THE DECISIVE DECADE SERIES Where Do We Go From Here?

Thursday, January 29 – Sunday, February 1, 2015
Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island, Washington

We are in the fifth year of what we have come to call “The Decisive Decade,” and the signs of major cultural and environmental transformation continue to unfold. The Winter Gathering is a convergence of movers and shakers, social entrepreneurs, educators, healers, artists, and thinkers exploring human consciousness and social transformation. It is both an exploration of ideas, strategies, and resources and a time for mid-winter renewal.

For four days we were immersed in the natural beauty of Whidbey Island, and nurtured by the magic that is the Whidbey Institute at Chinook. The goal was for all of us to expand our networks of collaboration and support, and be inspired in our efforts to make a difference.

This was the most diverse and inclusive Winter Gathering ever, bringing together leaders from a wide range of cultures and ages from our region. We pondered the question “Where Do We Go from Here?” which was the title of Martin Luther King Jr.’s final book. The King Center declares that “Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a global vision in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.”  

At the Winter Gatherings, our approach to social change is rooted in the idea, “If you want to create a new culture, throw a better party!” We believe that creativity and innovation are best nurtured in a trusting, supportive community where current and emerging leaders can connect with each other’s essential goodness.

Contact Deborah about use of images. Percentage of proceeds from sale of art donated to the scholarship fund. Find out more about Interpretive Touch Drawing. Photos Ross Chapin

Friday morning
Small Groups
Stephan Schwartz – 8 Laws of Transformation
Hilary Wilson and Rachel Maxwell – Community Sourced Capital
Tom Bangasser and Donald King –  Union Street Business Association
Jamie McHugh – Somatic Expression (ignite talk) 
Cynthia LaGrou – Aspen Tree Imagination (ignite talk)
Anne Stadler — Power Point (ignite talk)

Saturday morning
Richard Yensen and Donna Dryer – Psychedelic Research
Rasheeda Hawkins – Epigenetics
Barbara Danielle DeCarlo – Diversity/racism (no drawings)
Lisa Hartley – Life Celebrant (no drawings) 

Sunday morning
Bob Stayton – Power Shift – Solar Energy Revolution
Ajay Puri – The Gift of Poo (ignite talk) 
Joel Shrut — Holism (ignite talk) 
Scott Mauk – Place-based Education