Voices from Bonn: System Change not Climate Change

The long trip from Wendell, Massachusetts back to the Rhine River put me at the center of world discussions on climate. Bonn, former capital of a divided Germany, was my home base for decades. Now, thanks to the Traprock Center for Peace & Justice and other supporters, I could attend the 23rd ‘conference of the parties’ of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP23. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE — Heart-centered involvement in social change

This training supports people to see themselves as involved in a life-long engagement in social change fueled by their own heart calling,while connected to generations of those who came before. We will learnhow to lead three basic activities relating to communicating nonviolently and changing systemic oppression. We will keep a focus on supporting the empowerment of women’s voices and address violence against women, creating our own analysis of sexism.

COMMON THREADS — Generations in Conversation on Social Change

From across the generations, people will come together as conscious leaders of social change to explore what we can learn from each other and ask — What is the work that needs to be done?

The goal of the gathering is to help people take part in a long-line of generations working for the common good, believing in their ability to raise their voice, and taking actions for positive change. We will participate in the Fourth Wave of feminism by expanding the boundaries of the discussion and foster intersectionality in social change.

The day includes small groups, inspirational speakers, music, drumming, slam poetry,songs by local young people, and a variety of workshops.