The 2012 Whidbey Winter Gathering The Decisive Decade: "Occupy a New Story" March 1st - 4th, 2012
This event is by invitation. For more information and to register to participate, contact Rick Ingrasci by email at bigmind@me.com.
Program Description: We are entering the third year of the Decisive Decade - a critical, chaotic moment in which deeper conversations about "new stories" and "emergent worldviews" are desperately needed. In this time of global economic and ecological upheaval, a palpable "shift in the field" is occurring. Driven by the Arab Spring and the Occupy Everything movements (among other things), we seem to be reaching a tipping point into new ways of being together on planet earth. The ongoing search for a New Story in which to live - one that is eco-centric, sustainable, compassionate and just - is both hopeful and heartening, freeing up human imagination in ways that can lead to a revolution in consciousness with all of its ensuing cultural and behavioral changes.
The 2nd Annual Whidbey Winter Gathering is an invitational leadership conference with a heartfelt sense of community, spirit, and service. This year's gathering will be about developing thriving communities and resilient individuals capable of navigating the tides of change. We will focus on stories from the Cascadia bioregion with an emphasis on localism, the power of place, and community resilience. Modeled on the highly successful Hollyhock Summer Gathering, which Rick Ingrasci and friends began convening over twenty six years ago at Hollyhock Retreat Centre on Cortes Island, B.C., the gathering will be part exploration of ideas and strategies and part winter holiday. It will bring together a vibrant, diverse group of movers and shakers, social entrepreneurs, educators, healers, artists, and thinkers to explore social transformation and human consciousness.
REGISTRATION: The 2012 Whidbey Winter Gathering begins at dinner on Thursday, March 1st, and ends at 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 4th. The event will fill quickly, so make your reservation soon. There is only space for 100 participants at Thomas Berry Hall, the main conference space we will be using.
Tuition cost for the conference is $250.00, not including room and board.
STRUCTURE: Operating on the principle that real creativity at conferences happens over tea or in the hallways, as well as in workshops, the Gathering has a flexible structure with plenty of time for informal conversation, creative expression, and fun. Morning plenary sessions feature dynamic, interactive presentations by social artists and entrepreneurs from a variety of disciplines. The afternoons are self-organized -- participants share their work and ideas with each other in simultaneous sessions. Afternoons also afford time for hiking on the Chinook Lands, walks on the beach, massage, creative arts, and the like. In the evenings we do our very best to experience collective joy through a dance party, group singing, storytelling, theater improv, and a fabulous open mic.
SPECIAL REQUEST FOR MORE DIVERSITY: Please help us in achieving this important goal: Give us the names of dynamic young leaders who you think should be there, and who iive in the Cascadia bioregion. Sponsor a young person’s participation financially. Invite one of your children. Invite your friends with different life experiences and points of view.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Many young leaders can only attend with the help of a scholarship. Any amount you give over the $250 tuition will go directly into the scholarship fund. Please give generously. If you'd like to receive a tax deduction for a larger donation to the Whidbey Winter Gathering Scholarship Fund, please contact Rick directly at bigmind@me.com.
