Our Roots

The Work That Reconnects

A body of work developed by Joanna Macy and others that helps people face ecological grief, rediscover interconnectedness, and act with courage in uncertain times. It weaves systems thinking, deep ecology, and spiritual practice into a spiral process of reconnection.

Work That Reconnects

Social Ecology & Systems Thinking

Rooted in the idea that ecological problems are deeply tied to social hierarchies, social ecology invites us to imagine non-hierarchical, cooperative, and life-affirming ways of living together. Systems thinking helps us understand interdependence and feedback loops within those worlds.

Permaculture & Regenerative Design

Not just gardening! Permaculture is a design philosophy for creating sustainable, interconnected systems—ecological, social, and economic. Regenerative design goes further, aiming not just to sustain, but to heal and enliven the places we touch.

Expressive Arts & Creative Practice

We believe creativity is a life force, not a luxury. Expressive arts allow for nonlinear learning, emotional processing, and communal beauty-making. Artistic practice is woven into many of our offerings as a tool for self-discovery, connection, and joy.

Therapeutic Horticulture

Rooted in the ancient connection between humans and plants, this field uses gardening and plant-based practices as pathways to healing, regulation, and sensory integration. Especially powerful for children and intergenerational groups.

Unschooling & Alternative Education

We align with education models that trust children, center intrinsic motivation, and emphasize learning through play, relationships, and real-world engagement. We draw from unschooling, forest school, Reggio Emilia, and other liberatory approaches.

Earth-Based Ritual & Myth

Stories, symbols, and seasonal rhythms shape how we understand ourselves and our place in the world. We honor old ways of knowing and create new ones that root us in the cycles of Earth, community, and inner transformation.

Post-Capitalist & New Economy Thinking

We’re experimenting with ways of working and exchanging that don’t depend on extraction or hustle. This includes sliding scale models, gift economies, cooperative frameworks, and the belief that thriving should not be a privilege.

Mycelial Networks & Interdependence

We love fungi. But beyond that, we love the metaphor: decentralization, mutual support, quiet resilience, underground connection. This influence touches how we imagine our team structures, digital presence, and community outreach.

Curious where you belong in all this? You already do. Stay in the loop or explore our programs here.