In 2020, in response to the multiple and interconnected pressures and crises we experience collectively, a dedicated and curious core team from the SUNY New Paltz community creatively explored embodied and systems oriented processes to feel into possible just and regenerative pathways forward.
Our guiding research question has been: How can we, together, embrace the adventure of learning and educating around values that are care-driven, relational, restorative, and centered on the long-term wellbeing of all beings?
We started this process through a virtual think tank in June 2020. Our strategies for bringing the Eddy to life have been collaborative, experiential, and informed by creative embodied processes developed by Michael Asbill and Andrea Frank (tree speed collaborative) as well as a social change framework developed by MIT’s Presencing Institute called Theory U. Both invite us to tap our individual and collective capacities in a way that is more conscious, intentional, authentic, embodied, and strategic, opening toward collective eco-system awareness, rather than remaining ego-system focused. In the spring of 2021, we were accepted into u.lab 2x, a global accelerator for systems transformation. Our expanded team during this six-month process included members from all areas of campus.
Part of this practice is deep listening to all parts of campus, as well as a series of collaborative embodied process workshops, through which a collective intention and iterations for Eddy prototypes emerged.
We enjoy embodied practices, which enable us to sense the system we are a part of in visceral ways.
u.lab2x Newburgh
In spring 2022, we entered another u.lab2x process, this time to focus on forging relationships with the Newburgh community with a focus on Health, Wellness, and Environmental Justice. In this emergent process, we support the work of Prof. Erin Bell / U Albany around PFAS contamination, held a related symposium at SUNY New Paltz in April 2022, and are currently working toward creative collaborative projects with community members. We invite colleagues and students to join us in this inspiring work. Our engagement process and a calendar of events can be found here.
Social Presencing Theater
Social Presencing Theater, an embodied practice for groups, is an integral part of Theory U and u.lab. In the spring of 2022, founder Arawana Hayashi generously offered a regular Social Presencing Theater practice group at Unison Arts Center, co-hosted by Andrea Frank/Eddy.
Links/Resources:
- The Essentials of Theory U (a great short book on u.lab core principles and tools)
- Think tanks and system drawing sessions organized by Andrea frank and tree speed