Coming Together in the Great Turning

Collective Liberation and Work That Reconnects How do we create group spaces that are truly safe, inclusive, and transformative-especially when patterns of harm still show up within them? Coming Together in the Great Turning is a practical, deeply informed guide for facilitators ready to engage the realities of power, oppression, and group dynamics-while building spaces rooted in collective liberation and care.Building on the legacy of Joanna Macy's Work That Reconnects, this book supports facilitators in moving beyond intention into skillful, grounded practice. It addresses the real challenges that arise in workshops and group settings-and offers clear, compassionate pathways toward more just and resilient ways of working together.What You'll Gain The confidence to recognize and respond to patterns of harm as they emerge in group spacesPractical tools for trauma-informed, anti-oppressive facilitationA deeper understanding of how systemic oppression shows up interpersonally and collectivelyStrategies for shifting from disconnection and harm toward "interconnected systems of support"Approaches to fostering trust, accountability, and meaningful participation.Rather than offering abstract theory, this guide draws from decades of lived facilitation experience to help you navigate complex group dynamics with clarity and care.Practical Tools for Real-World Facilitation This book offers grounded, field-tested approaches to:Facilitating workshops that actively address power, privilege, and inclusionRecognizing and interrupting harmful dynamics before they escalateIntegrating trauma awareness into group process and leadershipCreating containers that support emotional safety and authentic participationWorking skillfully across differences, identity, and lived experience.If you've struggled with how to hold space for difficult conversations-or how to respond when harm occurs-this book provides concrete guidance you can apply immediately.Who this Book is For Facilitators of the Work That Reconnects seeking to deepen and evolve their practiceWorkshop leaders and educators working with groups in social, environmental, or community contextsActivists and organizers building collaborative, justice-centered spacesPractitioners committed to anti-oppressive, trauma-informed facilitationReaders ready to engage both inner and collective transformation.A Continuation of a Transformative Body of Work This book builds on the foundation of Joanna Macy's Work That Reconnects and the widely influential Coming Back to Life, extending that lineage to meet the realities of today's social and ecological challenges.Drawing on a global network of facilitators and practitioners, the authors bring together decades of experience to support the ongoing evolution of this work-integrating social justice, collective liberation, and group process into a coherent and practical framework.Grounded in Experience and Practice Aravinda Ananda, Molly Young Brown, and Kurt A. Kuhwald bring extensive experience as facilitators, educators, and leaders within the Work That Reconnects community. Their work spans decades of supporting individuals and groups navigating the emotional, social, and ecological challenges of our time.A Practical Path Forward In a time of overlapping crises, the ability to come together with honesty, care, and skill is essential.This book offers a way forward-helping you facilitate spaces where people can face difficult truths, build connection, and move toward collective liberation.AWARDSGOLD | 2026 Nautilus Book Award: Social Change & Social Justice