The Work that Reconnects: Book Club – Peterborough Quaker Meeting House (PE3 6AB)

Extinction Rebellion Peterborough Regenerative Culture Team are bringing together a book club. Reading the book ‘Active Hope’ we will explore our collective response to this iconic piece of work by Veteran Activist Joanna Macy.

Active Hope guides readers on a transformative journey designed to strengthen their capacity to act for life on Earth. While reading the book alone can bring great benefits, the strengthening journey it offers is enhanced by the company of fellow readers. Increasingly, groups committed to social and ecological justice are reading this book together, with Active Hope book journeys becoming a shared process to deepen community and resource ourselves in addressing concerns about the world.

Week 1 – Introduction and first two chapters (28/1)

Week 2 – Chapter 3 on Gratitude (11/2)

Week 3 – On Honouring our Pain for the World (25/2)

Week 4 – Chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8 on Seeing With New Eyes (10/3)

Week 5 – Chapters 9 & 10 on Going Forth (24/3)

Week 6 – Chapters 11, 12 & 13 on Going Forth (7/4)

If you would like to be part of this group then you will need to read the above chapters before attending.

All are welcome who adhere to Extinction Rebellion’s principles and values:

1. we have a shared vision of change
Creating a world that is fit for generations to come.

2. we set our mission on what is necessary
Mobilising 3.5% of the population to achieve system change – using ideas such as “Momentum-driven organising” to achieve this.

3. we need a regenerative culture
Creating a culture which is healthy, resilient and adaptable.

4. we openly challenge ourselves and our toxic system
Leaving our comfort zones to take action for change.

5. we value reflecting and learning
Following a cycle of action, reflection, learning, and planning for more action. Learning from other movements and contexts as well as our own experiences.

6. we welcome everyone and every part of everyone
Working actively to create safer and more accessible spaces.

7. we actively mitigate for power
Breaking down hierarchies of power for more equitable participation.

8. we avoid blaming and shaming
We live in a toxic system, but no one individual is to blame.

9. we are a non-violent network
Using non-violent strategy and tactics as the most effective way to bring about change.

10. we are based on autonomy and decentralisation
We collectively create the structures we need to challenge power. Anyone who follows these core principles and values can take action in the name of Extinction Rebellion.