga classes. As part of the 5th Anniversary of World Yoga Day in June, he moderated a high level panel in New York in the UN Secretariat on the theme of climate change and climate action.
Gayatri Naraine
Since 1980 Gayatri Naraine has served as the representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the United Nations in New York. She is a spiritual educator, writer, and speaker. She is currently the vice chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee. Gayatri’s focus is on the Sustainable Development Goals. She helped in the development of a concept paper entitled Enhancing Human Flourishing Within the 2030 Development Agenda: The Spirituality of Global Transformation. This was the result of a 3-year dialogue held with UNFPA. As a design team member for the Call-of-the-Time Dialogues, a global leadership dialogue, she has spent the last 20 years exploring “experiments in silence,” the transformational depth of contemplative silence and its impact on the world. She serves on the Board of the Kosmos Journal. Gayatri was born in Guyana and currently lives in New York City, USA. Contact Gayatri.naraine@us.brahmakumaris.org
Ben Bowler & Deborah Moldow
Ben Bowler, Executive Director of UNITY EARTH and Deborah Moldow, UE Creative Consultant discuss the vision of UNITY EARTH and its Road to 2020 and Caravan of Unity across America. Ben and Deborah are leaders of a team projecting inspiring global events from 2019 – 2020 and beyond. The Road to 2020 to date has touched all five continents with major intercultural and musical events. (https://unity.earth/roadto2020/). In 2019 events in India and The Holy Land will join the list. The New York Convergence and UNITY Earth Liftoff Celebration and concert are first steps toward “the Caravan of Unity across America” which, in 2020, will features events across America culminating in major celebrations in New York City for the International Day of Peace (Sept. 21). Ben and Deborah will help anchor a “Coalition for the Road to 2020” organized regionally to create participations in these inspiring events. The Leadership Conference, February. 1 will begin that process (contact adam@unity.earth).
Rick Ulfik
Rick Ulfik is Founder of We, the World, We.net and The 11 Days of Global Unity which for many years has been directing major events around the major international holidays of the United Nations. Rick is a founder/leader of We.net, FIONS and other New York City transformational organizations. He works with leaders of United Nations Committees and fellow members of the Evolutionary Leaders network co-sponsoring New York and UN international event programs. We, the World and their “Eleven Ways to Change the World” are central to the plans for 2019 and 2020 for The Road to 2020 and the Caravan of Unity across America. Rick is also a leader in Marshall Rosenberg Nonviolent Communication initiatives as well as an award-winning composer and musician. Rick co-produces Visual Voices on the Dish Network available in 15 million homes. Producing short films as well, Rick organizes and promotes scores of events and other better world activities, large and small, every year. See www.We.net.
Denise Scotto and Adam Collett
Denise Scotto, Esq., and Adam Collett join us, respectively, as Chairperson of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations, and as Creative Director for UNITY EARTH. Denise is Guest Editor of Light on Light Magazine’s annual issues on the International Day of Yoga and hosts the IDY discussion on this broadcast. Adam, a strategist, designer, media and event producer dedicated to making a positive impact in the world by combining innovative solutions with a deep knowledge of cultural diversity, joins Ben Bowler and Rick Ulfik in the discussions of these global activities on this broadcast. Denise is an attorney at law and policy advisor who has held leadership roles in professional bar organizations and has organized numerous events at UN fora. Adam, with 20 years of experience in design and technology, event production, not-for-profit management, cultural projects, youth programs and more, implements cutting-edge solutions for NGOs and social enterprises.
Karuna and Kurt Johnson
Karuna is founder of www.lightonkundalini.com and a leader in the international Yoga and spiritual practice communities. She is also Host Editor of Light on Light Magazine and a host of The Convergence Series on VoiceAmerica. Dr. Kurt Johnson is the Series Host for The Convergence on VoiceAmerica and Contributions Editor for Light on Light Magazine. Light on Light has produced two annual special issues on The International Day of Yoga with the IDY Committee at the United Nations also featured in this broadcast and will publish a special issue in August 2019 reflecting this VoiceAmerica Special,see https://www.facebook.com/ lightonlightmagazine Karuna and Kurt are co-developing Light on Light with Managing Editor Shannon Winters (below) and also preparing a lifestyle book, manual and lifestyle Teacher Training program with Karuna for 2019. Light on Light magazine and Kurt’s Interspiritual Network are both partners of UNITY EARTH. See www.unity.earth.
