EVENTS | 2024

Calendar of Events 2024

January 2024 —

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday January 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

New Year! New Emotions! Your Resolution to Grow
Developing Across Borders Open House
Led by Lea Čikoš, Aurélie Harp and Melissa Meyer
Sunday January 14, 12:00- 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Book Launch Party
Social Therapeutic Coaching: A practical guide to group and couples work
Friday January 19, 6:30- 8:00 p.m.
Click here for more information and to register

Everyone has Something to Learn. Everyone has Something to Teach. Challenging the Limits of Education/ Learning Planet Festival
Led by Omar Ali and Dan Friedman
Wednesday January 24, 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

The Performance Movement: An Exploration of Obvious and Outrageous Ways Out of The Fly-Bottle/Learning Planet Festival
led by Carrie Lobman, Gwen Lowenheim, Philippe Vandenbroeck
Thursday January 25, 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 Eastern
Click here to for more information and to register

Embrace Uncertainty, Tap into Collective Creativity with “Yes, and…” “Yes,…and” HigherEd Network and the Global Play Brigade/Learning Planet Festival
Led by Gwen Lowenheim, Hikaru Lou Hie and colleagues
Friday January 26, 8:00- 9:30 a.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating New Performances of Memory Loss, Dementia & Growing Older
Led by Helen Abel and Eileen Moncoeur
Saturdays January 27- February 17, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Meet Author Ananta Giri for a Discussion of His Book, Social Healing
Led by Lois Holzman
Saturday January 27, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

February 2024 —

Book Launch Party
Social Therapeutic Coaching: A practical guide to group and couples work
Saturday February 3, 12:00- 1:30 p.m.
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday February 10, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

The How of Performance Activism
Led by Lois Holzman, Carrie Lobman, Dan Friedman, Marian Rich, Raquell Holmes
February 17 and 18, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Click here for more information and to register

March 2024 —

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday March 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Communities of Hope
Led by Carrie Lobman and Maria José Castrillo
Saturdays March 16- April 20, 10:30 a.m. -12:00 Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

The How of Social Therapeutics, an interactive workshop for therapists and coaches
Led by social therapists and social therapeutic coaches
Saturday March 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Integrative Community Therapy: A Mass Therapy Session
with Marilene Grandosso and Vitória Barreto
Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

April 2024 —

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday April 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

May 2024 —

Creating New Performances of Memory Loss, Dementia & Growing Older
Led by Helen Abel
Saturdays, May 4- June 1, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Click here for more information and to register

The Problem of the Environment: Vygotsky’s Relevance to Our World
Led by Lois Holzman
Sundays, May 5- June 2 (skipping May 26)
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday May 11, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

East Side Institute’s Community Meeting & Fundraiser
Friday, May 31, 7:15 p.m. OR Saturday, June 1 @ 10 a.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

June 2024–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday June 8, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Lives Together Study Group
Led by Melissa Meyer, Chakradhar Iyyunni and Desire Wandan
Wednesdays, June 19- July 31 (skips July 3), 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health @ The Freedom Festival
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday June 22, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

July 2024–

There is No Revolution Without Cultural Transformation
Led by Dan Friedman
Monday July 8 – Sunday August 11; Zoom calls Sundays July 14 – August 11, 12 – 1:30 pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD, Saturday July 13, 2:00 – 03:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

August 2024–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday August 10, 2:00 – 03:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

September 2024–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD,
Saturday September 14, 2:00 – 03:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Performing the World: Create the Power
Thursday September 26 – Sunday September 29, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

October 2024–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD,
Saturday October 12, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Talking and Building with Strangers
Led by Katy Bee
Saturday October 19, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Become a Developmentalist! Perform Dialectics
Led by Lois Holzman
Saturdays October 26- November 23, 12:00- 1:30 pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

November 2024–

Creating New Performances of Growing Older
A Short-term group led by Helen Abel
Saturdays November 2-16, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD,
Saturday November 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Play in Higher Education: Is there something going on?
Led by Carrie Lobman and Luke Perone
Sunday November 17, 2:30-4:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

