Interested in learning about the Way of Council?  Looking to deepen your council practice in your work setting or in your personal life?  The Ojai Foundation's Center for Council Training has announced a full slate of council trainings for 2012.  Sign up today!

Introduction to Council (Council 1):

February 17-19

April 27-29, 

June 8-10

October 5-7

and 

July 14 & 15 at Crossroads School (Santa Monica)

 

Deepening the Practice (Council 2):

March 2-4

October 26-28    

 

Council 3:

June 29-July 1

Visit the new European Council Network (ECN) website to learn about the growing number of individuals and organizations entering the practice of council in Europe. After five years of introductory and now advanced trainings in Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and the UK, there is now an Annual Gathering of Council Carriers to build this emerging community.  This year, a number of the European Trainers will be acknowledged and encouraged to continue thier work. A focus on council in schools is just taking shape,  with a first Council for Educators training this past summer in Germany. Click here for more information.

The Los Angeles Times ran a feature story on Saturday, November 27th profiling TOF's groundbreaking work bringing council to schools throughout the region.  Our Council in Schools programs have evolved over 25 years and now serve over 12,000 students! 

CCT Council Trainer and Wonderland Avenue School faculty member, Julia Mason Wasson, has an article featured in ASCD's publication Educational Leadership discussing how she integrated council into the mentoring of teachers new to the profession.  Click here to read the article!

 

An innovative collaboration between The Ojai Foundation, Southern California Foster Families and Adoption Agency and the congregation of Kehillat Israel Synagogue works to build community across cultural barriers, recognizing that we all have much to learn from one another.

 

 

A new TOF film by Bryan Law looks at the development of our Council in School initiative. With Paul Cummins, Jack Black, Jonah Hill and other current and former students in the program.

This past fall we were blessed by the return of Joanna Macy to The Ojai Foundation.  Joanna Macy, one of the great elders of our time, came to lead a 7-day Intergenerational Intensive in "The Work That Reconnects." Over 50 participants, ranging from 8-months old to eighty attended, including more than a handful of inspiring, young activists in the social justice and environmental movements. The weather cooperated perfectly and the retreat had a profound impact on all who attended. Please read on for what Joanna said about her return visit to Ojai as well as testimonials from some of the participants.

Take time to be in silence and gratitude on the Land.  There is so much to see, feel and experience here.  Do your own thing or use the simple guide that can be found at our Gateway Building.  To view a small map with images of each stop along the way, click here

In 1996, the First Edition of The Way of Council was published by Bramble Books. Over the next thirteen years, Jack and Gigi's book sold ten-thousand copies in America and elsewhere, a Hebrew version was published in Israel and a German version was released in 2010.  One of our Arab facilitators is currently working on an Arabic translation. The book has helped many to be introduced to council, deepen their understanding of the practices and to connect with The Ojai Foundation.

By Doug Adrianson

It’s wonderful to feel the rest of the world becoming more aware of Earth-friendly practices such as alternative energy, “green” building, composting, recycling, Permaculture, and eating wholesome, healthy food.The Ojai Foundation has been practicing as well as preaching these ways of living lightly and in harmony with nature for nearly 30 years.