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 Rematriation of Science: Restoring Balance through Indigenous Knowledges | Part 1
Melissa K. Nelson and Host Jaune Evans
How can a rematriated science address the roots of the polycrisis? Can society move beyond an anthropocentric, male-dominated science to a relational one rooted in justice and care? As an Anishinaabe ecologist and transdisciplinary scholar-activist, Commonweal New School Visiting Scholar Melissa K. Nelson is working to find ways to return to and revitalize the Indigenous and feminist roots of science by highlighting ways of knowing that are based on epistemologies of care, belonging, kinship, and respectful intimacy with the natural world and each other.
Meet Melissa and find out more about her worldview in conversation with Host Jaune Evans in part one of this podcast. Watch for part two coming soon, where she will share an experiential process around her new work. | Art credit: Catalina Cortes
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.
Leading Through the Polycrisis: Healing, Resilience, and the Future of Environmental Health and Justice
Sunday, Oct 18
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm PDT
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
$15 suggested donation, no one turned away
Gary Cohen, Annie Leonard, and Brandi Jenkins, with Host Michael Lerner
Some leaders have said we are the first generation to understand the full dimensions of the climate crisis and the last generation to do something about it. As leaders, how can we hold the polycrisis without being crushed by the enormity of the personal, political and planetary challenges? Join Host Michael Lerner for a conversation with Gary Cohen, Annie Leonard, and Brandi Jenkins about the long road that has brought the environmental health and justice movement to where we are in this moment.
Our Genuinely Unprecedented Moment in History
Wednesday, Oct 28
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm PDT
In Commonweal Library or on Zoom
$15 suggested donation, no one turned away
Richard Tarnas and Host Michael Lerner
The crisis of our current moment in time demands that we do our utmost to see through a glass darkly. In this conversation, Richard Tarnas will join Host Michael Lerner to discuss insights and perspectives that might help shed light on the current turning point in human evolution.
Trust in the Life Forces of Unity
Sunday, November 8
1 pm – 4 pm PST
In Gallery Commonweal and on Zoom
$25 suggested donation, no one turned away
Orland Bishop and Host Jaune Evans
Join us as we welcome back visionary healer and community leader Orland Bishop for a conversation in ritual space with Host Jaune Evans.
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.