December 2024–

Perform Your Story and Have it Help You Grow Your Project
Saturdays December 7 and 14, 11:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Led by Cathy Rose Salit with Sarah Filman
Click here for more information and to register

Creating New Performances of Growing Older
A Short-term group led by Helen Abel
Saturdays November 2-16, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

January 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday January 14, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

ESI Open House: Getting to Know You / Getting to Know Us
Friday January 20, 5:00- 6:15 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Lives Together Study Group
Led by Melissa Meyer, Chakradhar Iyyunni and Desire Wandan
Wednesdays, January 25 to March 1, 10:30am-12pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

The Power of Open-Ended Play: Transform Your Teaching with the “Yes, and…” Higher Education Network
Saturday January 28, 1:00- 2:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

February 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday February 11, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

We All Could Use Some Emotional Support: Can we play and create with all of our emotions—including the most painful?
Presented with Lloyd International Honors College of UNC/Greensboro
Led by Jennifer Bullock
Sunday, February 12, 12:00- 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

We Have Never Known What to Do: A Practical-Critical Exploration of Unknowability and What Can Happen When We Embrace It
A 12-week course with Dr. Lois Holzman
Sundays February 24, 2022 – May 21, 3:00- 4:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here to apply

March 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday March 11, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

What Is Power?
Presented with Lloyd International Honors College of UNC/Greensboro
Led by Dan Friedman
Saturday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Communities of Hope
with Carrie Lobman and Maria Jose Castrillo
Saturdays March 18 to April 29, 10:30-12:00 Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Everything’s a Remix: Playing With What Is – To Create Something New
Presented with Lloyd International Honors College of UNC/Greensboro
Led by Gwen Lowenheim
Saturday, March 18, 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Celebrating the Publication of Performing, Teaching and Writing: Exploring Play
Meet the author, Sanjay Kumar
Sunday, March 19, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

April 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday April 8, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

At the Wormholes of Madness: Developmental Science Fiction
Led by Steven T. Licardi
Saturday, April 15, 12:30 – 2:30pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

What Does Democracy Mean to You?
Presented with Lloyd International Honors College of UNC/Greensboro
Led by Omar Ali, Lois Holzman, and Friends
Tuesday, April 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Spring 2023 Community Meeting & Fundraiser
A Global Meeting for a Global Project: Save The Date!
Sunday, April 23, 1:30 p.m. or 7:15 p.m. Eastern
Click here or more information and to register

May 2023–

The How of Performance Activism
with Lois Holzman and Institute Faculty
Saturday May 6 10:00 am Eastern to May 7 4:00 pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday May 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

June 2023 —

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday June 10, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Lives Together Study Group
led by Melissa Meyer and Desire Wandan with Chakradhar Iyyunni
Wednesdays June 14- July 26 (except July 5), 10:30 a.m.-12:00 Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Out of Our Heads and Into Our Lives: A Developing Across Borders Workshop
Led by Melissa Meyer and Aurelie Harp
Saturday, June 17, 10:30am – 1pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Freedom Festival Conversations
led by Janet Wootten, Marian Rich and improvscience founder Raquell Holmes
Monday, June 19, 8:00 -9:30 pm Eastern
Sunday, June 25, 1:00 -2:30 pm Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Special Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday June 24, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

July 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday July 8, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Dead Ends, Labyrinths and Unpaved Roads: A Practical-Critical Exploration of Marxism
Led by Dan Friedman
July 9 to August 13, meeting Sundays 12-1:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Women Urban Environmental Defenders: The Stories Not Heard
Led by Ursula Carrascal
Wednesday, July 12, 6:00- 7:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

The Performance Movement: The Obvious and Outrageous Way Out of the Epistemological Fly Bottle
Led by Carrie Lobman and Gwen Lowenheim
Sunday, July 30, 12:00- 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

August 2023–

Who Am I, Really? A Playful Exploration of The Therapeutic Deconstruction of The Illusion of Self
Led by Ann Green and Steve Licardi
Saturday, August 5, 1:00- 2:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Are we being led astray?
Led by Chris Helm
Thursday, August 10, 7:00- 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday August 12, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

September 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday September 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Performing the World Happening(s)
Creating Hope, Performing Possibilities
Thursday September 28- Sunday October 1
Click here for more information and to register

