FAQs

What is the WTR and who created it?

The Work That Reconnects (WTR) was created in the late 70’s by root teacher Joanna Macy and many colleagues.  It has since evolved through the contributions of dozens of facilitators and practitioners around the world. To learn more please check here.

Is the WTR copyrighted? Who can use/facilitate the WTR?

The Work That Reconnects work is open source and anyone can use the public resources as long as they acknowledge the source.

Some of the resources such as practices, books, songs, poems, etc. have been contributed by different people over the years, if you want to use a resource or practice, check with the author.

What is the WTR Network and who is part of it?

The Work That Reconnects Network is co-created by facilitators, supporters, and friends of the Work That Reconnects, who are registered members. It is managed by a Core Team (the Weavers) and supported by a small group of paid staff (the support team). Find out more about the  Network by reading the story here.

How does the network work?

The Network weavers, staff, and members propose projects that are then carried out by committees or work groups. The weavers meet once a month via Zoom; they receive the reports from the working groups, ask questions and provide suggestions. Decision-making is through consensus.

Do you have a physical location? Can I send you something? Visit you?

We don't have an office. Our weavers and team members live and work from different parts in the US and Canada, usually from home. To send cheque donations, you can use our Sponsor, Interhelp Inc.:

Work That Reconnects Network
c/o Interhelp, Inc.
10A Powdermill Circle
Maynard, MA 01754

What is the difference between a network and an organization?

Organizations usually have a more traditional hierarchical structure, while networks are open systems. A network serves as a collective. There are no managers or leaders; we are all  accountable, and responsibility and engagement goes more than two ways. In a Network, we are responsible to each other as well as to the vision and mission and the foundational values of the Work.

Is Joanna Macy part of the Network?

Joanna Macy is our root teacher. You can visit Joanna's website to learn more about her.

Is Joanna still facilitating?

Joanna turned 90 in 2019 and is mostly retired. She occasionally appears in interviews, webinars and events.

Where does Joanna live? Can I visit her? Send her a gift?

How can I contact Joanna?

How do I become a facilitator?

Please check the requirements and application process here.

What are the benefits of being a member facilitator?

The first benefit is you become part of a growing global Network. You can participate by suggesting and leading projects that will carry forth the values, vision and mission of the Work.

Other benefits include:

• Your listing as a facilitator, so people can find you
• Promote your workshops and offerings through a credible website, our newsletter, and social media
• Author and submit your own blog posts and accompanying resources
• Propose and lead webinars and cafes
• Access to webinars and cafes at discounted rates
• Support others through our scholarship fund, or find sources of support
• Find and connect with other facilitators around the world through the map, Facebook group and forum

You will find more information here.

Do WTR facilitators get certified?

The Work That Reconnects Network does not certify facilitators. We do have an application process for facilitators who want to be listed  and promote their events on our website.  This application assures that facilitators listed on our site have met basic requirements for participation in and facilitation of the Work That Reconnects.

What is the difference between a facilitator listed in your Network and one who is not?

The facilitators listed on the WTR Network website have completed the application process and support the Network with an annual fee. They have met basic criteria of immersion and facilitation experience in the Work That Reconnects. Read more about the requirements and application process here.

How are your facilitators different from ecotherapy, mindfulness, grief circles facilitators, etc.?

The facilitators listed on the WTR Network website are experienced in the foundations of the Work That Reconnects and have an in-depth understanding and demonstrated ability to articulate and incorporate the core teachings and worldviews for workshop participants. Some of them have additional experience in ecotherapy, mindfulness, grief circles, and related fields.  Read more about the foundations of the Work That Reconnects here.  Read more about our facilitators' backgrounds in their profiles here.

How can I find a facilitator in my area?

You can search for facilitators here.

I have never attended a workshop and there are none in my area, but I feel called to do this work, where can I start?

We recommend checking the events pages for online workshops, webinars, and cafes

Is there a special training to become a facilitator?

Experienced facilitators around the world have begun to offer facilitator development programs.  However, until recently, most facilitators have gained their skills in other ways: by taking part in and assisting in as many workshops and longer intensives as possible; and/or by organizing and practicing with groups on their own.  You can find suggestions and guidelines for becoming a Work That Reconnects facilitator here.

Do you offer mentoring to emerging and new facilitators?

Experienced facilitators around the world have begun to offer facilitator development programs (see list here).  Please check facilitator profiles to find those willing to offer mentoring to emerging facilitators.

I am ready for more, where can I continue developing as a facilitator of the WTR?

Here are guidelines and suggestions for developing your skills as a Work That Reconnects facilitator.

Can you send a facilitator to my area?

