WTR Events
Upcoming Events
Active Hope for the New NOW: Monthly Practice Group*
Monday, September 8, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., IN PERSON at Unity Church-Unitarian, St. Paul, Robbins Parlor (Holly Street entrance). Mark your calendars now for: September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8​
The monthly practice group, Active Hope for the New NOW, is an opportunity to practice the Active Hope spiral in community with others. Led by Twin Cities WTR Facilitators, each month will feature a pressing issue of our shared present as a focus for the evening’s Spiral Journey. The focus, and the Spiral itself, will prevent our hearts from deadening, and fortify us in resilience as we each do our part to turn our society toward a life-loving, life-protecting future. Through the wisdom of the Spiral - grounding in gratitude, touching into sadness, seeing with new eyes, and gathering our capacities for action - even in a brief 90 minute session, we can return to our homes, communities and work feeling more whole and inspired.
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All are welcome. No prior experience with the Spiral, or the Work That Reconnects (WTR), is required. You are invited to bring a small personal object that signifies “gratitude” for you; if you forget, or aren’t sure what this is, you’ll be offered a selection of objects or an index card for participating in a gratitude ritual at the beginning of the Spiral.
This is a great introduction to WTR, and participants may be moved to attend the quarterly Active Hope for the New NOW 3-hour workshops held at Unity. Watch for the November date!
For questions, contact Jean Hammink: jeanhammink@gmail.com
*There is no prior registration needed for this Monthly Practice Group.
Active Hope Book Group
Mondays, September 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, IN PERSON at Unity Church-Unitarian, St. Paul
How is it with your heart? How are you feeling about the state of the world, especially as it relates to climate change and environmental degradation?
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Join us in reading "Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in with Unexpected Resilience and Creative Power" by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. Discover how ACTIVE HOPE is not wishful thinking, but determining what we want our future to be and actively working individually and collectively toward making it happen. We will read the book, discuss our learnings and reflections in facilitated small and large groups, engage in some experiential practices together and connect with others who care deeply about the earth and our collective future.
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“At the heart of this book is the idea that Active Hope is something we do rather than have. It involves being clear what we hope for and then playing our role in the process of moving that way. When our responses are guided by the intention to act for the healing of our world, the mess we’re in not only becomes easier to face, our lives also become more meaningful and satisfying.” Active Hope Website
REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/ahbg202.
Contact Jean Hammink, jeanhammink@gmail.com, with questions.
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Sponsored by Unity Church Unitarian and the Twin Cities Work That Reconnects
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Nature's Path: Embracing the Spiral Journey of Active Hope in Forest Therapy*
Sunday September 28, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, IN PERSON at House of Hope Park (across the street from Unity Church Unitarian), corner of Grotto and Portland, St. Paul
In this guided forest therapy session, participants are invited to slow down and reconnect with the natural world through the lens of the Spiral Journey of Active Hope - a transformative framework that nurtures compassion, courage and renewal. Through gentle invitations, group sharing and solo reflection, the natural world becomes a companion in exploring gratitude, honoring difficult emotions, perceiving fresh possibilities and stepping into purposeful action. Whether you're seeking restoration, peace or deep listening, this experience beckons a return to walk with nature as a companion on your life's journey.
This is a FREE event yet registeration is required as it is limited to 20 particpants.
Register at: https://bit.ly/ahforest.​
*PLEASE NOTE: "This activity will be held outdoors in its entirety - unless unsafe conditions arise. Please dress accordingly for our ever changing MN weather - sleet, rain or shine! Layers are great - better to overdress (if indicated) at the start so you can peel back layers as needed. Please consider bug spray and sunscreen as well as your hydration needs for a 2 hour, outdoor event. Also note that we will be in a Park on uneven terrain. Please bring any mobility assistive devices you may need. We will be standing and you will be invited to wander short distances to sit/stand/lie down as is comfortable for you. Consider bringing a lightweight portable chair, small blanket, etc., as you deem necessary.