October 2023–

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday October 14, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Lives Together Study Group
Led by Melissa Meyer and Desire Wandan with Chakradhar Iyyunni
Wednesdays October 18- November 29, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

The How of Social Therapeutics
Led by social therapists and social therapeutic coaches.
Saturday, October 28 · 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

November 2023—

Performing Leadership
Led by Maureen Kelly
Saturdays November 4 and 18
Click here for more information and to register

Community Meeting and Fundraiser
Friday November 10, 7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Eastern
Saturday November 11, 10:00 – 11 a.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday November 11, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

December 2023–

Cultivating Curiosity and its Radical Potential
Led by Carrie Lobman and Jan Wootten
Saturdays December 2 and 9, 11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW, and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday December 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Click here for more information and to register

January 2022 —

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday January 8, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to for more information and to register

Bridges 4 Hope & Peace Reducing Conflict in Families, Communities and Schools in Gaza

Saturday, January 15, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Free
Click here for more information and to register

An Introduction: Developing Across Borders Performs!
with Barbara Silverman, Melissa Meyer and Lea Čikoš

Saturday, January 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

February 2022 —

The Pain & Possibility of Dementia: Making Space for Emotional Growth

Saturday February 5, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income: $15
Click here for more information and to register

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday February 12, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Identity: Performance in Progress

Sunday, February 13, 12 – 2:30 pm Eastern US
Registration: $55, Lower Income, $25
Click here for more information and to register

What’s Knowing? What’s Growing?: A philosophical-psychological-political exploration w/ Lois Holzman

Sunday February 27 – Sunday May 22
Registration: $500
Click here for more information and to apply
[a limited number of partial scholarships available upon request]

March 2022–

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday March 12, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Dan’s Book Cabaret

Come Celebrate the Publication of Performance Activism: Precursors and Contemporary Pioneers (Palgrave Press)
Sunday, March 13, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Exploring Blackness Together

Led by Jessie Fields, MD and Raquell Holmes, Ph.D.
Saturdays, March 19 & 26, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Eastern Registration: $55 / Lower Income: $25
Click here for more information and to register

The World As Classroom! Political Theatre of India

Presented with Lloyd International Honors College of UNC/Greensboro
Sunday, March 20, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

April 2022–

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday April 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

The How of Social Therapeutics: The Radically Performatory Approach to Emotional Development

A Weekend Practicum
Saturday April 9, 2022, starting at 10:00 am Eastern
Sunday April 10, 2022, starting at 10:00 am Eastern
Registration: $95; Lower Income: $40; a limited number of partial and full scholarships available
Click here for more information and to register

The World As Classroom! What Is Populism?

Presented with Lloyd International Honors College of UNC/Greensboro
Sunday, April 10, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Improv Toolkit for a Developmental Life (and Community)

An Online Practicum with Marian Rich
Saturday April 23, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $55; Lower Income: $25
Click here for more information and to register

Spring Community Meeting & Fundraiser

Sunday April 24, Two sessions: 1:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:15 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

May 2022–

The Joy of Philosophizing
Led by Christine Helm, Doug Balder and the Developmental Philosophy Group
Sundays, May 1, 15, 22 & June 5, 12:30 – 2 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $100; Lower Income: $50
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Communities of Hope

An Introduction to Social Therapeutics and Its Community Stages
An online seminar with Carrie Lobman and Melissa Meyer
Saturday May 7 – Saturday June 4
There will be 4 Zoom calls: Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21; June 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Eastern
Fee: $135 / Lower Income: $85
Click here for more information and to register

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led byober,Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday May 14, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

POSTPONED–Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Therapist/Coach:
A Conversation Led by Clients
Saturday May 21, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income: $15
Click here for more information and to register

June 2022–

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday June 11, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to registe

International Class Graduation
Sat, Jun 11, 4:30 PM
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Social therapeutics: Creating Our Lives Together!
A Short-Term Study Group led by Melissa Meyer & Desire Wandan
Zoom Meetings: Mondays, June 13-July 18, 2:00-3:30pm Eastern US (no meeting on July 4)
Registration: $25
Click here for more information and to register

