Praxis Peace Institute

FOUR MAJOR TRACKS OF THE CONFERENCE

MYTHS AND BELIEFS (The Inquiry)

The alchemical challenge: Catalyzing the emerging myths of personal and social liberation ---- while composting the dominator myths that hold us captive.

We will explore��..
* the American myths that trigger reactionary rather than conscious behavior;
* the unexamined myths that support injustice, violence and environmental degradation;
* the media�s role in promulgating the official myths of our culture;
* how cultural myths manipulate our thoughts and emotions by defining the worldview and limiting the discussion;
* the emerging stories of partnership, empathy, social justice, and systemic peace;
* the beliefs that prevent us from seeing common ground or from hearing the concerns of those with different viewpoints;
* the conscious transformation of belief systems that are rooted in fear.

�Politics is about story telling ---- about which story will prevail.� � Larry Robinson

CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION

* Empowering the Dream: creativity and imagination define the Dream that drives transformation. Without the dream, there is no vision, no new story, no passion, and no change.
�* Expressive Arts for Peace: using the creative process to connect the world.
* Music, Art, Dance, Singing, and creative exercises in visioning.

�The true value of the imagination relates not only to the past but also to the future. In its refusal to accept the imposed limitations on what�s possible, it can deliver the historical reality to new values.�� -� Herbert Marcuse

PERSONAL AND POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION (Skills and Strategies)
��
* Conflict transformation
* Grassroots organizing and empowerment
* Social Healing: truth, reconciliation, forgiveness, and restorative justice
* The healing power of forgiveness
* Relationship as a vehicle for personal and social transformation
* �Those Evil Ones�: Scapegoating, Hatred, & The Shadow
* The Consciousness of Peace
* Politics as Spiritual Practice
* The Politics of Trust
* The integration of spiritual vision and active citizenship

�Cowardice asks the question � is it safe?
Expediency asks the questions � is it politic?
Vanity asks the question � is it popular?
But conscience asks the question � is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take
A position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular;
But one must take it BECAUSE it is right.�� -� Martin Luther King, Jr.

EMPOWERMENT AND LEADERSHIP

*Skill-building workshops in leadership, networking, fundraising, public speaking.
* Presentations by, and meetings with, elected representatives who herald the emergence of new political and activist models.
* How to inspire, energize and activate a community.
* Discussions on campaign strategy PR, and marketing of a new political story.
�
�Today�s mighty oak is just yesterday�s nut that held its ground.�� Anonymous

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE 2004 PRAXIS CONFERENCE

� Caf� Discussions � For in-depth explorations of conference themes, small group discussions will follow each plenary session. Participants will choose a group by topic.

� Praxis Think Tank � A few questions and issues that are relevant to our themes will be announced in March 2004. In order to explore these areas more deeply, optional e-mail and in-person meetings will take place prior to the conference.� The inquiries will be fully explored in caf� groups onsite, and a report of our findings will be published within a year of this conference.

� Labyrinth � an outdoor labyrinth will be available for walking meditation.

� Empowering Connection and Collaboration - Praxis Peace Institute is pleased to announce its collaborative partnership with EVOLVE, an online Global Community Center for Conscious Evolution (www.evolve.org). EVOLVE will be our online connecting source and conference Directory. You may register as an Evolve Community Member today ($36.00 annual fee). More information on this Directory will be available on our website in February.

� For the Soul � In addition to music, poetry, and dance, we will offer daily meditation practice, yoga and a few surprises.

�Free Time �To enjoy the magnificent beauty of our coastal setting.

� Newsletters � A newsletter with information from our speakers will be in your onsite registration packets. It will list all participating organizations and their contact information. A final newsletter will be mailed after the conference.

� Night-owl Discussion Groups � Depending on interest, we will have informal caf� discussions after our evening sessions on two of the conference nights.

� Dance! � Bring your dancing shoes! We will have at least one evening of Salsa instruction and dancing. Since we will provide instruction, no one need feel shy.

�When you get the choice to sit it out or dance��.Dance!�
��Lee Ann Womack

Conference '04 Menu:
Speakers and Facilitators
Program Areas
Conference Reading '04
Conference Photos

For more information, please visit other conference pages on this website, or contact

Praxis Peace Institute
Georgia Kelly, Executive Director
Carolyn Bloom, Administrative Assistant
P.O. Box 523, Sonoma, CA 95476
Tel: 707-939-2973 * Fax: 707-939-6720
E-mail: [email protected]