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.
Tending Our Future: Spirituality, Service, and the Art of Healing
Vivek Murthy and Host Serena Bian
Known for bringing loneliness and social connection into the national conversation, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy joins host Serena Bian at Commonweal’s New School to reflect on the deeper currents beneath his work. Beginning with his spiritual biography, we explore the questions, traditions, and experiences that shaped his understanding of service, healing, and what it means to belong.
From there, the conversation expands into an exploration and re-imagining of our collective future. How do we nurture meaning and purpose in an age increasingly defined by technology? What new forms of community, institution-building, and collaboration are emerging amid social fragmentation and uncertainty? Through stories, reflection, and imagination, Dr. Murthy offers insights into how we might become more fully human while building a future rooted in connection, dignity, and care. | 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.
Celebration of Life: Rachel Naomi Remen
Saturday, October 3
2 pm – 4 pm PDT
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
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.
Medicine for the Long Dark: Conversation, Listening, Ritual
Sunday, November 8
1 pm – 4 pm PST
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
$25 suggested donation, no one turned away
Francis Weller and Host Jaune Evans
Join Francis Weller and Host Jaune Evans as we explore the medicine we need for the Long Dark, the medicine we bring to the Long Dark, and surprisingly, the medicine we find in the Long Dark. The event will include conversation with Francis, time to listen, and a community ritual to allow for receiving and “risking revelation.”
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.