We are many...

from many lands
of many ancestries
with a broad understanding of the unprecedented challenges and opportunities of this epochal planet-time
with exciting dreams and the ability to make them real
who call Toronto home.

As we are called by our talents, circumstances, and possibilities, we…  

  • plant seeds and garden at every opportunity
  • Occupy civic space, hearts and ourselves
  • listen to those who are too seldom heard
  • stand up for fairness, respect, creativity and caring
  • nurture each other and the natural world which sustains us
  • advocate for those who cannot act for themselves
  • revere and celebrate life
  • protest when acceptance is not an option

Origins

In the fall of 2011, Jon Love, former Program Manager of the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium at the Pachamama Alliance, and his partner Satya Narayani Robinson, issued a call-out to other Symposium facilitators in Toronto. Two of us answered the call: David Burman and Natalie Zend.  Brian Norman joined us and we formed a Core Group, later joined by Toyin Coker of the Toronto Permaculture Project GTA. 

Inspiration

Our unifying vision and values are well articulated in the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium: 
We also find sustenance and practical guidance and tools in the work of eco-philosopher Joanna Macy PhD. As the root teacher of the Work that Reconnects, she has created a ground-breaking theoretical framework for personal and social change, and a powerful workshop methodology for its application.  

How we operate

We are an open community of individuals, groups and networks, open to anyone who is willing to do the connecting and synergizing for the benefit of all, and willing to learn from others.

We do this work because it needs to be done, and is not the work of any local established organization.

We will not become an organization that exists for its own purposes, but strive to serve the needs of the whole and each of the parts of this movement.

We intend to operate as a project resourced by many organizations, institutions, foundations and individuals who recognize the value of “unifying” the movement toward a just, thriving and sustainable Toronto.