Critical Connections: The Role of Love in Social Change
This workshop will explore the origins of "critical mass" ideology and the unsustainable culture of modern social change movements, which are heavily impacted and shaped by materialistic, individualistic dominant-culture norms and values. Through real-life examples, we will explore a new theory called emergence that suggests that true social change happens through the critical connections we make in authentic relationship.
Beyond Identity
For many LGBTQI people of color, identity-based politics has been a source of strength and community. But too often, identity politics revolves around a story of victimization, where our sense of who we are is formed by our relationships to our oppressor(s). We will explore identity in a spiritual context, learning about the stages of spiritual development as described by sages and mystics from wisdom traditions around the world. Through writing exercises and other tools, we will both honor the gifts of these identities as well as examine the ways in which they hold us back from evolving as spiritual beings. This workshop will broaden our understanding of our identities, enabling us to transcend their boundaries and rediscover the power of our true eternal nature.
Biology of Burnout
Are you on your way to burning out? Would you know if you were? This workshop will educate social justice organizers about the sources of burnout in our environment, as well as the physiological effects of burnout on our bodies. Together we will explore alternative approaches that support social justice work for the long haul. Participants will practice simple, powerful tools to recognize unhealthy habits and intervene in times of stress. We will also examine the underlying systems-wide changes that can support urban communities in organizing for social change.
Spiritual Truths, Social Realities
How does power & privilege inform (and misinform) our work for personal and social transformation? Join Zenyu co-founders as we explore this and share our model for creating authentic connection to place, purpose & ancestry as integral to social change. In doing so, we will highlight how unconscious dynamics of power & privileged can undermine our attempts to build successful, inclusive movements. Grassroots examples & practical take-home exercises will be shared