December 2008
In This Issue:
•   Message from Debbie
•   Gifts For Women That Make a Difference
•   Can I Be Fearless?
•   Community Reflection
•   Art of Learning Centering: Healing and Action
•   Community Events
Message from Debbie
Seems like one of those roller-coastery times, doesn’t it?

Six weeks ago, I came home from Zimbabwe, where our Berkana Exchange community of 50 people from around the world (see below) celebrated the work of building healthy and resilient communities together. When I returned, news of a severe cholera outbreak came out, along with the absolute disintegration of the country’s power-sharing agreement. Next came the uplifting U.S. presidential election, followed by sinking news of the U.S. recession and the eruption of violence in Mumbai. Since I’ve returned home, five of my friends have given birth and four have lost a parent or grandparent.

We are in a time of extremes, with economic and emotional pendulums swinging wildly to and fro. What’s amazing to me about today is that as many possibilities are being born as are dying away. How do we graciously let go of what no longer serves—while welcoming and catalyzing the new actions, behaviors and beliefs that will carry us through to the new time ahead?

Can I Be Fearless?
Margaret Wheatley asks a difficult question of us in this energizing new article. She takes her readers along a path lined with different answers and solutions to dealing with our fears. What is courage? What do we do with our fear? Do we run from it, or face it and watch it change into action?

From the Second Edition of "Turning to One Another," January 2009, Berrett-Koehler Publishers

Read article

Art of Learning Centering: Healing and Action
For 10 days in October, more than 50 people from 11 countries gathered for the Berkana Exchange annual gathering at Kufunda Learning Village. Being together in Zimbabwe offered us the opportunity to experience the many challenges and possibilities that arise amidst the kind of total systems collapse that Zimbabwe is currently enduring. The Art of Learning Centering offered solidarity and support to our friends at Kufunda, and created a space of healing and rejuvenation for many of us struggling with political, economic and social challenges at home. We named areas for collective action around such themes as youth engagement, community currency, arts for social change, composting toilets and more.

Visit our WiserEarth page

Gifts For Women That Make a Difference
Two years ago, Berkana kicked off the Women's Leadership Revival Tour with Margaret Wheatley. From this 14-city tour grew a way for women to build connection and explore their own gifts and power: the Women's Circle Starter Kit. Hundreds of women all over the country are now convening in small circles and changing their own lives and those of their communities as a result. According to Berkana Board chair Teresa Posakony, "The task of building healthy and resilient communities is up to all of us. In circle, we find the courage, clarity, and support we need to make a powerful difference in our families, communities, and organizations."

As a holiday gift, gather the women in your life and start a circle. Give the gift to your own circle, or perhaps to a local shelter for women in transition. Kits are available for purchase at http://www.berkana.org/kits

Read article about the Tour

Community Reflection
Dave Pollard recently took part in an Art of Hosting at Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island in Canada and came home to reflect on this transformational happening. In a detailed and honest record of the event's three days and its aftereffects, Dave describes the 30 others with whom he shared the experience as "revolutionary facilitators... artful hosts" who, he observed, share certain qualities. Read the article to see the list of the traits he recognizes in this group of amazing individuals.

(photo by Dave Pollard)

Read article

Community Events
What better way to spend a dark December evening than at Santropol Roulant's annual Gala? A Montreal-based learning center and participant in the Berkana Exchange, the Roulant uses food as a vehicle to break social and economic isolation between generations and to strengthen and nourish the local community. This year, the Gala’s theme is "Venetian Masquerade," and promises a magical night of mystery, surprising performances, fine dining and much more. Sunday, December 7, the festivities begin at 6PM at the Just for Laughs Museum in Montreal.

In January, ELOS Institute in Brazil will host The School for Warriors Without Weapons. Four of our friends from Kufunda Learning Village in Zimbabwe have been chosen to attend this life-changing program. Unfortunately, these four Kufundees will not be able to attend unless they can raise $4,000 for travel expenses. Please consider making a contribution to this important journey: http://www.firstgiving.com/sowwwkufundees

Find out more about the Roulant's Gala

The Berkana Institute works in partnership with a rich diversity of people around the world who strengthen their communities by working with the wisdom and wealth already present in their people, traditions and environment.

Berkana and our partners share the clarity that whatever the problem, community is the answer. We prepare for an unknown future by creating strong and sustainable relationships, by wisely stewarding the earth’s resources, and by building resilient communities. We rely on the belief that human beings are caring, generous and want to be together.

We are learning how to live the future now.

Deborah Frieze and Bob Stilger
Co-Presidents, The Berkana Institute
 Visit us online