Carrie Lobman’s Play, Development & Social Justice Series
Bring Playfulness to Social Activism
Saturday June 18, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income: $15
Click here for more information and to register

Social Therapeutics: play, improvisation and philosophizing for human development!
A Workshop led by Majo Castrillo and Fanny Suárez in Spanish
Saturday, June 25, 1:00 – 3:00 Eastern,
Registration: $25; Lower Income: $15
Click here for more information and to register

July 2022–

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday July 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

The Performance of Politics and the Politics of Performance: An Online Conversation
Led by Dan Friedman
Sundays July 10 – August 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Eastern
Registration: $135; Lower Income: $75
Click here for more information and to register

Advice to Grow With! “Dear Developmentalist…”
Led by Jan Wootten
Saturday July 9 12-1:30- pm
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

The Performance of Politics and the Politics of Performance
Led by Dan Friedman
Sundays July 10 – August 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Eastern
Registration: $135; Lower Income:$75
Click here for more information and to register

Power, Authority and Pointless Activity
Led by Carrie Lobman
Saturday July 16th 12-1:30 pm
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Diagnosis: A Thousand Ordinary People Speak Out
Led by Ann Green & Steven Licardi
Saturday July 30th 12-1:30pm
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

August 2022–

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday August 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

September 2022–

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/it-takes-a-village-creating-community-to-transform-health-and-healing-registration-442982591857

Growing the World, Growing Ourselves
The East Side Institute’s seasonal open house event with Jan Wootten and Desire Wandan
Sat, Sept 17, 12pm-1:30pm
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

October 2022–

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Therapist/Coach
A conversation led by clients
Sat, October 1, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Registration: $30; Lower Income $15
Click here for more information and to register.

Social Therapeutics: Creating Our Lives Together
Led by Melissa Meyer, Desire Wandan and Chakri Iyyuni
Wednesday October 5 – Wednesday November 16
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday October 8, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

The How of Performance Activism: A Weekend Intensive
Saturday October 15, starting at 10:00 am Eastern
Sunday October 16, starting at 10:00 am Eastern
Registration: $95; Lower Income: $40; a limited number of partial and full scholarships available
Click here for more information and to register

An Introduction: Developing Across Borders Performs!
with Barbara Silverman, Melissa Meyer and Lea Čikoš
Saturday, October 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Terapéutica Social: juego, improvisación y filosofía para el desarrollo
Sabado, 22 October, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Hora Estandar del Este
Cargo: $25; Lower Income: $15
Click here for more information and to register

Creating Communities of Hope
Saturday, Oct 29 – Saturday, Dec 10
There will be 6 Zoom calls: Saturdays, October 29, November 5, 12, and 19, and December 3 and 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $135 / Lower Income: $85
Click here for more information and to register

November 2022–

Exploring ‘Development!’
A practical-philosophical investigation with Lois Holzman
Saturday November 5- Saturday December 10
There will be Zoom calls: November 5, 19, December 3,10 from 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $135/Lower Income: $75
Click here for more information and to register

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW & Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday November 12, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

Fall Community Meeting & Fundraiser
Sunday November 13, Two sessions: 1:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:15 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

December 2022–

It Takes a Village: Creating Community to Transform Health and Healing
With Mary Fridley, Maureen Kelly and Beth Boynton
Saturday, December 3, 1:00- 2:45 p.m.
Registration: $35/Lower Income: $15
Click here for more information and to register

Performing Your Story (And Have it Help You Grow Your Project)
Sundays December 4 & 11, 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Registration: $175/Lower Income: $75
Click here for more information and to register

Developing Across Borders Presents: What Do We Need Moving Forward Together?
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD, Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW and Jessie Fields, MD
Saturday December 10, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here for more information and to register

JANUARY

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday January 9, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

Getting Out of Our Heads: The history, current state and impact of critiques of mainstream psychology
A 12-week exploration led by Lois Holzman

January 24 – April 25, 2021
Click here to for more information and apply

Along with an exploration of Newman and Holzman’s deconstruction of mainstream psychology, this course will provide the opportunity to look at other critiques that have different intellectual and activist roots and discover if any of the similarities and differences “make a difference.”

