Grow, reflect, act together.
The New School is Commonweal’s learning community and podcast. Together, we explore life’s big questions, offering events and publications in Commonweal’s areas of focus: finding meaning in a changing world, growing inner and community resilience, advocating for justice, and stewarding the natural world.
Conversations for meaningful change
Be in the room during conversations with inspiring thought- and action-leaders of our time. Explore life’s big questions in a “slow conversation” setting, reflect on different worldviews, and find connection in a welcoming community.
The Ecology of Resilience
A Conversation with Alejo di Risio and Host Susan Grelock Yusem
Part of the OMEGA Network Series
Bicherío, Chi no parakuya, Durga, Farafara, Guruni, Isong, Kasem, Koya, Nanda Devi, Nisarg, Njuzu, Parisara, Paryavaran, Psocodea, Prakriti, Pull of nature, Sankofa, Sango, Sasia, Tekoha, Teguala, Tutulegbte, Ubuntu, Ykua Ñe’e, Zumbani.
These words and phrases are some of the ways that communities across Africa, India, and Latin America speak about nature—gathered by Alejo di Risio, Belén Felix, and Mauro Fernández through their recent research into narratives of nature and social change.
As part of Commonweal’s Omega Resilience Awards’ narrative research initiative, the Ecology Team set out to document emerging stories of resilience grounded in environmental stewardship, land connection, and sustainable practices across the Global South. Working with a spirit of collaboration, they listened for ecological imagination as a political force, and they documented how people articulate visions of desirable futures and translate local wisdom into movements for change.
In this conversation, Host Susan Grelock-Yusem talks with Alejo di Risio—journalist, environmental consultant, and cultural strategist—to explore their journey and what they learned about ecological imagination, narrative as resistance, local wisdom at global scale, and the power of community. Stay to the end for aninteractive dialogue with the full Ecology Research Team—Alejo, Belén, and Mauro Fernandez. | Art credit: Jon Marro
Events that bring us together
Join live gatherings—online or in person—to share stories, reflect, and build community. From famous to quietly fabulous, our speakers and hosts are doing inspiring things in the world, and every voice is welcome.
The Rematriation of Science: Restoring Balance through Indigenous Knowledges
Tuesday, Sept 29
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm PDT
Join us in Gallery Commonweal or on Zoom
$15 suggested donation, no one turned away
Melissa K. Nelson and Host Jaune Evans
As an Anishinaabe ecologist, Commonweal New School's fall Visiting Scholar Melissa Nelson is working to find ways to return to and revitalize the Indigenous and feminist roots of science. Meet Melissa and find out more about her worldview at this event—first in conversation with Host Jaune Evans, and then in an experiential process around her new work.
Reimagining the Future
October 1, 2026 – January 24, 2027
Monday – Friday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Gallery Commonweal is on the 2nd floor of our historic building, and there is no elevator.
Call ahead to make an appointment: 415-868-0970
Gallery Exhibit Oct 1 - Jan 24
Do you want to be of service? This question greeted the earliest people who came to work at Commonweal. For 50 years, Commonweal has followed that calling and developed organically, more like an ecosystem than an institution. We have grown deep roots in our physical home place in Bolinas, California, as we also developed a […]
Celebration of Life: Rachel Naomi Remen
Saturday, October 3
2 pm – 4 pm PDT
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
In-person seats are filled; join us online
Join us in celebrating the life of one of Commonweal’s most beloved voices: Rachel Naomi Remen, MD. Rachel was a pioneer and influential leader in the field of healing and integrative medicine. She was co-founder and medical director of the Commonweal Cancer Help Program, which she helped build alongside Commonweal co-founder Michael Lerner, and which was featured in Bill Moyers’ landmark PBS series Healing and the Mind.
Lines of inquiry that expand your worldview
Immerse yourself in a line of thought or inquiry at your own pace—building resilience and sparking new insights. Follow the journey of our Visiting Scholars, our favorite topics, and our favorite guests at Commonweal’s New School.
Words that inspire action
From thoughtful articles to creative zines and published books, the spirit of our community is captured in the sharing of ideas, stories, and practices that nurture resilience, wisdom, and care for the world.