Rev. Diane Berke and Jeff Genung
Part of Tranformation365, Rev. Diane Berke is the founder of The One Spirit Learning Alliance and One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City. Jeff Genung is co-founder and President of Contemplative Life.org and, with Rev. Berke, a leader in the interspiritual movement. One Spirit and Contemplative Life have both co-sponsored various events with UNITY EARTH and Contemplative Life is a UNITY EARTH Partner. An author and international speaker, Diane is a recipient of the Houston Smith Interfaith Educator Award and numerous other recognitions. Contemplative Life and Transformation365 create a digital hub that connects people and communities with transformative practices. Contemplative Life.org’s prodigious website hosts hundreds of spiritual teachers and practice traditions, as do the famed interfaith education programs at One Spirit Interfaith.org. Recently Jeff has also partnered with Prosocial.world along with Dr. Kurt Johnson of the Interspiritual Network and UNITY EARTH.
Kate Sheehan Roach and Sr. Mary Friedland
Sr. Mary Friedland and Kate Sheehan Roach join us from Transformation365. Mary Friedland is Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris activities in Chicago and the Midwest. A Raja Yogi of more than 30 years, she teaches courses in meditation and everyday spirituality. She enjoys applying spiritual principles to life’s knotty problems and sharing what she has learned with others. Kate Sheehan Roach served as founding editor of Contemplative Journal, and as managing editor of the Spirituality Channel at Patheos.com. She is now Director of Content for ContemplativeLife.org and as a founding member of the Transformation365.org core team. Kate works alongside some of today’s great spiritual and religious teachers as editor/agent, podcast host, moderator, and program director. She is a certified Centering Prayer facilitator and serves on the North America Leadership Council for the United Religions Initiative. She lives on the edge of Philadelphia. Contact: katesheehanroach@gmail.com.
Shannon Winters and Yanni Maniates
Shannon Winters in the Managing Editor of Light on Light Magazine and Yanni Maniates is Global Projects Director for UNITY EARTH. Light on Light is dedicated to spiritual practice and inspired lifestyle and Yanni has been working with Contemplative Life.org and other leaders in the UNITY EARTH Network creating spiritual practice programs to accompany UNITY EARTH’s events. The program developed by Yanni, Jeff Genung of Contemplative Life and Rev. Diane Berke of America’s largest interfaith seminary, One Spirit in New York City is called “Transformation 365” and its programs can be found at http://www.tranfomation365.org. Shannon has also been Managing Editor of UNITY EARTH’s Convergence Magazine which, along with Light on Light, publishes special issues on the amazing activities across the networks featured in this broadcast. Shannon has also just completed a spiritual autobiography, The Gospel of Wisdom, documenting her journey from religious fundamentalism to interspirituality.
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VoiceAmerica Talk Radio Network is the leading producer, distributor, and online broadcaster of original live and on demand talk radio programming worldwide. We deliver hundreds of original programs weekly through eight branded channels: VoiceAmerica Variety, VoiceAmerica Empowerment, VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness, VoiceAmerica Business, VoiceAmerica Sports, VoiceAmerica INFLUENCERS , VoiceAmerica Kids, and VoiceAmerica Women.
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VoiceAmerica has been a pioneer in original live talk radio programming for the past 20 years. We continue to produce exceptional radio content that emotionally connects and creates lasting impact in the lives of our global listening audience.
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We strive to inform, shape and change the way you live, offering content that inspires, entertains and enlightens. Our goal is to create content that impacts you, any time any place and on any Device. Period!
STAND UP. SPEAK OUT.
BE AN UPSTANDER.
“upstander | noun: A person who stands up, speaks out, and/or takes action in defense of those who are targeted for harm or injustice. Antonym: bystander
UPSTANDER PROJECT
The Upstander Project produced DAWNLAND. The filmmaking and educational collaborative was created in Boston, Massachusetts in 2009 is to challenge indifference to injustice and raise awareness of the need for upstanders, especially among teachers and their students. We help bystanders learn the skills of upstanders and contribute to action-oriented campaigns in response to vital social issues.
The Upstander Project’s flagship program presented with the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut is the Upstander Academy. The Upstander Academy is an inquiry-based professional development opportunity for secondary educators with a focus on genocide and human rights education to foster upstanding and address complex historical and current issues. The Academy is six days (Sunday through Friday) and is based at the University of Connecticut-Storrs. Additionally, Academy participants will spend time on sacred Tribal lands, including the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, home of our principal partner.
