The Work that Reconnects

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

With Della Duncan
September 23-24, 2023
Santa Cruz, CA

About the Workshop

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. 

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.

Art by Dori Midnight

Course Dates & Times

Registration Open – September 2023

  • Saturday, September 23, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm with optional evening fire to be determined

  • Sunday, September 24, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location & Logistics

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. 

 About Della Duncan

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. 

Learn more about Della

Registration


Payment Options



Frequently Asked Questions

Are there readings, videos, and other materials to supplement our time together?

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.  

How do I register?

Please use the PayPal link above. Registration includes access to all course sessions. There is a PayPal Handing Fee included in the price. You do not need a PayPal account to register. Clicking on the Pay Now button will take you to the PayPal site, and then once you make your payment please fill out the additional form to complete registration.

What should I bring to class?

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.

What is the refund policy?

Cancellations up to two weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $125 processing fee. No refunds are given after that date.

What is your COVID-19 protocol?

Please read our COVID update on our Courses page here.

Please email info.santacruzpermaculture (at) gmail (dot) com with comments and questions.

Join us this summer on our coastal farm for an immersive permaculture experience - our 2-week design course. Register soon!

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