Free Online Discussion Groups

The following groups intend to foster human connection and/or community good will and cohesiveness. 

Core project name: Cultivating Caring Community

Facilitator: Roger Balson

Time and frequency: 7:30 pm ET each Tuesday

Platform: Jit.si

Link: https://meet.jit.si/cultivatingcaringcommunity

Notes: Informal discussion

Core project name: VillageCo & Village Nomad 

Discussion name: Village Builders

Facilitator: Jason Sears and committed attendees by sign-up

Time and frequency: 6:30 pm ET each Thursday

Platform: Zoom

Links: By invitation, you will receive a pre-gathering email with link one hour before the start time.

Notes: Has a defined format. Engagement includes request for topics of interest and breakout rooms to discuss the topics. There are approximately 20 regular attendees. 

Core project name: Weave

Discussion name: Community Hour 

Facilitator: Kate Towle and Roger Balson

Time and frequency: 7 pm ET each Wednesday 

Platform: proprietary

Link: https://aspeninstitute.zoom.us/j/99234626785?pwd=3QsrIuQahdwvq5AWiaD0NKIXVTbDpm.1

Notes: Ongoing for the past three years. A recent discussion had approximately 10 present. 

Core project name: Global Dyad Meditation

Facilitator: volunteer hosts

Time and frequency: 8 am ET daily, with intuitive writing; 10 am ET daily; 2 pm ET each Tuesday (with intuitive writing), Thursday, Sunday 

Platform: Zoom

Links: Available thru a training session that ensures participants understand the process.

Notes: Format is one-on-one taking turns listening and speaking, switching roles every 5 minutes. Some sessions include intuitive writing. Available also in German and Spanish.

Core project name: Soul Biographies

Discussion name: varies

Facilitator: Nic Askew

Time and frequency: Join the email list and you will be informed of the periodic zoom discussions. 

Platform: Zoom

Links: Sent by email or as posted on website.

Notes: A recent discussion had 75 present. Sometimes there are breakout rooms. Aside from Nic’s discussions, IMO sessions are focused on meditative presence, like a Quaker meeting, to speak sparingly and only when inspired. Definitely not for networking or chit chat.

Core project name: HuMANs

Discussion name: Solidarity Summit

Facilitator: Stephanie Rearick

Time and frequency: biannual, June and December

Platform: Zoom

Links: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7433558070?pwd=NThPTUxxaDZEU2RLZVgvU2wwU1JIUT09

Notes: A mutual aid network sharing virtual resources and information. A recent discussion had about 15 present.

Core project name: ecohana

Discussion name: Relationships, Rightness, and Place 

Facilitator: Vivek Gani and others

Time and frequency: 9:30 am ET each Saturday

Platform: Zoom

Links: https://ecohana.mn.co/posts/73565548# access unique links by logging in, finding an event, and clicking on "zoom"

Notes: See website for additional informal discussion Campfires, and periodic themed discussions related to the general project of bioregional coalition building. A recent discussion had 5 present.

Core project name: CommunityFinders.com

Discussion name: Blueprints for Belonging

Facilitator: Cynthia Tina and guest speakers

Time and frequency: monthly, see link to register

Platform: Zoom

Links: https://www.ic.org/event/intro-to-blueprints-for-belonging-series/?srsltid=AfmBOorpsIzhIJOjhGShihf3IFmaxRW07LyvX_GtPBmapMqqZxBvDa5X

Notes: By attending live sessions, you can direct questions and receive personalized advice, but there isn't discussion between attendees. You can also listen to the recorded discussions online.