An Introduction: Developing Across Borders Performs!
with Barbara Silverman & Melissa Meyer

Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 10:30 am – 12:00 am Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register
Click here to learn more

Step onto a world stage and grow! Melissa and Barbara welcome you to observe a free Developing Across Borders group. Join as participants from across the world share their stories, their growth and their struggles — social, emotional and political.

FEBRUARY


The ESI and All Stars Project Present: Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday February 13, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

The How of Performance Activism: A Weekend Intensive

Saturday February 20, starting at 10:00 am Eastern
Sunday February 21, starting at 10:00 am Eastern
Registration: $95; Lower Income: $40; a limited number of partial and full scholarships available
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

Integrate the conceptions and practical tools of social therapeutics in a weekend intensive led by Institute founder and PTW chief organizer Lois Holzman and faculty. Develop your practice and see how these discoveries can work for you! Perfect for experienced organizers and newly-becoming activists.

MARCH

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday March 13, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

 

Emotional Development in a Time of COVID & Social Unrest
with Murray Dabby, Rachel Mickenberg & Barbara Silverman
Hosted by Joyce Dattner
Saturday March 20, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income $15
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

Social Therapy is effective in helping people come together and grow in the midst of change, chaos and uncertainty. Meet social therapists Murray Dabby, Rachel Mickenberg and Barbara Silverman and clients as they share their work to create new forms of emotional life in this unprecedented moment.

Improv & Democracy
with Marian Rich and Don Waisanen
Saturday March 27, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $50; Lower Income $25
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

As our political culture becomes more polarized, how do we explore disagreement and build with conflict — a big question for our species! Join Don and Marian for an interactive workshop exploring how humor, improvisation and play can help us build a more radically democratic culture. Readings include Don’s new book, Improv for Democracy and Marian’s upcoming chapter with Carrie Lobman, “Playing Around with Changing the World.”

Creating Communities of Hope
An Introduction to Social Therapeutics and Its Community Stages
An online seminar with Carrie Lobman and Melissa Meyer
Saturday, March 27, 2021 – Saturday May 8, 2021
There will be 4 Zoom calls: March 27; April 10 & 24; May 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Eastern
Fee: $135 / Lower Income: $85
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

Join Carrie Lobman and Melissa Meyer for a playful/philosophical introduction to social therapeutics, an approach to human development practiced in community organizing, psychotherapy, education, after-school youth programs, dementia care, medicine and the workplace.

APRIL

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW
Saturday April 10, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

May 2021 —

VIRTUAL Spring Community Meeting & Fundraiser

Sunday, May 2, 2021, Two sessions: 1:30 pm Eastern, 7:15 pm Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

JOIN FROM ANYWHERE! A global meeting for a global community. Come share in the Institute’s growth. Hear a special report from Lois Holzman about where we’ve been, who we’re meeting, how we’re growing and where we’re going. Come support the international hub for social therapeutics!

“How Do We Grow From Here?” World Festival!

Saturday, May 8, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to learn more and register

An international festival to remember lives lost and celebrate life and creativity during the pandemic and beyond.

The ESI and All Stars Project Present: Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday May 8, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

 

The Joy of Philosophizing
Led by Christine Helm, Doug Balder and the Developmental Philosophy Group

Sundays, May 9, 16, 23 & June 6, 12:30 – 2 p.m. EDT
Registration: $100; Lower Income: $50
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

Asking big questions about little things can be pointlessly exhilarating and developmental. The late Fred Newman’s Developmental Philosophy Group invites you to join in the philosophical fun of performing a new kind of meaning-making.

The How of Performance Activism: A Weekend Intensive

Saturday May 15, starting at 10:00 am EDT
Sunday May 16, starting at 10:00 am EDT
Registration: $95; Lower Income: $40; a limited number of partial and full scholarships available
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

Integrate the conceptions and practical tools of social therapeutics in a weekend intensive led by Institute founder and PTW chief organizer Lois Holzman and faculty. Develop your practice and see how these discoveries can work for you! Perfect for experienced organizers and newly-becoming activists.

