A week-long course exploring the concept of and social tools for re-villaging communities
- Practice simple methods of appreciation, forgiveness and reconciliation
- Explore mentoring strategies that bring to life your unique communitarian gifts
- Learn effective, persuasive and inspirational communication techniques for engaging dialogue
Culture can be seen as the processes and practices which create interpersonal connection. Culture is what kept our ancestors alive, and gave each individual a vital context socially and ecologically. Yet we are living in a time of task and productivity driven human connection. Our youth and elderly are often alienated and forgotten about in strategic planning. People in general struggle with stress and overwhelm.
A regenerative culture is one where each person can bring their talents, skills and leadership to the fore, in harmony with the natural world. It is a system that intentionally includes social forums into its blueprint to makes space for, honour and explore the tensions as well as the celebrations of community living. By designing community structures with nature’s cycles and applying ancient social technologies, we can find ways to re-establish collaboration back into our competitive society.
The Faculty of this course call this weaving process ‘Regenerative Culture Repair’.
The course asks:
- What would you do if your actions were the key to the positive change you wish to see in your community?
- How can we intentionally (re) create more conscious, caring connections for ourselves and in community today?
- In what ways can we animate our unique gifts to best serve future generations?
- What methods could support us communicate across difference, whether age, class race and gender?
The founder of 8 Shields/the Art of Mentoring, and cultural mentoring specialist, Jon Young, will join the course via video link, offering insights relevant to participant group needs.
The facilitators had the ability to break down concepts and allow participants to explore them in a meaningful way. The training was very practical based which was so valuable. This course provided me with new methods and approaches.
Jenny Fennessy , Glór Youth Project, Regenerative Culture
Deb and Root were a wonderful presence…They have a great deal of experience and through various activities left us with some very practical knowhow for community living and an overall clearer vision.
Chloe B, Permaculturist, La Burra Verde Farm, Spain, Regenerative Culture
Trainers
Dr Deborah Benham
Deborah is a new Faculty member to the Findhorn College and has for the past 2 years been working with the College in researching the potential for ‘community empowerment’ eduction to be offered internally for Findhorn Ecovillage members. Deborah holds a PhD in wildlife conservation, environmental education and the people/nature interface and was until recently Managing Director of the Newbold Trust, a retreat and education centre focusing on sustainable living and wellbeing. She is now freelance, working closely with 8 Shields, teaching, providing facilitation, consultancy, trainings and workshops in regenerative culture, sustainability, nature connection and youth empowerment. She is an experienced facilitator, and dedicated ‘Hopemonger’ who loves to create connective, uplifting and transformative programmes in support of healthy communities and ecosystems.
Root Cuthbertson
Root is currently a writer and hope-monger. Holding a Master’s degree in Environmental Education from Vermont College of Norwich University and a Certificate in Ecovillage Design from Findhorn College. With a background in theatre, dance, and music, Root advocates raising awareness to regenerate resilient communities and ecosystems. His interests include cross-pollinating ideas, Non-Violent Communication, traditional celebrations, cooking & nutrition, monofloral honey, matching needs with resources, the healing power of forgiveness, and the Art of Mentoring.
Course Fees
- £790
- £720
- £670
The fee includes tuition, materials, food and accommodation in shared rooms.
The higher fee helps support others to attend, the middle fee covers costs and enables course development, the low fee is the minimum cost of the course.
NFA / Co-workers please contact College office for pricing.
Application Information
When your booking is approved, a £100 deposit is required to secure your place.