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Greetings to My Dear Community, Family, Friends,

I'm excited to share that I've been accepted into generative somatics (gs) Transformation In Action training in New York City. Learn more here.

The generative somatics courses are designed "to grow a transformative social and environmental justice movement – one that integrates personal and social transformation, creates compelling alternatives to the status quo and embodies the creativity and life affirming actions we need to forward systemic change."

What is somatics all about? Take a gander here to get a more in depth understanding.

I've been working in the social justice field for over 12 years and am trained in social work, community organizing and human rights. I've worked primarily promoting a more just and equitable society for refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of trafficking. I'm now taking a new risk and enhancing my skills as an educator, working to uproot secondary trauma and systemic oppression through body movement and collective organizing.

Through personal trauma experiences as well as working with folks who have experienced personal and collective trauma, it has become clear to me that words are not enough. Words cannot transform centuries of collective trauma and oppression. Working within the non-profit field, I've witnessed how often the non-profit model is rooted in white supremecy and oppressive systems. I have seen how people become numbers based on unjust and outdated outcome models and funding requirements. I have seen how quickly social workers and activists become disembodied and burnt out not only from secondary trauma but also from embodying the oppressor role. I want to discover an authentic and just way to confront this problem. I hope to build upon creative and alternative systemic change movements that are focused on collective healing. Skillful action cannot be enacted without intentional healing. Our bodies hold lifetimes of pain and wisdom and it is crucial to build spaces in which this can be seen, held, and lived out. Generative somatics does just that. Through this course, I hope to gain more insight into the power of collective liberation work. I aspire to develop more authentic and heart-led leadership skills that will help me to listen and lead with bold conviction and humility. And most importantly, I hope to work alongside others to hold one another up and cultivate the rigor, wisdom, and love needed to do this important work.

In our current political conditions, generative somatics (gs) is needed more than ever. You can check out gs's 2018-2020 Strategic Priorities here - summary document or watch this video.

I'm fundraising for $2,321 of the program fees. I am contributing an amount that is significant for me, as well as covering the travel and lodging costs of two trips to NYC. I need your help to cover the rest! I humbly ask for you support - whether $1 or $100 - there is no amount too small to make an impact. Thank you for your ongoing love and encouragement as I embark on this new journey.

Love & Gratitude,

Jen