Please check our facilitator listings for someone nearby who might be willing to travel to your area to offer a workshop, especially with a local person or organization helping with logistics, publicity, etc.  Many of our facilitators would be delighted to travel to offer a workshop outside their vicinity.

Are there facilitators who can facilitate in “…” language?

There are facilitators who offer workshops in different languages. We recommend checking the facilitator map and contacting facilitators in your area.

Do you have facilitators or workshops for children or youth?

Some of the facilitators listed on our website offer workshops for children or youth.  Please skim through the listings to find those who specialize with this audience.  Alternatively, check with any facilitators in your vicinity to find out if they offer such workshops.

There are no workshops or facilitators where I live. What can I do?

Here are  some suggestions for experiencing the Work That Reconnects  in regions without facilitators or events:

• Start an Active Hope book group. Visit www.activehope.info to learn more about the book and starting a book study group. Study guides are available. Participants share facilitation of the group and offering practices.
• Check the Events listings on this website for webinars and other online  groups that you can join.
• Group study of Coming Back to Life, the training videos and other materials from the website is an excellent way to digest the interactive wisdom of the Work. Taking turns leading and participating in practices can build understanding and confidence.

• Read Deep Times Journal (including back issues) to stay connected to emerging thinking and practices in the Work, as well as the ever-expanding WTR network.

Who can offer WTR workshops?

The Work That Reconnects has historically been offered as “open source” for anyone wanting to use the practices and concepts in workshops, study groups, and other presentations. To facilitate well, however, people should first experience three or more workshops as participants, and then study the books and training videos.  You can find guidelines and suggestions for becoming a facilitator here.

Is there a standard or best practices for offering workshops?

As we are a network, we would survey our facilitator members from time to time and engage them to define the Best Practices for the Work. We are currently in the brainstorming phase of how to do this process more inclusive.

Where can I find workshops in my area?

We recommend checking the events pages where you can sort by location. You can also search the facilitator map and contact facilitators to see if they are offering workshops in your area.

There are no workshops in my area. Do you offer online WTR workshops?

Yes! Various facilitators offer online webinars, workshops and cafes. We recommend checking the events pages for these offerings.

How do I become a facilitator?

Please check the requirements and application process here.

Why do you charge an annual membership?

Only facilitator members pay an annual subscription that carries certain benefits.  That fee helps support the Network's activities, staff, website, and journal.  We rely on the donations of both facilitator members and friends for most of our funding.

Do you offer scholarships for members?

In the future, the Network may offer a scholarship fund for people attending Work That Reconnects events, but does not have the funding nor the staffing to do so at this time.

Do you accept interviews, partnerships, invitations to participate in events or contribute to publications?

Yes, you can send your proposals and invitations and our Core Team will review and make a decision. Please allow at least one month to receive a response.

Can I work/volunteer/ get an internship with the Network?

Yes, from time to time we may have job openings and we accept ongoing applications to volunteer with specific projects. Be aware that because of the virtual nature of the Network, we don't have the capacity to provide supplies and all the work is done from your home and online. To learn more about the ways to become involved, please check here.

Who are the weavers?

The weavers are volunteer members who have been involved with the Work That Reconnects for many years time contribute their time, energy, expertise and inspiration to the Network. They are similar to a board of directors in a non-profit organization. To learn more about the weavers, click here.

Can I become a weaver?

If you want to become a weaver, send an email, sharing what attracts you to becoming a weaver and in what areas you would like to contribute.

How do I volunteer?

Please check the volunteering opportunities here.

What are the benefits of being a friend?

Being a friend of the network allows you to be listed in our map and find others in your region. As a friend, you can then organize book study groups, grief circles or start a circle of practices.

What are the benefits of being a supporter?

The central benefit of being a supporter of the Work That Reconnects Network is being part of an international community offering the Work That Reconnects to a world in crisis and great need.  You can be certain that your money (and volunteer time) is working for the Great Turning to a life-sustaining society.

Do you have hubs in my area?

Hubs emerge organically, usually started by local facilitators or friends of the Network. To see if there is a hub in your area, check [here]. If you don't find any hub in your region, feel free to start one and register the new hub [here].

How can I connect with others in my area?

We suggest you check our hubs' map here and our facilitators' map here. If you don't find what you need, check social media, as some groups create Facebook groups but haven't yet registered with us. If you still can't find anyone, we encourage you to start a hub, book club, grief circle, etc. and register it with us so others can find it. We have created a page listing all the Facebook groups we are aware of; you can find it [here].

Are there networks or hubs in other languages?

What if I cannot pay the annual facilitator subscription?

How much do workshops cost? Is there a standard?

Every facilitator determines the fees for their events, based on costs of the venue, meals, and the funds they need to receive for their work.  Many offer reduced fees or scholarships, or work on a donation basis when possible.  The Network does not set any standards regarding fees.

