Bioneers brings together a very diverse, discerning, engaged and reflective community, and the curated conversations around crucial topics we have been hosting recently (“Conversation Cafes”) have proven highly popular and stimulating. Each session begins with a very brief presentation by one of the conference presenters as a “conversation starter” to frame the topic, followed by structured group discussion. At the end of each session, a “harvester” who has carefully witnessed and “absorbed” what has transpired, offers us a poetic synopsis/recapitulation of the highlights of our time together.

The pandemic has been a time of transition, and for many, trauma and struggle. It has made us face the contradictions in the world that have impacted our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. For these reasons it is especially important now for us to reground ourselves in the teachings that the natural environment and our ancestors provide in order that we recenter ourselves in the Sacredness we all carry. Author and healing practitioner Jerry Tello will guide us through a process to acknowledge and recover the inner sacred medicine that, when we stay connected to it, is our best guide in all we do.  Facilitated by: Amy Lenzo, weDialogue and the World Café Community Foundation; David Shaw, Santa Cruz Permaculture and UCSC Right Livelihood College. “Harvester:” Jason Bayani, author, theater performer, Artistic Director, Kearny Street Workshop.