Since 2009 we have used documentary film, teacher professional development, and interactive educator resources to teach about colonialism and genocide and address how we deal with difference in our society. Our first project is anchored by COEXIST (broadcast in April 2014 on PBS World Channel) and its extensive Teacher’s Guide. The film examines Rwanda’s unprecedented social experiment in government-mandated reconciliation through the stories of survivors and perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
Learn more about Upstander Project teacher workshops and learning resources on the Upstander Project website.
Dawnland
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Join the makers of the Emmy Award-nominated film DAWNLAND for a special screening of the 86-minute feature edition.
For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to save them from being Indian. In Maine, the first official “truth and reconciliation commission” in the United States begins a historic investigation. DAWNLAND goes behind-the-scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation, and charts a new course for state and tribal relations.
After the movie please stay with us
so you can ask questions of the film team
in a live online chat.
Learn more about the film and watch the trailer at dawnland.org
120 minutes
Panelists
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Adam Mazo is the director of the Upstander Project and co-director and producer of First Light, and the feature-length film, Dawnland. Adam also directed and produced Coexist (WORLD Channel, Africa Movie Academy Award Nominee). He co-founded the Upstander Project in 2009. He is originally from Minnesota, graduated from the University of Florida, and now lives in Boston with his wife and son.
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Mishy Lesser, Ed.D., is the learning director for the Upstander Project and Education Fellow at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut. She is director of the Upstander Academy, a weeklong professional learning experience for teachers and museum educators that focuses on genocide and human rights education and the skills of upstanders. Currently Dr. Lesser spends much of her time researching and writing the five-inquiry Teacher’s Guide for Dawnland. Mishy authored the Coexist Teacher’s Guide to promote learning about the complexity of reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. She is a Circle Keeper and has been featured on WBUR (Boston) and PRI/BBC’s The World. Mishy was a Fulbright Scholar in Ecuador and spent 12 years learning and working in the Andes.
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Tracy Rector (Choctaw/Seminole) is the impact producer for Dawnland and the Upstander Project. She is a mixed race filmmaker, curator, community organizer, co-founder of Longhouse Media. She has made over 400 short films, and is currently in production of her fifth feature documentary. Her work has been featured on Independent Lens, Cannes Film Festival, ImagineNative, National Geographic, Toronto International Film Festival, and in the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian. She is a current Firelight Media Lab Fellow, WGBH Producer Fellow, and Sundance Institute Lab Fellow. Raised in Seattle and Albuquerque, Tracy lives in Seattle and sits as a City of Seattle Arts Commissioner.
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Become More Present
Evoke Love and Compassion
You may contact us Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm Mountain Time.
Elder Activists for Social Justice
Community Conversations
Our next Community Conversation will be on
Thursday, August 15
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
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Bystanders to Activists:
Ways of Being Engaged in Ensuring Social Justice
3rd Thursday of each month
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
We participate together over Zoom video conferencing in a lightly-facilitated, educational and interactive conversation. We have time to deep dive into our topics using an Elder and social justice lens…always provocative, meaningful and community-oriented.
We began, three years ago, by looking at issues related to racism, white privilege, wealth inequality and Islamophobia, and have recently studied Native peoples’ history, reconciliation and the moral voice of an Elder. Each month’s topic grows from the previous month’s and the interests of those attending.
Approximately two weeks before each meeting we may post resources about our subject which include relevant readings, videos, articles, and introspective questions. Our meeting format is participatory, and everyone has a chance to interact and share. All meetings are via Zoom video conferencing. Click for instructions and access to Zoom conferencing. ALL ARE WELCOME.
Our next Community Conversation will be on
Thursday, August 15
9:00 – 10:30 am PT / 12:00 – 1:30 pm ET
Bystanders to Activists:
Ways of Being Engaged in Ensuring Social Justice
In this month’s Community Conversation we turn toward taking specific actions on developing an EASJ project to end the separation of immigrant children from their parents at the border. Your task, should you decide to accept it, is to look up and read everything you can find on recent actions taken by the US government, state and local border governments, prison facilities housing immigrants and ICE officials to change separation practices.
Also, think about how you would actually define the problem and its underlying causes. Be thorough in asking yourself “Why?” or “What does that mean?” because we’re setting this up as a serious project. We’re not just talking about or protesting the problem. We’re developing responsible action for finding and enacting positive solutions for this terrible, heartless situation. Join us!
To receive email reminders for Elder Activists for Social Justice (EASJ) meetings, monthly community conversations and workshops, please sign up here.
