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Community Corner

Community Council

Sustainable Fairfax is please to announce our first Community Council....

Our first Council will address the question of community:

• What does Community mean to you?
• When have you felt part of a Community?
• What are the joys and challenges of being part of a community?

The methods we will use are based on ancient practices and the Way of Council developed in the last 30 years at the Ojai Foundation. 

"The Way of Council is a group communication process that draws on concepts of democracy and inclusivity. Problem-solving skills are taught in a manner that is not based on forcing one person’s will onto the other, but in a way that engenders respect for the other while finding common ground & making decisions based on common interests. 

The Way of Council, a listening circle, is a good ancient tool. I know that by participating in circles people can release their fears, prejudices and stereotypical expectations. Sitting in a circle with heart communication creates connection and acceptance. When their perception shifts in this way, love and respect comes through. That’s a powerful tool."

--– Itaf Awad, Way of Council Facilitator and Trainer

The Council will focus on issues of Sustainability on a monthly basis. We are curious to see how taking the time to deeply listen and tell our stories in a heartfelt way will affect our relationships to the people and places where we live. We hope this process will inspire action on issues close to the heart.

Council Facilitators:

Teya Valentina Chavez (Co-owner/Sol Studios)
Teya is a healing arts teacher, including yoga, dance & movement. She developed The Valentina Method an artistic path of transforming consciousness and fostering authentic purpose. Teya is a skillful group leader and draws from over 20 years of study in Wisdom Teachings, Indigenous Pathways, Yoga & Integrative Medicine. solstudiosfairfax.com &www.teyavalentina.com

Rachel McKay (Cultural Liaison/Sustainable Fairfax). Rachel is trained in the "Way of Council" at the Ojai Foundation, holds a Master’s Degree in Depth Psychology from Sonoma State University with a focus on creative process and ecopsychology. Throughout her life she
has participated in and facilitated a variety of groups and brings a deep respect for the transformative power of circles that foster non-judgmental listening and heartfelt storytelling

REGISTER: Please email SustainFX@gmail.com or call 415-305-2307 
($5-$15 suggested donation)

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