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.
Deep Healing and the Coming Transformation of Human Consciousness
Michael Lerner with Moderator Katherine Fulton
Exploring the Forces Changing What it Means to Be Human
Join us for a conversation exploring healing at a time of transformation—contemplating what Michael Lerner points to as the coming revolution in human consciousness and what it means for all of us as individuals, communities, and as a planetary species.
This event was part of our 50th anniversary celebrations at Commonweal. Michael’s founding vision of Commonweal was as a center for healing ourselves and healing the earth. His understanding of healing has been transformed by more than 230 week-long Cancer Help Programs, by Healing Circles, and by many other experiences with personal healing, as well as by the emergence of the global polycrisis and what it signifies for planetary healing. He hopes to bring these threads together in the light of new research on what is known as “the hard problem of consciousness.”
We also celebrate the publication of What Matters Now: 7 Letters to a Friend with Cancer, a beautiful collection of reflections and guidance Michael created over decades of his work with the Cancer Help Program. | Art credit: Marla Pedersen, in Gallery Commonweal through June.
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.
Art for Our Common Good: Creativity, Health, and Civic Life
Sunday, July 12
11:00 am – 2:00 pm PDT
Join us at Commonweal or on Zoom
$20 suggested donation, no one turned away
What role can art play in helping us meet this moment? As communities face growing loneliness, burnout, environmental anxiety, and civic division, the arts can create spaces for healing, connection, and hope. Join us as we celebrate 50 years of healing arts at Commonweal, building on an earlier convening of leaders in arts, health, and community practice. This public gathering, hosted by Commonweal Board Member Lisa Simms Booth, opens the conversation to all with Maria Rosario Jackson, Deborah Cullinan, and Catherine Olweny.
Re-Dreaming Healing through Narrative and Story
Wednesday, July 15
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm PDT
Join us at Commonweal or on Zoom
$20 suggested donation, no one turned away
Lecture and Workshop with Visiting Scholar Catherine Olweny
Bringing with her the traditional Aboriginal practices of dadirri—a sacred practice of deep listening, reflection, stillness, and connection to the land—and yarning—a conversational practice used by indigenous Australians to share knowledge, stories, and culture—Catherine Olweny will talk about ways that art and narrative techniques allow difficult experiences to be shared.
Tending Our Future: Spirituality, Service, and the Art of Healing
Thursday, July 30
9 am – 10:15 am PDT
Virtual event only; join us on Zoom
$15 suggested donation, no one turned away
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.
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.