Workshop

Roots and Branches: Race and Ethnicity in Family Constellations

Date
June 21 – 23, 2024
Times
June 21: 9:00 am-9:00 pm
June 22: 9:00 am-9:00 pm
June 23: 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the impact of transgenerational trauma and family history using Systemic Constellations. The workshop focuses on the experience of Global Majority* people and their families in the United States. The work will be primarily concentrated on healing and exploration through facilitated constellations, with multiple constellations offered each day to support opportunities for many.

We are aware that having a space that is for and centered on Global Majority people can support deeply vulnerable, transformational connection and healing. In order to do so, we are offering this weekend only for attendees who identify as part of the Global Majority. If you are part of the Global Majority but are perceived as white and have received the benefits of white privilege, along with the advantages and disadvantages that come with that identity, we ask that you consider registering instead for an upcoming constellations weekend that is open to all racial identities. You can sign up HERE to receive a save the date and to be notified when registration is open. To read more on the complex topic of choosing GM affinity groups we invite you to read Roxy’s article, Explorations on Community for Global Majority Participants When Choosing Affinity Groups.

This event is also meant to develop the skills of Global Majority facilitators. Experienced participants will have the opportunity to enter a lottery to facilitate some of the constellations with Sarah’s or Roxy’s support. 

*The term Global Majority “includes those people who identify as Black, African, Asian, Brown, Arab and mixed heritage, are indigenous to the global south, and/or have been racialized as ‘ethnic minorities.’” Campbell-Stephens, Educational Leadership, 7.

Schedule and Location:

The workshop will take place at a private home in San Lorenzo, CA, and run from 9am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, with a lunch and dinner break and additional breaks as needed. On Sunday, we will end by 4pm. 

Each day will have a loose theme as follows:

Friday, 6/21  Family and Historical Trauma
Explore how the history of Global Majority people, both in our families and as ethnic groups, has impacted how we move through the world.

Saturday, 6/22  Internalized Oppression
Explore how the messages we receive about ourselves and about our groups impact how we view ourselves, how we relate to people in our groups, and the unconscious vows we make to survive. 

Sunday, 6/23  Relationships
Explore the impact of transgenerational trauma on all of our relationships – partner, parent/child, sibling, community, etc. 

Constellation seekers (those selected to be the focus of individual constellations) will have an opportunity to reserve a constellation for an additional cost on a first-come, first served basis. Or, for no additional cost, seekers may be chosen by lottery from all those interested in having a constellation. 

Accessibility: 

There are 2 steps at the entrance of the home and 2 additional steps once inside to access the primary meeting space. The bathrooms are likely not wheelchair accessible.

Some members of our community have strong reactions to scents of all kinds (perfumes, essential oils, shampoo/conditioner, laundry detergent etc.). Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. To support ease for all in being in space together, please use unscented products. For more information on scent free practices, please check out: https://eastbaymeditation.org/resources/fragrance-free-at-ebmc/.

COVID Precautions Policy: This page will be updated with our COVID Precautions Policy very shortly. You will also receive information about our COVID Precautions upon registering. 

Requested Contribution:

We are prioritizing registration for returning participants and first-time participants who can attend all three days, then those who can attend two days, then those who can attend only one day. If you would like to register for a single-day you will be added to the wait list for the day you’ prefer to attend. We will contact you within a week to check in about your place on the wait list.

Tuition fees*:

  • $420:  All three days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • $320:  Two of the three days
  • $180:  Single day rate for Friday or Saturday
  • $150: Single day rate for Sunday

Approximately half of the constellations can be reserved on a first come, first served basis for an additional cost of $250. Limit 1 per participant.

*Meals are on your own and not included in tuition fees. There will be limited fridge and cooler space available to store your meals and 3 microwaves to warm up food. There are a few local restaurants within driving distance to the event site.

This is an in-person, non-residential event taking place in a private home in San Lorenzo, CA. Participants joining from out of town are encouraged to consider travel, lodging, and daily transportation expenses they will incur. We will connect participants who are interested in offering/receiving rides to and from the event.

If you would like to attend, but are unable to contribute at these levels, please complete the Scholarship Application form.

Facilitators:  Sarah Peyton and Roxy Manning

Roxy and Sarah, long-time collaborators and friends, will facilitate this workshop together. While we acknowledge there will be inevitable conscious and subconscious impacts of having a white-identified person as a co-facilitator for the constellations of people of the Global Majority, Roxy’s personal experience and deep trust in the insights that emerge from Sarah’s approach which combines family constellations, Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and the healing potential of resonant presence and language contributes to our strong belief that for most the power of Sarah’s facilitation will still offer potential for significant transformation. We also are choosing to invite Sarah to co-facilitate with Roxy because of Sarah’s extensive experience training emergent constellation facilitators. We want the Global Majority community to have access to the coaching and mentorship Sarah provides so that we can continue to grow the number of Global Majority facilitators who are able to spread this work.

Who is Sarah? Sarah Peyton, CNVC Certified Trainer and international facilitator of family constellations, teaches and lectures internationally on the way that language heals the brain from emotional trauma.  Her special interest is the way that difficult events impact our automatic brain patterning, and how to transform our tendencies toward self-criticism into self-warmth. Her book, “Your Resonant Self: Guided Meditations and Exercises to Engage Your Brain’s Capacity for Healing,” was published by W.W. Norton Publishing internationally in September, 2017.

Who is Roxy? Roxy Manning, a psychologist and advocate for social justice, uses her insights as a Black Caribbean immigrant to challenge and transform oppressive practices across organizations and communities. Roxy authored “How to Have Antiracist Conversations” and co-authored “The Antiracist Heart” with Sarah Peyton. Roxy also co-hosts the “Fierce Compassion” podcast with Sarah. Roxy is delighted to have studied systemic constellations with Sarah, and with other facilitators at past Western Constellation Intensives.

Register

San Lorenzo, California, United States.