July Conversation:
The terrible issue of immigrant children detained at the U.S. border
At our July 18 meeting we asked What can I or We do about [the] problem [of immigrant children being separated from their parents at the border]?…. As Elders who care deeply but who are not necessarily able to get up and go to protests – although some do – determining what can one person do presents the usual question of just that – what can one person do? The power of positive action of any type was deemed to be essentially of a personal choice, but whatever it is, it’s important – whether it be writing letters to editors, senators or representatives; joining local or bigger groups and jumping on the bandwagon; donating money for aid or bail for immigrants, or writing to our mutual fund investment managers about divesting from prison complex companies like Geo Group (GEO) and CoreCivic (CXW), it’s all good.
But, perhaps the best way to help is to follow Shannon’s information she found in the New York Times on June 24, 2019: Children Shouldn’t Be Dying at the Border. Here’s How You Can Help
Donation of money (100%) to the National Bail Fund Network aids in disrupting the injustice of bail requirements in the immigration detention and mass incarceration systems. For more information contact Pilar Maria Weiss, Director of Community Justice Exchange at 202-279-1656 or go online to: www.communityjusticeexchange.org/national-bail-fund-network
So…show up…speak out…and ‘be the light’ because it all matters!
Resources:
Letter from Santa Fe Dreamers:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We know that you have all been reading and watching the absolutely horrific news unfold about the conditions of detention on the border. We know that many of you feel scared, frustrated, angry, and powerless by the way that our government is treating vulnerable people, especially children. We are writing today with information and direction towards action but also to urge you not to feel powerless. We are always capable of making change through our collective power. Of course this requires courage, stamina, and an intelligent, disciplined, and organized theory of change. It will not be easy. We encourage you to turn away from despair and towards this place of collective power knowing that it will test you. We will be with you the whole way. Below you will find some ideas for inspiration.
Love,
Your friends at Santa Fe Dreamers Project
- Educate yourself: Here at SFDP this is always our number one piece of advice. The more you know, the fiercer you will be as an advocate and a voter. There are plenty of explosive news articles to read but here are a few that we have learned from recently: We suggested this piece in our last newsletter but if you haven’t had a chance to read it we highly suggest Dara Lind’s “The Border is in Crisis. Here’s How it Got This Bad”. The New Yorker ran an incredibly thought provoking piece written by a historian about “The Unimaginable Reality of American Concentration Camp”. Again from the New Yorker, a report from the lawyers who were recently allowed in to inspect a children’s facility in Clint, TX, “Inside a Building in Texas where Government is Holding Immigrant Children”. Another really important thing to learn about (and something that is not highlighted enough in the news) is the Migrant Protection Protocol or MPP program that has currently turned thousands of thousands of migrants around at the US border to wait in Mexico. This is an excruciatingly dangerous policy that is threatening the lives of migrant families day after day.
- Understand that this cruelty is not new and these tactics did not just begin. In fact, the Obama administration reignited the practice of family detention in 2014. One of the reasons this summer feels so out of control is because the sheer numbers of people asking for asylum are so high. The Obama and now Trump administrations’ policies attempted to deter migrants through punishment, suffering, and torture but their success was dependent on the flow of migrants actually stopping. Now that the numbers are so high, these cruel and failed policies have now turned deadly.
- Engage with politicians: Here is the thing: The Trump administration cannot be swayed with moral arguments or blame. They are doing this on purpose. One way of thinking about engaging with politicians is to remember that Congress has the power of the purse and is funding this enforcement regime. One theory is that we can defund ICE and CBP and redirect that money to agencies or NGO’s that are capable of handling a humanitarian crisis of this scope and are not killing people for political motive. This means we have to pressure progressives and democrats and republicans with a conscience to do more than just signal compassion for immigrants. We need these leaders to articulate how they are going to disempower the Trump Administration and make sure it is part of the work they are doing to secure our votes. We can and must demand courageous leadership from our Senators and Representatives and that their actions reflect our deep desire to end the state sponsored violence on the border.
- How to respond to the threat of ICE raids: Trump’s twitter threat for a massive enforcement action last week was credible and achieved its purpose of scaring the shit out of immigrant and refugee communities all over the US. While it has been “delayed”, now is a wise time for communities to get organized. The American Friends Service Committee published this resource about how allies can support their immigrant and refugee neighbors during this time. Here is the ACLU’s guide to knowing your rights during ICE encounters and we suggest exploring it. Santa Fe Dreamers will be holding walk in hours for people to help families with power of attorney and family prep plans every Friday in Santa Fe from 1-5 at our 1213 Mercantile Rd office. If you work with concerned families let them know about this resource.
