Building Relationships. Strengthening Communities. Repairing Harm.

January 9–April 10, 2025 – Active Hope Community Circle Series

In the wake of escalating global violence together with ongoing climate and biodiversity collapse, many of us feel deep grief, fear and powerlessness over the increased suffering that is all around us. This series of experiential book discussions will offer ways to transform these feelings into soulful action grounded in insight and compassion that promote healing in our world. The community circle process and discussion is based on Joanna Macy’s “Work to Reconnect” it will; • Offer opportunities to experience and share our deepest felt responses to the present conditions of the world • Continually offer a space to speak our truth • Unpack from the book fresh perspectives from science, deep ecology and spiritual traditions which reframe our pain in positive ways and affirm our interdependence with all life • Enable us to support one another as we discover our personal strengths and gifts, clarify our intentions and affirm our commitment to the healing of our world Join us January 9, (intro to book and circle process) February 13, March 13 & April 10, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 at 111 Hillside Ave, Rochester, NY. There will be some free books available.

Engaging with Active Hope, the book
In a Community Circle Process

Monthly, January 9–April 10,2025
Second Thursday of each month, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Partners in Restorative Initiatives
111 Hillside Avenue
Rochester, NY 14610
(Located inside the Rochester Mennonite Fellowship building)

Free and open to the public
Donations to support PiRI’s work in schools and the community are welcome

Facilitators

Mary Gleason was trained by Joanna Macy in 2003 and has facilitated numerous “Work That Reconnect” workshops. She is dedicated to helping hold space for building personal and community resilience, and in discovering our roles in the healing of our world.

Betty Reinhart is an experienced & certified Facilitator & Trainer with Partners in Restorative Initiatives for 11 years and has a passion for creating opportunities to build and empower community. She is honored to be a part of bringing this important and timely topic to this community.