An Introduction: Developing Across Borders Performs!
with Barbara Silverman, Melissa Meyer and Lea Čikoš

Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 10:30 am – 12:00 am EDT
Registration: Free
Click here to learn more
Click here to register

Step onto a world stage and grow! Melissa and Barbara welcome you to observe a free Developing Across Borders group. Join as participants from across the world share their stories, their growth and their struggles — social, emotional and political.

June 2021 —

Designing Improvisational Experiences for a Changing World: An Online Practicum with Marian Rich

Saturday June 5, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $50; Lower Income: $25
Click here to learn more and register

Join Marian in this workshop and explore how to design improv/play sessions (for Zoom, WhatsApp or in-person) that include inventing exercises and delivering/facilitating improvisationally.

The Fred Newman Lecture: David Diamond, Theatre for Living: Stories Told, Untold & Told Again

Sunday June 6, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income: $15
Click here to learn more and register

This year’s Fred Newman Lecture features David Diamond, an internationally acclaimed practitioner of community-empowering participatory theatre who has directed over 600 community specific theatre projects and trainings around the world. In this webinar, he will share his journey from Theatre of the Oppressed to Theatre for Living.

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:Creating Our Mental Health
Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday June 12, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

International Class Graduation

Sunday June 13, 12:00 – 1:30 pm Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to learn more and register

Please join us for a festive virtual ceremony to toast our new International Class colleagues.

Playing with Dementia: How the dementia experience can help us all embrace uncertainty, live more joyously, lead with our hearts and create a better world

Friday, June 18, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income: $15
Click here to learn more and register

Join us for a playful and philosophical conversation about the joys (and challenges) of reimagining dementia – and how we can come together and create a world in which everyone contributes, grows and thrives.

Mad in American & the East Side Institute Present: Beyond the Therapy Office – Creating Our Mental Health Everywhere
A virtual Town Hall with Jessie Fields, Rachel Mickenberg, Hugh Polk and clients

Sunday, June 20, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to learn more and register

By accessing the power of play and performance, people from all walks of life and with all sorts of diagnoses and emotional distress can create their emotional growth together! Join this international Town Hall conversation and explore a social therapeutic, group-based, empowerment approach to personal and community transformation.

Carrie Lobman’s Play, Development & Social Justice Series
Play in Unusual Places

Sunday June 27, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $30; Lower Income: $15
Click here to learn more and register

Is joy a social justice issue? Host Carrie Lobman welcomes performance activists Rivka Rocchio, Chris Gage, Maureen Kelly and Christian Felix to share their play and performance work in the arenas of criminal justice, dementia care and corporate America.

July 2021 —

Love, Solidarity and Community: A Zoom-Enabled 5-Week Online Course with Dan Friedman

Monday July 9 – Sunday Aug 15*
* Participants are in different time zones and read/post messages on their own schedules.
Zoom calls: Sundays July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15
Registration: $135; Student/Retired/Low Income: $75
Click here to register

Blending philosophical conversation, poetry and song, we will explore love as a social and political activity that can engage the alienation of modern relationships and a transactional culture.

The ESI and All Stars Project Present: Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday July 10, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

Talkin’ Method!
A Free Social Therapeutic Summer Camp

Creating a Non-Diagnostic & Developmental Psychology

Led by Ann Green

Sunday, July 18, 12:00 – 1:15 pm Eastern
Registration: Free

Click here to register

Read and discuss Vygotskianizing Psychotherapy by Lois Holzman on how social therapeutics has expanded on Vygotsky’s revolutionary conceptions.

Exploring The End of Knowing

Led by Janet Wootten

Saturday, July 31, 12:00 – 1:15 pm Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

Watch and discuss Exploring the End of Knowing (2019), a webinar moderated by Jan and featuring Lois Holzman and “Hole-in-the-Wall” educator Sugata Mitra as they discuss Self Organized Learning Environments and Non-knowing Growing.

August 2021 —

Talkin’ Method!

A Free Social Therapeutic Summer Camp

Playing with Gender & Labels

Led by Mary Fridley

Saturday, August 14, 12:30 – 1:45 pm Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

Watch and discuss conversations featuring Aurelie Harp and Lois Holzman, Part 1 and Part 2 (2021) and Performing Gender with Johnny Blazes (2011) that look at the attraction and limitation of identities and creating a world beyond gender.

