The Work That Reconnects: Courage for the Healing of Our World

At the Santa Cruz Permaculture Farm

Join us for a transformational group process that builds motivation, connection, solidarity and vision, renewing the courage to act for the healing of our world. In these times of climate chaos, rampant inequality, systemic racism, and other daily catastrophes, there is a tension between our desire to take urgent action and our need to process reality on a deeper level.

We often experience despair, anger, fear, and burnout as we navigate this tension, and at times it feels easier to turn away and close ourselves off. Yet it is through reconnection with ourselves and others, and acknowledging the reality of these times, that we can find hope and the courage to continue. The Work that Reconnects (WTR) is both a process for transforming our despair into purposeful action, as well as a deep well of nourishment to continue. Through a series of creative and experiential exercises, The Work that Reconnects opens space for radical truth-speaking and personal and collective empowerment. Drawing on deep ecology, systems theory, and spiritual traditions, this open-source body of work is rooted in the teachings and experiential methods of Joanna Macy.

Della Duncan is a facilitator, broadcast journalist, and renegade economist who guides opportunities for personal and systemic transition to a more equitable, sustainable, and enlivened world. She has led the Work that Reconnects for communities around the world for over five years. She is an Atlantic Fellow of Social and Economic Equity at the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics, a Right Livelihood coach, the host of the Upstream Podcast, a Gross National Happiness trainer for the Eurasia Learning Institute, a 5 Elements Dance Instructor, and an Alternative Economics Consultant. She is currently in a Buddhist Dharma leader program with James Baraz, she holds an MA in Economics for Transition with Distinction from Schumacher College, a graduate certificate in Authentic Leadership from Naropa University, and has completed Joanna Macy’s Work that Reconnects Intensive Program.

2-Day Workshop

The course is held at the Santa Cruz Permaculture Farm, about 20 minutes north of Santa Cruz, near Ano Nuevo State Park. You are welcome to camp on-site, and there are many hotels nearby. All meals are on your own. You can bring food to prepare on site, or there are several restaurants and markets within a short drive.
Please bring a notebook, something to write with, and clothing layers.

Pricing

  • Full Tuition: $200
  • Early Bird Discount: $175 (Register more than 30 days in advance)
  • Super Early Bird Discount: $150 (Register more than 60 days in advance)

Next Session TBD 

 

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About the Work that Reconnects

Since 1978, the Work that Reconnects has inspired thousands of people to take heart and work together for the sake of life on Earth, despite rapidly worsening social and ecological conditions. It has also inspired people to co-create experiential practices that serve the Work in specific groups and settings.

To learn the basics of the Work that Reconnects and its distinctive approach, people come to workshops that range in duration from a day or weekend to a ten or thirty-day intensive. But the Work That Reconnects extends far beyond such dedicated events, for its methods are widely used in classrooms, faith communities, grassroots organizing, and environmental and civil rights campaigns. Learn more about the Work that Reconnects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please use the registration button above.

Cancellations up to two weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $150 processing fee. No refunds are given after that date.

Participants are welcome to defer their enrollment to the next session of the course.

The weekend course is held on our 26-acre farm north of Davenport, CA, 20 minutes north of the Westside of Santa Cruz and 1 hour from San Jose or San Francisco. Participants are welcome to camp onsite for the weekend of the course and enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings and beach access.

Course participants are very welcome to camp at the farm Friday and Saturday of the course weekend. Our facilities are rustic, but comfortable. Building community around the campfire is a wonderful bonus! The farm is a gorgeous place where you will feel immersed in nature and enjoy spectacular stars at night and walkable beach access. There are restaurants and markets nearby in Davenport and Costanoa.

Participants are encouraged to read Joanna’s book prior to the workshop Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re In Without Going Crazy (2012, New World Library). This is in no way necessary, though it may enhance your experience.
Please bring your own meals and snacks, a notebook, and clothing layers. If you plan on camping on-site, please bring your own camping gear.

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