The class was excellent. I learned a lot and enjoyed being part of the community. It was valuable to see this particular model of engagement and teaching using social media and internet technology. Thank you!
From the course evaluation
We were grateful that this class allowed us time to name and explore our fears and to cultivate a “toolbox” of strategies for stepping into action even when the voice of fear says that change is impossible.
Minute of appreciation from Northampton Friends Meeting
Thank you for helping us to put some of our fears and energies in perspective, and thank you for connecting us with a wide and diverse group of people.
From the course evaluation

We Were Made for this Moment: Finding Your Role in Strategic Activism

EileenFlanaganSeatedsquareIn this time of polarization, growing inequality, and environmental destruction, , the world needs the gifts that you were born to share. You may not be sure where to use them. You may not know how to use them to greatest effect, or even if you can make a difference at all, but you know you need to do something to work for a more just and loving world. You are not alone! The purpose of this online course is to help you to meet this moment.

What is unique about this course is that it will blend three types of teaching: social change theory, spiritual discernment, and personal empowerment. For example, you will learn about different social change roles and what makes them effective. Then you will practice the tools of inward listening to access the wisdom already within you about what role you are meant to play. Finally, you will explore what gets you stuck and learn tools to help you take action even when you are afraid. These three types of teaching will be woven together, accessing our hearts, minds, and spirits for the work of creating a more just and sustainable world. Recordings of the class sessions will be available in case you can’t make every one.

Note: Registration for this course is current closed. To learn about future offerings, please sign up for my monthly newsletter below.

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My Story

I’ve been involved with environmental and social justice activism for nearly thirty years. During that time, I’ve explored a variety of tactics, from letter-writing and peace vigils to nonviolent campaigning that includes civil disobedience. I’ve also been a spiritual writer and teacher for twenty-three of these years, so I’ve thought a lot about how we can integrate inner and outer change.

Five years ago, a strong call to work for climate justice led me to Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), a group that combines smart strategy and spiritual grounding. (See my memoir Renewable: One Woman’s Search for Simplicity, Faithfulness, and Hope for the story of how I tapped my gifts more fully through this work.) As I took on leadership in EQAT, I found I had to work through some internal barriers, particularly my gender conditioning. I also watched others go through a similar process, finding more courage and confidence themselves through their work for climate justice.

Why am I offering this course now?

As board leader of EQAT for over four years, I’ve gotten an increasing number of requests from people who want to make a difference but are not sure how. After hearing the same questions and hesitations a number of times, I started imagining an online course that would combine what I have learned working with EQAT with what I learned from years of teaching “Discerning Our Calls” at Pendle Hill.

On the morning after the election, during silent prayer, the feeling came to me strongly that it was time to offer this course, with follow up available for those who want it. The reaction to my original outreach has confirmed my sense that there are many people willing to step forward in new ways, but they need guidance and group support to do so effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t make every class?

No problem. Each class is recorded, and I usually send out the recording within 24 hours.

How does an online course work? What equipment do I need?

We will be using the Zoom platform, which is really cool and pretty simple to use. Each week I’ll send out a link, and you can join the group through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Most devices today come with everything you need, but if you are using an older device and want to test it or your Internet connection, you can do that here. You can also call in from an old fashioned landline, but you’ll miss the class visuals.

I see you have two online classes. How do I know which class I should take?

We Were Made for this Moment is a basic introduction to how social change works and how to find your place in it while staying grounded. If you feel you need to do something, but you’re not sure what, this course was designed for you! Building a Nonviolent Direct Action Campaign is for those who have already decided that they want to use direct action tactics, as opposed to phone calls and letter writing. You do not have to take my introductory course before taking the campaign course.

What if I can’t afford it?

I want to make the empowering material in this course available to as many people as possible. If you are an individual for whom cost is a barrier, please click here to apply for financial aid. Whether you are an individual or a group, you may have resources in your community that can support you, which will also help your community become more invested in what you’re doing. Groups in particular might consider doing a Kickstarter campaign or other type of fundraising event, both to defray the cost of the class and to help you identify future potential supporters. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I felt disoriented in a post-election reality. I was determined to move forward … through Eileen’s course I found my footing.
Jeannette Smith, Virginia
Since taking your class, I have a much better sense of the direction I need to take for the long haul. Thank you for your example and resources.
Terry Hess, Milwaukee, WI
Eileen’s teaching combines social change theory, discernment, and personal empowerment; it’s helping to sustain me in this time.
Iris Graville, Lopez Island, WA
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Building a Nonviolent Direct Action Campaign

Do you want to feel like what you do is actually having an impact on the issues you care about? In the face of hatred, injustice, and environmental destruction, are you tired of being told simply to call your elected officials? Would you like to emulate the kinds of powerful tactics used by Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the campaign for women’s suffrage? If so, this online course will teach you the basics of nonviolent direct action campaigning, a proven method of building people power by shaking up the status quo through tactics that can range from fasting and boycotts to noncooperation and civil disobedience.

During our four classes together, you will learn how to:
●   Choose an issue where you can actually make a difference.
●   Identify the people who you want to pressure and where they are vulnerable.
●   Develop creative tactics to make your actions effective, press-worthy, and often fun.
●   Build your impact over time, so the people you’re trying to pressure have to take you seriously.

The next round of this course will begin January 7, 2019 and meet the four Mondays of January from 7-9pm EST.

Read more and register »


We Were Made for this Moment

EileenFlanaganSeatedsquareIn this time of tumult, fear, and hatred, the world needs the gifts that you were born to share. You may not be sure where to use them. You may not know how to use them to greatest effect, or even if you can make a difference at all, but you know you need to do something to work for a more just and loving world. You are not alone! The purpose of this online course is to help you to meet this moment.

What is unique about this course is that it will blend three types of teaching: social change theory, spiritual discernment, and personal empowerment. For example, you will learn about different social change roles and what makes them effective. Then you will practice the tools of inward listening to access the wisdom already within you about what role you are meant to play. Finally, you will explore what gets you stuck and learn tools to help you take action even when you are afraid. These three types of teaching will be woven together, accessing our hearts, minds, and spirits for the work of creating a more just and sustainable world. Recordings of the class sessions will be available in case you can’t make every one.

Read more»


 Implicit Bias Webinar

Wonder what all the talk about implicit bias is about? Wondering how to make your faith community or organization more just and welcoming? This free online class will explain the basics of implicit bias—the unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that can shape our behaviors without our realizing. Through a mixture of presentation and discussion we will explore the sources and impacts of unconscious biases, as well as some concrete steps for reducing them. Those who join the class live will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in small group discussion. There will also be a recording of the session for registrants who want to watch it later.

Read more here »