- Actions happening in NM: There is a lot of talk about national protests to close concentration camps on July 12. One of the organizations that is involved with planning this is called Lights of Liberty. Their Facebook page is a source of info– although we don’t have much info yet about that organization. We are talking with folks in NM about planning more locally focused actions and as soon as we have more details we will announce it. Choose your social media of choice or keep reading our emails to stay in touch.
- Where to donate: Of course here at Santa Fe Dreamers Project we use your donations to protect vulnerable immigrants and refugees in a million different ways every day. Specifically, we need more help on the border. We just rented a much larger office space in El Paso for our expanding team there and are raising funds for a legal assistant so we can have greater impact in the borderlands. You can donate to that effort here. Write border in the note! We are grateful for any help you can give putting this donation link out there into the universe. For those of you wondering where else it might be useful to donate here is our list of several grassroots legal organizations that we know are having impact (we also know we have left many out!)
- And finally an offer of poetry from our director, Allegra, who likes to contemplate what this particular poem is trying to teach us when thinking about the horrors we witness:
Now you know the worst
By Wendell Berry
To my granddaughters who visited the Holocaust Museum on the day of the burial of Yitzhak Rabin
Now you know the worst
we humans have to know
about ourselves, and I am sorry,
for I know that you will be afraid.
To those of our bodies given
without pity to be burned, I know
there is no answer
but loving one another,
even our enemies, and this is hard.
But remember:
when a man of war becomes a man of peace,
he gives a light, divine
though it is also human.
When a man of peace is killed
by a man of war, he gives a light.
You do not have to walk in darkness.
If you will have the courage for love,
you may walk in light. It will be
the light of those who have suffered
for peace. It will be
your light.
Regarding Investor Activism:
Here are some groups focused on Social, Environmental and Governance-conscious investing:
- Proxy Impact
- Sustainable Investment Institute
- As You Sow
- Green America (and also: www.greenamerica.org/finance)
And finally, for your research about political donations, money flow and lobbying influence:
How to join the conversation:
To receive email reminders for Elder Activists for Social Justice (EASJ) meetings, monthly community conversations and workshops, please sign up here.
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The mission of the Zero Hour movement is to center the voices of diverse youth in the conversation around climate and environmental justice. Zero Hour is a youth-led movement creating entry points, training, and resources for new young activists and organizers (and adults who support our vision) wanting to take concrete action around climate change. Together, we are a movement of unstoppable youth organizing to protect our rights and access to the natural resources and a clean, safe, and healthy environment that will ensure a livable future where we not just survive, but flourish.
This is Zero Hour.
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Creation Justice Webinar Series
Sign-up to receive monthly notices about upcoming webinars that feature speakers who will assist churches in learning about best practices for ministries related to caring for God’s creation. Each webinar will have a focus pertaining to one of the four areas of discernment for Creation Justice Churches: theology and worship, institutional life and practice, circles of awareness and advocacy, and connections to a broader movement. Participation in the Creation Justice Churches program is not required to join a webinar.
Our Next Webinar: The Youth Climate Movement—A Moral Force
Special Guest: Jamie Margolin
Date and Time: August 15th at 1 pm ET (Register even if you can’t make it, and we will send you the video.)
Contact Info
Brooks Berndt
Minister for Environmental Justice
700 Prospect Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3722
berndtb@ucc.org
Sociocracy for non-profits and associations
Tue, Aug 20, 2019 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
Description
Many non-profits run themselves with traditional hierarchies. This is not only often ineffective but power-over structures also run counter the mission of equality and empowerment for everyone.
Sociocracy is an option for those non-profits that want to give both staff, board and core volunteers more voice, strengthen the connection, increase transparency and lessen micro-management. Over the past years, sociocracy has found its way into several non-profits in the United States and world-wide, and it has long turned into tried-and-tested governance system.
This short introduction introduces the basic ideas and highlights the advantages in particular for non-profits as well as the challenges. There will be opportunities for questions – see how sociocracy would apply to your unique organization.
Presenter Jerry Koch-Gonzalez has founded and been a board member of several non-profits (Institute for Community Economics, Class Action, United for a Fair Economy, National Coalition Building Institute, Institute For Peaceable Communities). Jerry has supported many organizations as a consultant for diversity, governance and communication, and he is co-author of the 2018 sociocracy handbook – Many Voices One Song – our Sociocracy manual.
See the event in all time zones.
This event will be offered on zoom.
You will receive the access link after registration.
Sociocracy for non-profits and associations
Tue, Aug 20, 2019 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sociocracy-for-non-profits-and-associations-tickets-64139351527?mc_cid=c67ea722f4&mc_eid=684c02f70f
We envision a world where women’s history inspires all people to have equal respect for everyone’s experiences and accomplishments and to see there are no obstacles to achieving their dreams.