Please feel free to email me, Roberta Cassidy, with any questions you may have at Robertanufoundwellness@gmail.com.
Your Guide: Roberta Cassidy, PhD, RN, FNTP, CNFTG is a seasoned nursing leader with expertise in holistic wellness, nature-centered healing and community transformation. She is certified as a Forest Bathing guide and Work That Reconnects facilitator. As Founder of Nufound Wellness, she collaborates with others on their wellbeing journey through integrative, relationship-centered approaches. Passionate about healing’s role in personal, professional and planetary health, Roberta advocates for reciprocal relationships with all Beings and finds renewal in the outdoors - wandering, biking and kayaking.​​
WORDS on FIRE: A Retreat for Writers in Emergency
Dates and Times: Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend
Fri evening, October 10, 7 – 9 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, October 12, Noon – 5:30 p.m.
Optional: Monday, October 13, 9:00 – 5:00, writing day at ESFL, morning and/or afternoon session. Also Optional: yoga class, 8:30 – 9 a.m., Saturday-Monday. No experience necessary.
Location: East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier, St. Paul, 55106
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For all writers and artists now -- under threat of censorship, with incubator institutions losing funding, and the proverbial pen feeling a lot weaker than the fast-moving sword – staying resilient in heart, mind and practice is a tall order. “WORDS on FIRE” is a weekend replenishment retreat for writers: published and unpublished, experienced, stalled and aspiring. Using the Work That Reconnects (WTR) – a group process developed by Joanna Macy and collaborators over 50 years --, you will restore to your purpose of heart, your purpose with words. All word forms welcome: poetry, prose, plays/ performance texts; scholars and journalists also welcome.
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Attendance: The Work That Reconnects (WTR) is a group process involving steps in a spiral form. It is not possible for participants to miss sections of the process. Your commitment to WORDS on FIRE is Friday evening through Sunday at 5 p.m.
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Cost: Free; Participant Limit: 16 writers.
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Your Facilitator: Beth Cleary, writer and trained facilitator of the Work That Reconnects
Questions and to Register (by Sept. 26): bethclearyawake@gmail.com.
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Recent Past
CANCELED: In Rhythm With Hope: Horses, Healing and Healthcare
Thursday, September 25th, 4:30pm - 7:00p and Friday, September 26th, 0900 - 5:00pm, IN PERSON at Gateway Meadows Equine-Assisted Services, Dayton, MN.
Active Hope for the New Now
Saturday, July 19, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul (Foote Room)
We are living in a time of disruption, destruction and uncertainty in this country -- and the effects are local and global. Hope is hard to sustain: hope of slowing the climate disaster; of defending human rights and environmental protections; of protecting necessary policies and services. is a three-hour workshop designed to build capacity for staying engaged, converting despair and working toward a habitable and just world. "Active Hope," according to Joanna Macy, is not something we but something we the workshop will help you reconnect to your hopes for what the world can be, and energize your work, however local, in the process of bringing that better world about. The "now" of this time is calling -- this workshop will help you respond to that call!
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Register here: https://bit.ly/ahnewnow.
INTER-DEPENDENCE DAY: A Workshop for Active, and Activist, Hope
Friday, July 4, 2025, 10:00am – 4:30pm at East Side Freedom Library, St. Paul, MN
Feeling anguished about these tattered and dis-united states? Furious, heartsick, scared? Relentless! We make calls, hit the streets, love each other, reach out to neighbors – and still, the chaos and cruelty spin. What will work to stop this? How do we replenish and do that work? On July 4, “Inter-Dependence Day,” come to a workshop that will help. For 50 years, activist Joanna Macy has developed a process called “The Work That Reconnects,” where groups of people engage in direct speech from their hearts, toward direct action for social change. The Inter-Dependence Day Workshop will use WTR’s “Spiral of Active Hope” to transform despair into gratitude, self-compassion, and restoration of capacity. Travelling toward Active Hope with others is a making of inter-dependence in real time. What better way to observe the 4th of July than affirming our inter-dependence with all living beings?
