The Work That Reconnects

"I urge my social justice colleagues to invest your time and money to participate in this retreat.  The pay-back, in terms of self-discovery, energy renewal, and revitalization, is enormous."
_{Frances MacQueen, Coordinator, VAST}

This work is inspired by Joanna Macy: eco-philosopher, scholar, activist, author and workshop guide. For 20 years she has been developing processes that move us from isolation to connection, from apathy to action, from fear to courage and from despair to empowerment. With generosity, Joanna Macy places her work in the public domain.

For some of us, our fear and discouragement about the planet is so overwhelming that we retreat from engagement. For others, the possibilities and joys of activism become lost in feeling overwhelmed, numb, despairing and burnt-out. For all of us, facing our distress in a safe and transformative process can lead to re-discovery of our passion and joy for life, re-connection to our interconnectedness and renewed energy for participation.

No solutions or answers will be offered; rather, the workshop provides an environment in which we can draw on our collective experience to find ways forward which are heart-felt, thoughtful and sustainable.
An intensive and safe group process involving interactive exercises, creative processes, ritual, reflection and discussion will enable us to:

• Witness together our deepest responses to the suffering and uncertain future of our shared world

• Reflect on our relationship to the suffering and destruction of both human and non-human life, and on the connection between environmental and social activism

• Examine ideas and concepts related to the interdependence of all life and the powers inherent in this web

• Support each other in strengthening our desire to participate in protecting our planet and all life on it.
  
  

Jackie Larkin is an activist in labour and social justice movements.  Until recently she was Education Coordinator with  the BC Nurses Union.  She now works as an independent contractor and facilitator. She bases her work in feminist and popular education approaches.  Jackie facilitates a variety of courses including leadership development, strategic planning and campaigning, and facilitator training for unions, non-profits and in the health care sector.

Maggie Ziegler is involved in environmental and social justice issues.  Her work as a psychotherapist and educator focuses on an examination of violence and the social origins of personal suffering.  Her group facilitation experience includes support and psychotherapy groups for victims of family and state violence, mediation, conflict resolution and organizational development for the non-profit sector, and provision of facilitation training both locally and internationally.

Maggie and Jackie have partnered to co-facilitate their popular Reconnecting to Life workshops and retreats for the past 6 years.  Their work, inspired by the writings and mentoring of Joanna Macy -- eco-philosopher, activist and workshop guide -- also integrates a wide range of diverse experiences and influences.