Electronic Field Trips
When a field trip is out of the question, bring the museum to you! The National Women’s History Museum is offering 45 minute electronic field trips for 4th through 11th grade classes, non-profit organizations, corporations, extracurricular groups (and more!) on a variety of topics this fall. Interact with a Museum Educator through field trips that are streamed directly into your classroom using the Zoom video platform, and offer your students a glimpse into how museums bring history to life. All sessions last one class period and include pre-and post-program curriculum materials.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/electronic-field-trips-tickets-68218392047
Prices:
- $125 – private schools, youth organizations, homeschool associations, clubs, corporations, & non-profits
- $100 – public schools
- No Charge – Title I schools (contact us to verify status as a Title I school and to schedule the field trip)
Current Electronic Field Trips:
Standing Up for Change: African American Women and the Civil Rights Movement
In the 20th century, African American women formed the backbone of the modern Civil Rights Movement. They were the critical mass, the grassroots leaders challenging America to embrace justice and equality for all. This program discusses women’s critical roles in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Little Rock’s Central High School integration, and the little-known women behind the scenes of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Join us to explore the Civil Rights Movement through the perspectives of its women leaders.
Taking a Stand Part 1: The Beginnings of Woman Suffrage (1776-1872)
Though the woman suffrage movement started in 1848, the movement had roots going back to the beginning of the country. This program will explore the early factors in the suffrage movement including key women such as Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Susan B. Anthony. Learn about the beginnings of the women’s rights movement in the United States and the legislation that was put in place to halt the movement.
Taking a Stand Part 2: Woman Suffrage and Protest at the White House (1872-1920)
By the early 20th century women had yet to achieve the vote nationally. A group of women, adopting radical tactics from their British counterparts, brought their protests to Washington, DC and the White House fence. Learn how Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) drew public attention to their cause and became a model for peaceful public protest marches in the United States.
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Previous Electronic Field Trips (videos are currently free for use):
Women Pioneers of Computer Programming
In 1943 the US Army hired six women mathematicians to set up and operate the Army’s newest top secret weapon in World War II. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the first electronic, digital computer. These unsung heroes figured out how to wire the electrical connections that enabled ENIAC to complete 300 multiplications per second. This field trip incorporates math and science content including electronic circuits and geometry. To see a recording of this program, click here.
Katherine Johnson and the Mathematics of the Space Race
Getting astronauts to space and back involves more than rockets and hardware. During America’s space race in the 1950s and 60s, mathematicians performed calculations that determined the geometry for space orbit. Women “computers”, including National Women’s History Museum’s Women Making History honoree Katherine Johnson, were integral members of NASA’s teams. Join us to learn the mathematical concepts behind space orbit and the women who sent America’s astronauts into space. To see a recording of this program, click here.
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It takes an African American woman until almost the end of August (2019) to make the same amount that a white man made through Dec 31, 2018.
That’s why we are launching our Equal Pay for Equal Work Petition to
#DemandMore here at NWHM.
Add your name now to sign on and help us reach our goal of 10,000 members strong!
“…Each one of us can make a difference, and together, we make change.”
SEN. BARBARA MIKULSKI
Welcome to the Self-Study version of Living the New Story Series 1
Our live journey ran from August 2017 to March 2018 and each of the 8 videoconferencing sessions were recorded.
and
Welcome to the Self-Study version of Living the New Story Series 2 !
Our live journey ran from September 2018 to April 2019 and each of the 8 videoconferencing sessions were recorded.
Throughout the eight sessions, we are inviting you to take an experiential journey into what needs to change in us, and in the human story. Each session will explore, at increasing levels of depth, what it is to live the new story personally, and accelerate it collectively, through:
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Understanding our own personal journey inside of our larger, collective story of human evolution.
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Awakening to ourselves as dynamic, inspired agents of change and learning how to powerfully cocreate the future of our world in a way that is uniquely ours.
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Catalysing our growth and evolution beyond the patterns and core beliefs of our past to make way for the new story to unfold.
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Honouring the best of the old story and integrating it into the new.
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Connecting with, and beginning to harness, the power of the collective field to carry the new story forward.
As we change our story, we change our world
We humans find our way by story. Our stories shape us, hold us and give meaning to our lives. Every so often it becomes clear that a prevailing story is no longer serving. Now is such a time. Humanity needs a new, inspiring picture of the future to live into.
