Writing The Great Turning: Climate Writing
Retreat Highlights
- Undertake a series of writing exercises based on “The Work That Reconnects,” Joanna Macy’s program for nurturing climate leaders.
- Come together in circle to feel into the stages of the Spiral of The Work That Reconnects.
- Share writing in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
- Engage in catalytic activities, from garden walks and sensory exploration in nature to dance and music making.
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
The climate crisis affects all of us, but showing up to this fight will mean healing ourselves as much as it means healing the planet. Creative writing is a powerful tool for looking our grief in the face while allowing us to envision the world we long for. This workshop is designed give climate change-makers a path forward, written in their own words.
Program Highlights
Undertake a series of writing exercises based on “The Work That Reconnects,” Joanna Macy’s program for nurturing climate leaders.
Come together in circle to feel into the stages of the Spiral of The Work That Reconnects:
Coming from Gratitude
Honoring our Pain for the World
Seeing with New and Ancient Eyes
Going Forth
Share writing in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Engage in catalytic activities, from garden walks and sensory exploration in nature to dance and music making.
Testimonials
“Working with Jess has been life changing! Jess helped me identify my strengths and my values-based priorities which has forever changed the way in which I will engage in climate justice work. She is full of joy, kind and compassionate, and pushed me to challenge myself constantly. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the way you're currently engaged in climate activism, and want to bring your more mindful, passionate, and innovative self to the table, I highly recommend working with Jess. She's the best!” - Laalitha Surapaneni, physician & climate justice advocate
"An outstanding piece of climate fiction. Zoe's work is vividly real and is conceivably non-fiction in the future California. The humanity of it makes it more real knowing the cultural aspects of the region." - Reader of Zoe's Short Story "The Last Almond," 2nd place winner of Grist's Future Ancestors competition and syndicated in Yes Magazine
“With so much discordant communication and so much hurt swirling around me, it was incredibly grounding to hold space for the emotions we don’t give ourselves time to process. I left feeling more ready to show up to my work than ever before.” - Kati Kallins, Global Sustainability Lead at Adobe
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
Schedule
Getting Here
Directions
Cortes Island, B.C. V0P 1K0 Canada
There are a variety of ways to get here. They include:
Seaplane:
1 hr from Vancouver
2 hrs from Seattle
Fly & Water Taxi:
2 hrs from Vancouver
3 hrs from Seattle
Roadtrip
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle
Public Trnsport (Ferry)
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle
Other ideas:
Rideshare:
Lighten your footprint and cost by sharing a ride with a fellow Hollyhock traveler – you might make a new friend! Create a free account on our secure Ride Share Board.
Electric Charging Station:
We are proud to offer an electric vehicle charging station on campus. Plan your stops with PlugShare.
Hollyhock Shuttle:
Complimentary for Onsite guests to and from ferry, seaplane, water taxi and ferries.
Accommodation
A variety of accommodations are located throughout our lush campus, ranging in price to suit most budgets. Choose from private, beachfront or ocean facing rooms, dorm-style lodging or cabins that nestle in the quiet seclusion of the forest. Our beautiful campsites are also available, with a cedar bath house conveniently located for your use. Room fees include all Hollyhock basics, like stimulating presenter evenings, delicious, organic meals, morning yoga/meditation classes, guided naturalist walks and tours of the garden, as well as luxurious soaks in our ocean-view hot-tubs. Telephones and wireless Internet are centrally located. Room Options Include: Single: 1 Person Twin: Couple or Friends, 2 beds. Couple: Couples or Friends sharing 1 bed. Family/Friends: 3 or more adult friends or family /2 beds Dorm: Up to 6 people/bunk beds Tenting with full-service bath house (bring your own tent and bedding) Roommates can be assigned, upon request, in twin and dorm rooms only.
Private Cabin Oceanfront
Single w/ensuite Oceanfront
Single w/ensuite
Single w/shared bathroom
Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront
Couple w/ensuite
Couple w/shared bathroom
Twin w/ensuite oceanfront
Twin w/ensuite
Twin w/shared bathroom
Three-share w/shared bathroom
Women Dorm
Male Dorm
Mixed Dorm
Tent Site Single
Tent Site Couple
Commuter
Venue & Amenities
Since 1982 Hollyhock has built upon the history of this land as a place of gathering, a pioneering homestead, and the site of an important human potential education centre. On this foundation of gathering, pioneering and learning, Hollyhock’s founders dreamed of creating a lifelong learning and leadership curriculum to inspire, nourish and support people intent on service to a better world.
Hollyhock became a not-for-profit in 2006 to strengthen carrying out our mission into the future. With your help we can keep this as a thriving centre for skill-building, lifelong learning and stewardship of the natural world, inspiring, nourishing and supporting people making the world better for another 30+ years.
Meals
Menu Types
What's Included
- Standard program tuition
- Room
- Meals
- Access to hot tubs, sauna, and Hollyhock activities
What's Not Included
- Travel costs
- Healing arts
- Bodywork
- Store purchases
- Optional additional excursions (kayaking, SUP, sailing)
Customer Reviews
Profoundly grateful!
Hollyhock's virtual Activate Summit was a much needed breathe of fresh air. The program gave me the chance to harvest and claim the long-forgotten power I have within, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders to emerge - as an individual and as part of a community - able to shape the future, inwards out. The depth of knowledge and understanding of workshop leaders and plenary speakers made the program that much stronger - I only wish it was longer!
The Healing is Part of the Journey
seriously funny, in writing and in life
Hollyhock is well known for its beauty of location, but even better known for the delicious dishes its amazing staff serve up. And equally famous for its bread...both gluten and gluten free.
Best of all...inter conversations between everyone attending concurrent sessions. Just pick a table and jump in. This is where lifelong friendships happen.
In this crazy world it's reassuring to know that Hollyhock is there.
Thank you.
Did I mention the view from the outdoor Hot tub? Or the oyster roast on the beach? Yum!
connection, skill building
I strongly recommend this amazing program!
https://hollyhock.ca/p/909/podcasting-the-story-from-hear/