~Greetings~
Happy May. I hope this finds you healthy and happy. Today on May 1, I’m thinking about May Day, also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day- the day that commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. Labor justice is an issue I’ve become increasingly passionate about over the years. This month, I’d like to highlight a wonderful organization that I am part of and invite you to check it out. Hand in Hand is a network of domestic employers. They’re hosting an event in the Bay Area next week on May 9, for folks to learn about their current work and then head to a nearby multimedia art show hosted by their partner, the California Domestic Workers Coalition. I’ll be attending, so if you’re local and want to join, let me know!
On my end personally, I have returned from nine months of world travel and am just getting settled into a new home in Oakland, California. I feel so incredibly grateful for the time we had in one of the least structured but most meaningful trips I’ve ever taken. I know it will take me a while to process all of the lessons, but my north star for now is bringing the spirit and lessons of travel back home. If you’re curious to catch up on the journey, our travel Instagram is here.
Blue Heart
I’ve begun a part-time role as Program Director for Blue Heart, a wonderful organization that finds other under-the-radar organizations who are doing transformational social change work on the ground, and builds a membership base of donors to fund those organizations. I have been a Blue Heart fan and member since day one of the organization, and I’m truly looking forward to getting the chance to give more to this work. I’d love the opportunity to speak with you about Blue Heart if you’re curious about joining or have ideas for how I can access partnerships with individuals, groups, tech companies and other potential funders. Let me know!
Supporting Individuals, Organizational Leadership, and Team Cohesion
During my travels, I supported individual and organizational clients on a part-time basis. Now that I’m rooted at home, I’m growing my practice and have space for new clients.
I’m continuing to offer coaching and consulting on a range of topics. Check out my website to see examples.
I’m continuing to work with a great collective of organizational consultants called Altus Growth Partners. Altus is a global consulting and coaching firm working with leaders and teams to become more collaborative, effective, inclusive, and productive. Altus’ new book, Growing Groups Into Teams, is great, as well as their “Missing Conversations” podcast. I interview guests on the podcast, so if you’re interested in being a guest or have an idea for one, reach out! If you work for or know another company or organization that might benefit from a conversation with Altus, let me know!
I have a new offering of coaching for people seeking support around their relationship with the topic of Israel/Palestine. One client recently shared, "Eva has the capacity to hold space for all viewpoints, and helps me feel safe enough to explore my feelings, which I've been cut off from.”
Why? We are living through such a difficult moment, witnessing immense amounts of death, suffering, and hatred in the world, and shattering many prior held notions about safety and truth. It's common to feel frozen, confused, chaotic, and out of alignment. I am a White, Ashkenazi Jewish American woman who is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, and grew up in a conservative Jewish community where I was encouraged to make Judaism my own. Like many Jewish communities, mine taught me that support of Israel was pretty mandatory and an essential part of our identity. As a teenager, I traveled to Israel and began learning more deeply about the conflict and questioning some of what I had been raised with. I have since been increasingly active in supporting peace and justice efforts that work for the liberation of Palestinians and Israelis.
I am now supporting the following groups through 1-1 and group coaching:
People who are not sure where to position themselves politically.
People who feel a lack of belonging in community or organizations.
Jewish people who are in relationship with the issue and want support to grapple with their identities, communicate with family and community, and figure out what actions they may wish to take.
Non-Jewish people who simply wish to be engaged in a way that is authentic for them.
Here’s the recording of an event I hosted in March with an international audience about ancestral trauma and what’s going on in Israel/Palestine.
Jewish Music Festival Coming Up!
Some of you may know that I co-create a Jewish music festival called Kol: Jewish Music Across the Diaspora. It’s been an amazing experience to vision this for years and run the first two events in 2022 and 2023. Now, our third gathering will take place this coming May 10-12 at Urban Adamah, an amazing farm in Berkeley, CA. It will be a weekend full of music learning and playing, and anyone is welcome- whether you do or don’t identify as Jewish or a musician. Registration here!
A Friend’s New Podcast!
My friend Jess Serrante, who happens to be one of my original coaching inspirations, spent the last year and a half working on a very special project, a podcast with her beloved friend and mentor, legendary eco-spiritual teacher, Joanna Macy. The podcast We Are the Great Turning focuses on love, courage, and connection in the climate crisis. I’m loving it and think you will too.
With gratitude and love,
Eva
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