I cannot afford a workshop. Do you offer scholarships or work-trade?

Many facilitators offer reduced fees or scholarships, or work on a donation basis when possible.  Please contact the facilitator of a workshop in your area to ask about these possibilities.

I paid for a workshop/event and now I cannot attend, can you give me a refund?

Please check with the facilitator of the workshop or event you registered for.  All financial arrangements for events listed on our website are the responsibility of the facilitator involved.

I have special needs, who should I contact?

If you are planning to attend an event, we suggest you contact the lead facilitator. Most of our facilitators would be able to accommodate your needs. Although most facilitators work hard finding good venues and making their workshops accessible, we cannot guarantee all needs will be met. As a Network, we don't have any control over things such as location, venue, meals, accessibility, or affordability, as each event is designed and led by a different member of the Network.

Where can I learn more about the Evolving Edge?

What is Deep Times Journal?

Published twice a year in a web-based format, Deep Times offers articles, art, and poetry for people who have experienced the shift in perception invoked by the Work That Reconnects. The journal provides brainfood and techniques for those of us who are working to co-create life-sustaining, equitable cultures for all.  The title comes from what Joanna Macy calls “Deep Time” work, in which we reconnect with ancestors and future beings to guide and inspire us. Deep Times follows the Spiral of the Work That Reconnects, with articles and poems on Gratitude, Honoring Our Pain for the World, Seeing with New Eyes, and Going Forth.  An additional section, Evolving Edge, reflects a foundational shift within the Work That Connects to “decolonize” its assumptions, concepts, and practices.

Who works on the Deep Times editorial team?

You can find profiles of the Deep Times all volunteer editorial team here.

Who can submit materials?

Anyone involved in the Work That Reconnects may submit materials to the journal, with preference given to materials from facilitator members.  Please submit articles: about the work you are doing; on insights and inquiry into concepts and theory of the Work That Reconnects; about your work with specific populations; your poetry, music, artwork; and anything else you want to share with the larger community.We especially want to feature writers and artists of color.  Submit material 6-8 weeks prior to publication via our contact form.

Click here for full submission guidelines.

What are the submissions guidelines?

Please submit articles: about the work you are doing; on insights and inquiry into concepts and theory of the Work That Reconnects; about your work with specific populations; your poetry, music, artwork; and anything else you want to share with the larger community.We especially want to feature writers and artists of color.  Submit material 6-8 weeks prior to publication via our contact form.

Click here for full submission guidelines.

Do you pay for submissions?

We do not have funds to pay for submissions.  The editorial team is all volunteer and the publication itself is free.  Members of the Work That Reconnects community share their work as a contribution to our common understanding and inspiration.

How do I become part of the editorial team?

Please send a message about your interest and background in editing and writing using our contact form and selecting Deep Times Journal from the topic options.  We especially welcome Work That Reconnects community members from outside the USA and from People of the Global Majority.  Right now we have a full team, but may have openings in the future.

Can I have the journal in PDF so I can download and print?

We publish Deep Times twice a year in a web-based edition to make the articles more readable and accessible. You can print out individual stories from the web-based issue; see the print button at the top of each story.  PDFs of entire issues are not yet available.

We still have beautiful print copies of the Spring and Summer 2016 issues for sale for people who prefer to read from paper.  Print copies are available for $15 plus shipping and can be ordered here.

Downloadable PDFs of those issues are available here.

Do you send or sell printed journals?

We publish Deep Times twice a year in a web-based edition to make the articles more readable and accessible. You can print out individual stories from the web-based issue; see the print button at the top of each story.  PDFs of entire issues are not yet available.

We still have beautiful print copies of the Spring and Summer 2016 issues for sale for people who prefer to read from paper.  Print copies are available for $15 plus shipping and can be ordered here.Order two printed issues  for $25 plus shipping (available only for first two issues) here.
For bulk orders of 5 or more print copies or international orders, send an email to Deep Times Journal.

Downloadable PDFs of those issues are available here.

I saw a typo or error in one of your articles; who do I contact?

Please let us know by contacting us here.

Are there books or videos where I can learn more?

We recommend you read more about the history of the work here. We are in the process of developing a database of resources, which you can find here.

I had a really good experience in a workshop and would like to share it with the community; where can I post it?

For now, you can share your testimonial by contacting us and, with your permission, we will share in the website. Please let us know where and when was the event, who was the facilitator/s and whether you want your name to be published along with the testimonial.

I had a bad experience and want to provide feedback; where can I go?

Please start by contacting the appropriate facilitator with your concerns.

If you continue to have serious concerns about a listed facilitator, please let us know by emailing us. While we are not responsible nor liable for what facilitators around the world offer, we take seriously the job of protecting the integrity of the Work and this Network.