In this time of global unravelling, millions are losing hope that a regenerative, meaningful and just future is even possible. But those of us connected to intentional communities and ecovillages not only know a better future is possible, we’re living it now! Developing and sharing our personal narratives of living well and lightly with passion and purpose can inspire others to help manifest this (re)emerging story of our being in community with each other and all life.
So, what’s your story?
From the past…
- What is your core worldview? Where or when do you most experience it?
- How did you find your passion or purpose? Why is it so meaningful to you?
- What is something you wish everyone knew about your life or community? Why?
- How have you struggled bringing your vision into reality?
- How has living in community transformed you, surprised you, or challenged you?
Or the future…
- What is your most hopeful, yet realistic vision for the next 20-50 years?
- Who will we need to be in these times? As individuals, communities, and humanity?
- How will we get from here to there?
- What insights might help us along the way?
This course is for anyone who…
- is curious about the art and practice of storytelling
- is wanting to delve into, craft, and share meaningful personal stories
- would value working with an intimate cohort of peer storytellers
- understands the power of storytelling and would like to become a better storyteller
- is comfortable with Zoom and working on a computer
Programme Overview
- Type: e-Learning
- Start Date: October 27, 2024
- Study Time: 3 to 5 hours / week
- Live Sessions: Sundays at 4pm UTC
- Length: 8 Weeks
- Cost: Pay-what-you-can (see below for details)
Course Objectives
Through eight 1.5 hour sessions we will…
- Create a safe online community to support our story crafting and sharing
- Learn about why stories are so important in this time of transition
- Explore what makes a great story that can impact others and the world
- Develop, revise, and share a meaningful personal story
- Learn how to record & edit audio/video using the online platform WeVideo
- Craft our “digital stories” with narration, images/video, and music
- Share our stories with each other and (optionally) the world!
Course Outline
Week 1 – Deep Welcome
- Block A: Welcome and personal Introductions, Intentions, Agreements
- Block B: Overview, Themes, Free Writing, Breakouts
- Homework: Outline a story to share, Review Guides
Week 2 – Deep Time
- Block A: Your ideal community and the Great Turning
- Block B: 1st Story Circle: Breakouts with Feedback, Harvest
- Homework: Revise or draft new outline
Week 3 – Deep Stories
- Block A: What Time is It and how did we get here?
- Block B: 2nd Story Circle Breakouts, Workshop 1-2 stories
- Homework: Finalize Script
Week 4 – Deep Adaptation
- Block A: Where are we now and where are going?
- Block B: 3rd Story Circle Breakouts, Workshop 1-2 stories
- Homework: Collect/create images
Week 5 – Deep Sustainability
- Block A: What is an ecovillage?
- Block B: Intro to WeVideo, Audio Recording; 4th-Story Circle
- Homework: Record story
Week 6 – Deep Relationships
- Block A: Choosing to Love
- Block B: 5th Story Circle and Feedback, Video Editing
- Homework: Rough Cut Video
Week 7 – Deep Meaning
- Block A: Finding our Why; Mapping our Stories
- Block B: 6th Story Circle and Feedback, Advanced Editing
- Homework: Final Cut Video
Week 8 – Celebration and Next Steps
- Block A: Screening of Final Stories
- Block B: Gratitude Circle
- Homework: Course Evaluation and Release Form
Course Facilitator
Daniel Greenberg, Ph.D.
Daniel has been involved in the ecovillage movement since 1988 when he pursued his doctoral thesis on “growing up in communes.” He then spent a year at Findhorn in northern Scotland where he was inspired to found the non-profit Living Routes, which partnered with University of Massachusetts to run study abroad programs based in ecovillages around the world. Over the years, Daniel co-founded Gaia Education, served as President of the Global Ecovillage Network from 2015-2019, was Director of Education at the Findhorn Foundation from 2022-2023 and now co-directs the Foundation for Intentional Community. This course arises from his passion to bring forth stories that can help put “flesh on the bones” of a more regenerative and peaceful world.
Pay-What-You-Can
Contribute what you can afford. No one will be turned away for lack of funds! Please consult the following suggested payment tiers and be honest with yourself and your financial situation when deciding what is right for you. You can also contact Daniel at [email protected] if you’d like to discuss your situation.
Community-Growing (support financial accessibility for others): >US$400
- I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic needs
- I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
- I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property
- I own or lease a car
- I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs
- I have regular access to health care
- I have access to financial savings
- I have an expendable income
- I can always buy new items
- I can afford an annual vacation or take time off
Community-Sustaining (reflects true costs): US$200-400
- I may stress about meeting my basic needs but still regularly achieve them
- I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
- I own or lease a car
- I am employed
- I have access to health care
- I might have access to financial savings
- I have some expendable income
- I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others
- I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden
Community-Supported (when economics would prevent access): <US$200
- I frequently stress about meeting basic needs & don’t always achieve them
- I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs
- I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing
- I don’t own or have limited access to a car and I’m not always able to afford gas
- I am unemployed or underemployed
- I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care
- I have no access to savings
- I have no or very limited expendable income
- I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them
- I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden
- I am between 18-25yo and/or a student in full-time education
- I am living with a registered disability
- I identify as part of a marginalized population (e.g. BIPOC, LGBTQIA)
- I am a refugee and/or living in a developing country
