"A New Story" Series

How to face the global mess we're in
and co-create a new story for humanity

Unify Toronto Dialogues invites you to series that will inform, empower, and help equip you to play your part in bringing the next society into being.

This moment in history is unique. We're the first generation to feel the impacts of climate disruption, mass species extinction, peak oil, and global economic crisis, not to mention the nuclear age. And we're the last generation that can do something about the mess the industrial age has left us in.

Luckily, the study of evolution shows us that species can make transformative adaptations when faced with a crisis. So, this is the time to write a new story of what is possible for humans, and we are the people to do it.

Here's an alternative to denial, overwhelm or despair: join us for this series. In supportive community, let's admit we've never been here before and don't know what to do. From that fertile place of humility, let's listen together for practical and collaborative ways forward.

6:30 - 9:00 pm on these Monday evenings:
- Sept. 29 (College & Spadina), Oct 27 & Nov 17 (St. George & Bloor)

Suggested donation $10-$20 per session.

I. Foundation (Sept. 29)
First Nations House

What is this unprecedented moment in history?
What are its challenges and opportunities?

We'll explore these questions through powerful videos, dynamic group processes, and active conversations, using top-quality materials from the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium. Rediscover what's meaningful and possible for the world right now. Find your role and best contribution to the thriving, just and sustainable future you want to see.

Facilitators: David Burman & Natalie Zend with Rebecca Dehmassi & Mickey Juranka

II. Deepening (Oct. 27)
Peace Lounge, OISE 7th floor

What are our inner responses to this global crisis?
How can they empower and enliven us to be the change?

In this session, we will journey around the spiral of The Work that Reconnects, a body of transformative group processes developed by eco-philosopher Joanna Macy. Experiential exercises and dialogue help us find the creativity, solidarity and courage to act on behalf of life on Earth.

Facilitator: Natalie Zend (Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera sends her regrets)

III. Moving Forward (Nov. 17)
Peace Lounge, OISE 7th floor

What would a sustainable, fulfilling future look like?
What can we actually do to bring it about?

In this final session, we will focus on envisioning a fun, beautiful future society in harmony with the natural world. We'll explore tangible feet-on-the-ground actions and vote-with-your-wallet strategies for co-creating a future worth looking forward to. The session will be inspired by Kaia's latest book, Visions: Co-Creating Our Future.

Facilitator: Kaia Nightingale

Facilitators:

David Burman
(Sept. 29)

A founding member of Unify Toronto, David has been facilitating Symposiums since 2009. In 2013 he helped train 20 young people as facilitators of its youth adaptation. In addition to active involvement in social justice and ecological issues, David is a dentist by day, a lecturer in Aboriginal Health by night, and a potter on the weekends.

Kaia Nightingale
(Nov. 17)

Kaia, MA Psychology, cofounded Transition Ottawa and is part of a team developing a local alternative currency. She is an urban sustainability practitioner, speaker, writer, workshop leader and group facilitator. She has just published Visions: Co-creating Our Future, a global energy descent and environmental clean-up plan focused on creating a fun, sustainable future.

Natalie Zend
(Sept. 29 & Oct. 27)

Natalie, MA International Affairs, is a trainer and facilitator with 15 years' experience in international development and human rights. She is a trained facilitator of the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium and a member of the international Work that Reconnects Facilitator Network. A founding member of Unify Toronto, she co-hosts the Unify Toronto Dialogues.

See unifytoronto.ca for more info.