Thrive East Bay | World As Lover, World As Self

Join Thrive East Bay this coming Sunday on Pride weekend for a special time of honoring our pain in the wake of the Orlando tragedy and celebrating this precious life that we share. We will lift ourselves up with the Thrive East Bay Choir and be graced by guest speaker & elder Joanna Macy and guest poet & artist Yani Davis. This month's theme is 'World As Lover, World As Self' and we'll be exploring our sense of interconnectedness, justice, ecology, compassion, and how we find the courage to respond boldly and creatively to the challenges of our time. Thrive East Bay is a purpose-driven community of people committed to transforming our lives, the places we live, and the world. We are a community that is informed by modern science and ancient wisdom, infused with a deep sense of purpose and interconnectedness, and focused on social change. We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and non-beliefs as we engage in personal growth, shared learning, and collective action. What: Thrive East Bay Sunday events are an opportunity to connect with a diverse and inspiring group of people; to be uplifted by music, singing, poetry, and story; and to experience the transformative power of community in service to a world that works for all. When: Sunday, June 26th from 4 - 6pm (please arrive on time!) Where: Oakstop in downtown Oakland next to the 19th Street Bart station 1721 Broadway #201 Oakland, CA 94612 (This venue is wheelchair accessible.) Theme: World As Lover, World As Self Co-Hosts: Aryeh Shell & Cherine Badawi Music: the Thrive East Bay Choir (co-directed by Austin Willacy & Kyle Lemle) Guest Speaker: Joanna Macy Ph.D. is a widely respected author, activist, and guiding voice in movements for peace, justice, and ecology. She is a true and thriving elder who continues to devote her life to deep, systemic change. Her books include Coming Back To Life and Active Hope, and her experiential workshops for personal and social transformation - the Work That Reconnects - have reached thousands of people around the world. A scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory, and deep ecology, Joanna helps people transform despair and apathy, in the face of overwhelming social and ecological crises, into constructive, collaborative action. Guest Performer: Iyani Ife Jendeyea Davis, also known as YaNi, is a graduate of Spelman College with an English degree. She has always been passionate about words and the transformation that can be found in writing them down and sharing them aloud. YaNi believes firmly in our power as storytellers and sets this example everyday of her life. YaNi has a deep commitment to the progress and transformation of youth. She does this work through teaching about the arts, spirituality, and by sharing her personal testimonies, while using a heavy emphasis on Peace and Community Building. YaNi is the founder of The Peace People's movement and hopes to continue impacting the world with spirit-filled messages of freedom, love, liberation, communalism, and peace. She has been a featured speaker, preacher and teaching-artist around the United States, throughout Europe, and in Hyderabad, India. Cost: You are invited to contribute what you feel called to and are able to. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Food: Please bring a tasty vegan treat or snack to share with others for the social hour following the program. RSVP here if you're able to attend. You are welcome to invite your family and friends. Please keep in mind that we are building an intentionally diverse community of people from many races & ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, income ranges, and ages. You can invite people on Facebook here. Childcare: Please bring your little ones. Childcare will be available in a room right next to the main room where will be gathering. Reservations are required so we can plan accordingly, so let us know at team@thriveeastbay.org if you would like a spot for your child or children. Volunteers: We are seeking volunteers to help with the set-up and break-down of this event. If you are available to arrive early or stay late, please let us know at team@thriveeastbay.org. We look forward to seeing you there! In partnership, the Thrive East Bay Team ***************** Thrive East Bay is a purpose-driven community of people committed to transforming our lives, the places we live, and the world. Through a focus on deep personal growth, advancing broader community initiatives, and finding healthy ways to meet our physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs, Thrive East Bay hosts regular Sunday events and small group circles focused on the following core principles: Thriving Lives - We support each other in overcoming personal challenges and injustice, and creating lives filled with purpose, joy, and creative expression. Love in Action - We let love guide us toward compassion, gratitude, empathy, and community among diverse groups of people. Shared Learning & Practice - We seek to deepen our understanding of the world through conversations and critical inquiry, and to grow together through transformative practices and action. Systemic Change - We unite to build equitable systems where we can flourish as individuals, as communities, and as a planet.