This website is designed to support the emergence of a coherent new story for humanity and the production of practical, collaborative ways to live this new story.
We invite you to help us accelerate our collective understanding of what the ‘world in waiting’ holds for us, what is already emerging and what needs to change, both in us and in the human story.
As a first step in this journey already begun by others, the Findhorn Foundation gifted to the world – The New Story Summit: Inspiring Pathways for our Planetary Future –which was held from 27 September to 3 October 2014…a gift economy gathering of the human family to experience planetary community, draw on our collective intelligence and co-create a story to inspire us all.
The Summit was more than full so we know there is huge support and longing for a new way to live together – a way which honours ancient wisdom and the interconnected whole living system of which we, the Earth and the cosmos are all part. It’s all connected and we are all accountable. To find out more, visit our Summit page.
This online hub will continue to be just that – a hub for people from all over the world to meet, engage, collaborate, share information, dream, synergise and inspire each other to live a new story.
If you would like to join this wave of collaborative action to shift consciousness and build on the threads of a new story already being lived and experimented with, you are very welcome. We invite your engagement, transparency, trust, compassion, innovation, entrepreneurship and generosity of spirit
You can also contact us by post:
Visitors Centre
Findhorn Foundation
The Park
Findhorn
Forres, IV36 3TZ
Scotland, UK
For general enquiries tel: +44 (0)1309 690311
Email: enquiries@findhorn.org
Bookings office contact details:
Bookings
Findhorn Foundation
The Park
Findhorn
Forres, IV36 3TZ
Scotland, UK
For booking and workshop information tel: +44 (0)1309 691653
Email: bookings@findhorn.org
Media and Public Relations
Public Relations
Findhorn Foundation
The Park
Findhorn
Forres, IV36 3TZ
Scotland, UK
For media enquiries tel: +44 (0)1309 690605
Email: pr@findhorn.org
Scottish charity No. SC007233, registered offices at the address above.
VAT registration No. 0957.68.506B01
The Findhorn Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.
Socially Conscious Leadership from the Inside Out
Our guest this week has come to believe that “No matter how wonderful a program is, if it is done as a bestowing – a certain group of people making decisions for another group – that is never going to bridge the divide in our city.” Does your work fit within this paradigm of “bestowing,” and how do you plant seeds for a deeper mindset or consciousness shift to address underlying structural issues? Share Your Reflection »
Dallas-based therapist, activist, writer, community leader and speaker Michelle Kinder examines and teaches conscious leadership “from the inside out.” She offers practical, achievable steps for parents, teachers and others to support children’s social-emotional health, and for business and other leaders to drive transformation in their lives and organizations. While exploring the lack of mental health resources in southern Dallas, Kinder got to know the work of the Momentous Institute, a 99-year-old Dallas-based nonprofit organization that has been building and repairing social-emotional health through education and mental health programs. Momentous Institute serves vulnerable children through therapy services, curriculum and teacher training focused on See full.
Five Questions for Michelle
What Makes You Come Alive?
Thank you for asking. Learning makes me come alive. Learning combined with contribution has long been a winning formula for me feeling most alive. Over the years I developed the habit of checking in with myself every six months or so with the questions “Am I learning? Am I contributing?” There have been interesting seasons on how the two balance each other. There are times that striving to contribute crowded out the kind of white space by brain needs for deep learning and I have had to course correct. And there have been other times that I was learning a lot, but didn’t feel like I was being a good steward in terms of making a difference for other people or for causes I care about. I should also say that because I am currently in a season of more white space and more time for discernment, increasingly, simple pleasures are what make me come alive. Listening to birds, watching our dogs, yoga, running, sunshine, good coffee and the sound of my girls laughing together. Things like that.
Pivotal turning point in your life?
When I was in High School I left my family in Guatemala and came to the states to attend boarding school. It was a transformational experience. The wonderful faculty there saw qualities in me that they nurtured into leadership and I really learned who I was and what I was capable of during those four years. Interestingly, in my previous school, there were teachers who experienced the exact same qualities as problematic, annoying or something to control. Having that experience has made me very interested in how adults show up in the lives of children in a way that respects the enormous privilege and responsibility. I always say there are no neutral interactions when it comes to our relationships with children – all interactions are either positive, negative or missed opportunities.
An Act of Kindness You’ll Never Forget?
When I was in college, my 24-year-old sister died suddenly and it was an enormous challenge to go back to school while navigating the grief process. Several weeks into it, when people had stopped checking in, I found a card tucked into one of my books. It was from a classmate I knew somewhat, but not super well. It said something like, “I know time has passed but your hurt hasn’t.” I still tear up thinking about that act of kindness. It meant so much and it has shaped my desire to show up for others in similar ways.