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The Inter-Dependence Day Workshop, facilitated by Beth Cleary, is open to all who find this invitation compelling. Sign up! Space is limited – register by emailing Beth Cleary – bethclearyawake@gmail.com -- by Friday, June 20.
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CANCELED: Monthly Active Hope Community of Practice
Monday, August 11, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St.Paul (Robbins Parlor)
The Active Hope Community of Practice is an ongoing second Monday of the month series of facilitated sessions to practice Active Hope with others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. It’s a great opportunity to “huddle” with others in using the Active Hope spiral above to stay resilient and engaged. Every gathering invites an open acknowledgement of what is happening in our lives, our country, and the world. All are welcome, no registration needed. Led by TCWTR Facilitators.
CANCELED: Monthly Active Hope Community of Practice
Monday, July 14, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St.Paul (Robbins Parlor)
The Active Hope Community of Practice is an ongoing second Monday of the month series of facilitated sessions to practice Active Hope with others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. It’s a great opportunity to “huddle” with others in using the Active Hope spiral above to stay resilient and engaged. Every gathering invites an open acknowledgement of what is happening in our lives, our country, and the world. All are welcome, no registration needed. Led by TCWTR Facilitators.
Spring Renewal: Equine-Assisted Wellbeing Workshop for Healthcare Professionals
Saturday June 14, 9:00am - 5:30pm, in person at Gateway Meadows, Dayton, MN
Join us this Spring in harnessing the healing power of horses to promote your wellbeing while embracing the opportunity to rejuvenate your spirit and gain new perspectives on your vital work in community with other healthcare professionals. Equine-assisted activities allow us to get (re)connected with ourselves, each other and the natural world in ways that foster compassion, emotional connection, enhance self-awareness and grow a sense of empowerment. In ground work (no riding) activities with horses, this full day workshop will create the space needed to support and guide you on your wellbeing journey and return you to your practice with renewed energy and clarity.
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Cost: $250
Includes: 5 Contact Hours, light snacks and lunch
Where: Gateway Meadows Equine-Assisted Services, Dayton, MN
Register: https://gatewaymeadowsequineassistedservices.as.me/schedule/90917b3e/?appointmentTypeIds[]=68375070
​For more info: Roberta Cassidy at cassidy.roberta1@gmail.com
Monthly Active Hope Community of Practice
Monday, June 9, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St.Paul (Robbins Parlor)
The Active Hope Community of Practice is an ongoing second Monday of the month series of facilitated sessions to practice Active Hope with others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. It’s a great opportunity to “huddle” with others in using the Active Hope spiral above to stay resilient and engaged. Every gathering invites an open acknowledgement of what is happening in our lives, our country, and the world. All are welcome, no registration needed. Led by TCWTR Facilitators.
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Monthly Active Hope Community of Practice
Monday, May 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St.Paul (Robbins Parlor)
The Active Hope Community of Practice is an ongoing second Monday of the month series of facilitated sessions to practice Active Hope with others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. It’s a great opportunity to “huddle” with others in using the Active Hope spiral above to stay resilient and engaged. Every gathering invites an open acknowledgement of what is happening in our lives, our country, and the world. All are welcome, no registration needed. Led by TCWTR Facilitators.
