Hi Jann,
The Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium originated in San
Francisco as a result of a partnership with the Pachamama Alliance's work with
the Achua Indians in Equador to protect their land, culture, and way of
living--threatened by extractive industries. Their call was not to have
people come to Equador but to have the people where such corporations are
based be awakened to what is going on--the goingonness not only negatively
affecting the Achuas but also the global community. The stated purpose
of the symposium is "to awaken people to create an environmentally
sustainable, spiritual fulfilled, socially just human presence on the
planet." The symposium is led by volunteer, trained facilitators from
all walks of life. The content weaves together films clips,
presentations, group discussion, individual reflection and other exercises as
it focuses on four questions relative to the three previously stated purpose
arenas: Where Are We? How Did We Get Here? What's Possible
Now? How Do We Get There? Some versions of the ATD include the New
Story with dvd clips from Brian Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, Thomas Berry, and
Miriam McGillis.
It pulls together all the current issues in a very impacting, moving way
and also calls people into action to do their Great Work individually and
corporately. The symposium has been presented across the country in many
formats and time designs: morning, all day, multiple evenings, evening
living room gathering, retreat, or built into another event. It's best
to allow for 3 1/2-4 hours, but can be done in a shorter time or longer time
with more exercises and reflection.
Janice Ulangca used the ATD Symposium in the Binghamton Area as the 1st
of the 50 ICA anniversary events. After hosting a number of
dvd/discussion events in our community related to ecology, the ATD Symposium
is a springboard to our Transitions Initiative in our area. Our first
follow-up meeting is tonight.
If you need additional info, please let me know.
Ellie Stock
(314) 521-8418