Will We Ever Be Normal Again?

Led by Chris Helm & Gwen Lowenheim

Monday, August 23, 12:30 – 1:45 pm Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

Watch and discuss Institute co-founder Fred Newman’s 2002 Town Hall lecture, Will We Ever Be Normal Again? a question which still resonates for our pandemic-stricken world.

September 2021 —

The ESI and All Stars Project Present: Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday September 11, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

Performing the World Happening(s)
All Together Now! Separation, Connection and Other Myths

Saturdays September 25 – October 16
Registration: $135; Lower Income: $50; Single weekends: $38
Click here to register

Join grassroots leaders who are reaching out, experimenting, and challenging our old ways of seeing, feeling, and relating, who are questioning, with their praxis, the underpinnings of psychology, education, culture, science and politics, who are pushing beyond the traps of “separation” and “connection” and reaching for the joy of being “All Together Now!”

October 2021 —

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday October 9, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

The Crisis: An opera composed by Aaron Siegel, libretto by Susan Massad
Friday October 22, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

“The Crisis” is an opera based on an unfortunate and all-too-common experience in a NYC emergency room. Singers: Sishel Claverie, Tomas Cruz, Gabriel Hernandez, Joshua Jeremiah, Emily Suuberg; Piano: Dima Glivinskiy.

Creating Communities of Hope
An Introduction to Social Therapeutics and Its Community Stages

An online seminar with Carrie Lobman and Melissa Meyer

Saturday October 23 – Saturday December 4
There will be 4 Zoom calls: October 23; November 6 & 20; December 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Eastern
Fee: $135 / Lower Income: $85
Click here to register

Join Carrie Lobman and Melissa Meyer for a playful/philosophical introduction to social therapeutics, an approach to human development practiced in community organizing, psychotherapy, education, after-school youth programs, dementia care, medicine and the workplace.

An Introduction: Developing Across Borders Performs!

with Barbara Silverman, Melissa Meyer and Lea Čikoš

Saturday, October 30, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

Step onto a world stage and grow! Melissa and Barbara welcome you to observe a free Developing Across Borders group. Join as participants from across the world share their stories, their growth and their struggles — social, emotional and political. Option to follow with a 3-week short-term introductory group on Sat, Nov 6, 13 and 20.

November 2021–

Identity, Empathy and Unknowability: An online course with Lois Holzman

Friday November 5 – Sunday December 5
Zoom calls: Saturdays November 6, 20, 27, December 4, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: $135; Lower Income: $75
Click here to register

Come on a four-week exploration of identity – how and when identity and identifying are useful and how and when they are not. And to whom.

The How of Performance Activism: A Weekend Intensive

Saturday November 13, starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern
Sunday November 14, starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern
Registration: $95; Lower Income: $40; a limited number of partial and full scholarships available
Click here to register

Integrate the conceptions and practical tools of social therapeutics in a weekend intensive led by Institute founder and PTW chief organizer Lois Holzman and faculty. Develop your practice and see how these discoveries can work for you! Perfect for experienced organizers and newly-becoming activists.

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday November 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.

Fall Community Meeting & Fundraiser

Sunday November 21, Two sessions: 1:30 p.m. Eastern, 7:15 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

Social Therapeutics is a powerful tool for world changers. LET’S KEEP GIVING IT AWAY. Come and give your support.

December 2021–

Where Do We Go From Here? Walking Together Around the World

Saturday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

Developing Across Borders invites you to an international festival. All Welcome!

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Sunday, December 5, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A conversation with political philosopher Richard Gilman-Opalsky, author of What’s Love Got to Do with Communism?, and ESI faculty Dan Friedman, who consider love and giving in a culture of transaction and getting.

The ESI and All Stars Project Present:
Creating Our Mental Health

Led by Hugh Polk, MD & Rachel Mickenberg, LCSW

Saturday December 11, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern
Registration: Free
Click here to register

A monthly, drop-in, community conversation led by social therapists, Hugh Polk and Rachel Mickenberg. Learn the skills of creating conversations that can support well-being, connection and development.