Active Hope and Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
Saturday May 3 (12-5) and Sunday May 4 (1-5), in person at the MN Zen and Meditation Center, Minneapolis
This workshop will use reflections, experiential exercises, and mindfulness meditation practices to build capacity and stamina to fully engage in the healing of our world. We are living in a time of incredible disruption and uncertainty. Active Hope is the process of determining the future we want and taking actions that contribute to that future, thus becoming part of what Joanna Macy calls the Great Turning. In this workshop, we will use the Work That Reconnects (WTR) Spiral to ground ourselves in GRATITUDE; open to HONOR OUR PAIN; be inspired to SEEING WITH NEW AND ANCIENT EYES; in order to create a plan of action for GOING FORTH. Led by WTR facilitators Jean Hammink and Matt Streit. A donation-based program, following in the Buddhist tradition of Dana, giving. Co-sponsored by Twin Cities Work That Reconnects and Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in cooperation with Common Ground Meditation Center, Midwest Earth Holder Community, and Unity Church Unitarian. REGISTRATION LINK
Active Hope: Grounding the Self of the Therapist, Cultivating Embodied Engagement
Saturday, May 3, 9:45 am - 4:00 pm, in person at Carondelet Center, St. Paul
This daylong workshop for psychotherapists and other healthcare providers focuses on the self of the therapist as related to practitioner resilience. We’ll explore the synergies of Work That Reconnects (WTR) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) in a series of short presentations (providing a brief overview of both models), small group discussion, experiential discussions, experiential exercises, and collective reflection. Support is needed for practitioners to process their own emotions and strengthen their own resilience in order to be present for others. Led by Mary Androff, psychotherapist/psychiatrist and TCWTR Emerging Facilitator. Cont. Ed credits available. Cost: $50 - 150 with early registration discount by April 3. More information and registration HERE.
Monthly Active Hope Community of Practice:
Monday, April 14, 7:00 - 8:30, in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St.Paul (Robbins Parlor) and on ZOOM.
The Active Hope Community of Practice is an ongoing second Monday of the month series of facilitated sessions to practice Active Hope with others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. It’s a great opportunity to “huddle” with others in using the Active Hope spiral above to stay resilient and engaged. Every gathering invites an open acknowledgement of what is happening in our lives, our country, and the world. All are welcome, no registration needed. Led by TCWTR Facilitators.
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​Active Hope for the New Now Workshop
Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in person, held at Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul
We are in a time of disruption and uncertainty in this country. Not only are our efforts to save the earth from climate changes threatened but many other rights and services we care about are under attack. It truly is a “new now.” This three-hour workshop is designed to build our capacity to stay engaged and work for positive change, even with this new reality. Joanna Macy calls us to Active Hope, that is determining the future we want and taking actions that contribute to it, becoming part of what she calls the Great Turning, by using the Active Hope spiral. REGISTER HERE
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Monthly Active Hope Community of Practice:
Monday, March 10, 7:00 - 8:30, hybrid: in person at Unity Church Unitarian, St. Paul (Robbins Parlor) and on ZOOM.
This is an ongoing second Monday of the month facilitated session to practice Active Hope with others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. This is a great opportunity to “huddle” with others in using the Active Hope spiral above to stay resilient and engaged. All are welcome, no registration needed. Every gathering invites an open acknowledgement of what is happening in our lives, our country, and the world.
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​4 Tuesdays, beginning February 18, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., "Winter Sowing: A Multi-Week Practice and Study Group in the Work That Reconnects and Yoga." This is an opportunity to experience how the Spiral of Active Hope can be a daily, embodied practice -- through a month-long exploration of WTR alongside the wisdom tradition of yoga. The Registration deadline is February 4. Please see attached flyer for more information.
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Monthly Active Hope Practice Group, Monday, February 10, 7:00 - 8:30. This meeting will be held on ZOOM
This is an ongoing monthly facilitated session to practice Active Hope in a community of others who care about the climate crisis and related social justice issues facing our country and world. If you're new to Active Hope practice, these sessions give you an introduction to the framework of the Spiral of Active Hope, and you will "walk the Spiral" with others gathering. For experienced practitioners, these sessions keep the practice alive in our lives by moving through the spiral with others. All are welcome, no registration needed. Every practice group invites an open acknowledgement of what people are carrying, what is happening in the world.