Happy Thanksgiving! - Resource doc and upcoming events
Wishing everyone who celebrates a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving: ideally, this American holiday is a time for coming together in gratitude around the table. In reality, it can be a time when family tensions often show up full-force; when the inequities of our food system can really be on display; and when the histories of the United States and other countries formed by colonization are either brought to the forefront or blatantly overstepped.
We've been noticing articles about people just planning to not attend family gatherings because of their upsetness (and family differences) around the election and advice on how to avoid contentious holiday gatherings.
We want to bring to your attention this free resource document about different ways of doing Thanksgiving differently that our colleagues at Sequoia Samanvaya put together. It includes a wonderful collection of books, articles, and thought pieces on Thanksgiving, especially on various aspects of decolonizing your Thanksgiving. We also appreciated their recent publication, Considering the Use of the Thanksgiving Address.
And - do check out their Advent Series for the Winter Solstice. If you can't make it, you might still love the children's book they are highlighting: All Creation Waits.
You might also notice that there is an increase of attention on regenerative farming practices around Thanksgiving.... including a new study that finds that "turkeys grown with regenerative farming practices are “not only better for the land but can also improve fatty acid ratios and phytochemicals in turkeys.” We know, you are not surprised at all!
Often, regenerative thanksgiving suggestions include a combination of: honoring indigenous land and traditions; learning the real histories; buying/eating as locally as you can (even when that means that a particular food is not available or you need to make a substitution); buying seasonally; and buying resourcefully (with awareness of where the item comes from and where it will go). Obviously, that's not just for Thanksgiving!
Right after Thanksgiving comes Giving Tuesday! This year, we are excited to be offering three different "pots" of metaphorical seeds that we planted in during 2024, and which we want to keep growing with your help!
These include: engaging with climate disasters; deepening into workable futures for education; and being in strong reciprocity with our indigenous colleagues, neighbors, and teachers.
More about all of this to come!
For now, we want to share with you some of our internal conversations and our approach to narratives around donations and the process of financial contributions. We do not want to perpetuate "the world is falling apart and we need a savior and we are that savior" kind of messaging that is so common from non-profits and humanitarian aid organizations. We do not want to use images of poor people to bolster your contributions. Or to act as if we are some great savior organization. We are not.
In fact, we wonder: what is "saving", anyways?
We do put a strong value, however, on participation.
We are a part of the pain and the joy of the world. We walk alongside people like you, and in that walking, we might- sometimes - forge a regenerative pathway together.
If you are running a nonprofit yourself, we'd love to hear from you about how you engage with these kinds of questions in your strategies around giving!
Once again, we want to encourage folks to register for the upcoming December Community Retreat in Sewanee, Tennessee.
We hope you are able to find some time to connect with the land, wherever you may be, and with your more than human kin.
Community Retreat
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Retreat Schedule: 12 pm CT to 5:30 pm CT
Rivendell Spiritual Center.
Recommended book from Maya Galimidi: "Rewild School: a pedagogy of possibility" by Shawn Humphrey
At the Re: The Regenerative School, we are dedicated to shaping the future of education through innovative teaching and learning practices. Over the years, our focus has centered on participatory action research to cultivate collaborative and impactful learning environments. In this spirit, we are excited to recommend "The Rewilding School" by Prof. Shawn Humphery, a groundbreaking exploration of transformative educational methodologies that aim to revolutionize both student experiences and their educational settings.
"The Rewilding School" is a compelling read for educators, non-profit leaders, and anyone invested in community-focused projects. The book's accessible language and honest reflections allow it to engage a broad audience. Prof. Humphery's dedication to creating a tribe rather than just a classroom fosters a learning atmosphere that shuns hierarchical structures in favor of trust and collaboration. As he points out, "we are craving connection, community, and conversation," which becomes the foundation for the transformative experiences he and his students share. He emphasizes the importance of transformative learning through real-life projects, demonstrating that education can be a deeply personal journey. The project model he champions is exemplified by the ten-year student endeavor, illustrating how sustained commitment can lead to meaningful outcomes that transcend academic boundaries.
Key themes throughout the book resonate with anyone involved in education or community engagement. Prof. Humphery eloquently captures the essence of an educational model "grounded in love, life, and relationships," underscoring the critical connection between personal development and collective action. His reflections on vulnerability, accountability, and the necessity of communication highlight the profound impact that a supportive learning environment can have on students. The words "We are born to dream. We are born to disrupt. We are born to create," encapsulate the spirit of the classroom he crafted, where students are encouraged to "choose a project that will not fit neatly into your syllabus." By pushing boundaries and encouraging collaboration, "The Rewilding School" is not just a book; it is a call to action for all who aspire to craft environments that nurture innovation, resilience, and community.
Download Sequoia Samanvaya’s free resources around Thanksgiving and decolonization
Wonder and Preparation
As the days shorten, join us to deepen gently into the lengthening nights and celebrate the return of the sun.
An “Advent” series for the Winter Solstice Season
4 online Sessions; Tuesdays, November 26, December 3, December 10, December 17 - 3:30 to 4:30 pm ET