One Thing On Your Bucket List?
Have the kind of flexibility to visit different places for a month at a time and work remotely while folding into the local scene.
One-line Message for the World?
Regardless of the situation, if you ever aren’t sure how to be most helpful, regulate your own nervous system.
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Awakin Circles: A hub for local meditation circles that started in the Silicon Valley and have now spread to 80+ cities around the globe. The circle start with an hour of silence, followed by a circle of sharing and dinner in silence. A newsletter with a passage selected from various wisdom traditions and an audio reading is sent out to 87,000 subscribers each week. See also Awakin Calls that hosts weekly conversations with wide-ranging thought leaders.
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ServiceSpace is an organization run entirely by volunteers. We leverage technology to encourage everyday people around the world to do small acts of service. Our aim is to ignite the fundamental generosity in ourselves and others, creating both inner and outer transformation.
ServiceSpace was conceived by volunteers, was built by volunteers, and is run by volunteers — all for the benefit of volunteers. Our projects range from a daily positive news service, to an acts-of-kindness portal, to a gift-economy restaurant. Regardless of the endeavor, we act in concert to create service opportunities for each other and to support each other’s service journeys.
In September of 2011, we formally changed our name from CharityFocus to ServiceSpace. Founded in 1999, ServiceSpace was originally started to help non-profits with technical services. Over the past dozen years, the organization has become an umbrella for many generosity-driven projects. Thus we have expanded our services from focusing just on helping charities, to encouraging everyday people to contribute in meaningful ways to the world around them. As the name suggests, our new expanded ServiceSpace platform allows people to stay connected with others interested in service, participate in service opportunities through any of our dozen projects, organize their own local service event using our tools, and stay connected to inspirational content. Above all, we believe in the inherent generosity of others and aim to ignite that spirit of service. Through our small, collective acts, we hope to transform ourselves and the world.
We hold these three principles steadfast within our organization:
Stay fully volunteer-run.
ServiceSpace was founded by volunteers and is run by volunteers. There is no paid staff, no office, and no central facilities. All ServiceSpace programs are conceived, designed, implemented, and administered by people who selflessly give their time so that others can benefit from those services.
Based on twelve years of our experience with a volunteer-run infrastructure, we’ve developed a streamlined process that structures projects in a distributed and decentralized manner. This allows more volunteers to give small chunks of time and still deliver high quality services to the end-receiver.
Being volunteer-run also allows us to organically self-organize. Instead of hierarchies and prefabricated business plans, our volunteer infrastructure is dynamic, low-cost and open to radical change. Everything is based on relationships and presence, and that creates a powerful context to BE the change.
We continue to be amazed at what inspired and dedicated individuals can do. Margaret Mead eloquently said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” We could not agree more.
Serve with whatever we have.
We have chosen a slightly different path than most organizations, and choose not to focus on fundraising, grants, or other sources of revenue – for example, none of our websites contain any advertisement. All services are distributed are gifted without any fees. Thus, we serve with whatever support and resources that come in organically when people are truly moved to give.
ServiceSpace projects are built within a gift-economy system, an economic system in which goods and services are given freely, rather than traded. In a traditional market economy, one’s wealth is increased by saving. In a gift economy, giving leads to increase: an increase in connections and relationship strength.
Our services are given freely, without asking for anything in return. Instead of scarcity and fear for an uncertain future, our second principle roots us in abundance and trust. We have realized that over time, if you serve with pure intentions, people’s cups of gratitude overflow. They don’t give to fulfill a need, they give as an expression of their own solidarity and joy. These genuine gifts, no matter how small or large, are what sustains us.
Focus on the small.
Our attempt is to do “small acts with great love”. As our tagline says, “Change Yourself, Change the World.” If we started out by having a goal to change the world, we might have been a little disappointed in our abilities; when we start with ourselves, we notice that the ripples around us continue to get bigger and bigger and as more people try to do small acts, we have every potential to change the world.
Just as every tiny bit of a hologram contains information of the whole, we feel that paying attention to the process, to the present moment, gives us plenty of information to become instruments of a larger, systemic change.
This is how ServiceSpace makes things happen. But essentially the engine that drives the organization is inspiration, pure and simple. We learn from each other, spur each other, help each other, and frequently amaze each other. Sure, we are stirred by the words and lives of great men and women like Gandhi and Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa; but the examples set by our ServiceSpace colleagues–everyday heroes–are the real sustaining forces behind our projects.
