Writing The Great Turning: A Climate Writing Retreat

Tell your climate story, inspire others, and plant seeds of action.

In this time of climate crisis, our personal stories hold tremendous power. They allow us to understand our own experiences, connect with others, and make change. This workshop combines the transformative practices of creative writing and Joanna Macy’s “The Work That Reconnects” to help you craft compelling climate narratives that can make a difference in the world.

Through “The Work That Reconnects,” generative writing time, and supportive instruction, you will:

• Explore your unique relationship to the climate crisis–from grief and loss to hope and possibility.
• Develop your own voice as a climate writer through language that reflects the truth of your experience.
• Practice writing to inspire climate action, unpack the complex realities of our time, and motivate others.
• Give and receive supportive, judgement-free feedback.
• Learn and practice Joanna Macy’s “The Work that Reconnects,” a set of tools and frameworks that can help us move through this work:
  • Ground in gratitude for life and what sustains us
  • Honor our pain and heartbreaks
  • Open to new perspectives and ancient wisdom
  • Find new and meaningful ways to offer our gifts to the world

Be nourished by the land, ample solo writing time, and rich community exploration. Together, we will explore what it means to dedicate ourselves and our stories to building a better world.

This workshop is for you if:

• You are called to write about the climate crisis personally or professionally.
• You want to transform your “climate feelings” into art that is not only cathartic but catalytic, to support and motivate others.
• You are seeking community among others who care deeply about the climate crisis.
• You believe in the power of storytelling to create change.

Testimonials

“Working with Jess has been life changing! Jess helped me identify my strengths and my values-based priorities which has forever changed the way in which I will engage in climate justice work. She is full of joy, kind and compassionate, and pushed me to challenge myself constantly. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the way you’re currently engaged in climate activism, and want to bring your more mindful, passionate, and innovative self to the table, I highly recommend working with Jess. She’s the best!”  – Laalitha Surapaneni, physician & climate justice advocate

“An outstanding piece of climate fiction. Zoe’s work is vividly real and is conceivably non-fiction in the future California. The humanity of it makes it more real knowing the cultural aspects of the region.” – Reader of Zoe’s Short Story “The Last Almond,” 2nd place winner of Grist’s Future Ancestors competition and syndicated in Yes Magazine

“With so much discordant communication and so much hurt swirling around me, it was incredibly grounding to hold space for the emotions we don’t give ourselves time to process. I left feeling more ready to show up to my work than ever before.” – Kati Kallins, Global Sustainability Lead at Adobe

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.