The Context of Bees: Consensus, History, Writing

On September 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, at 7 pm we are gathering virtually for a series of free bite-sized teach-ins. An offering in reflection of the bees within our overarching work. Each thirty-minute session will explore a different theme: lessons in consensus, history, and the bees' cultural role as they aid us with lessons in communication. Here's what you can expect!

• Sept 1st Consensus: Collective decision-making is a seemingly effortless skill for the bees. For us, it shows up or evades us in our communities and organizations and is imperative in the realization of a sustainable and just future. What can the bees teach us about the process of consensus?
• Sept 2nd History: In the spirit of Sankofa, we are looking back to go forward. History gives us context for how we got here, and how the bees got here. How does this show up in modern beekeeping? In juxtaposition, what are combcutters' beekeeping practices? What futures do these paths layout for us?
• Sept 3rd Writing: Writing is how we share our contexts with the world. Our visions, musings, findings, and imagination could go no further if we didn't find ways of communicating them. This session will give a cultural perspective on our relationship with the bees and how we've related to them over the centuries. If bees are indeed messengers to the spirit world, what would you tell them?

We've been dreaming up this virtual space for months and are excited to bring you all along as we tell the stories of the bees. By the end, you'll be telling the bees your stories. Our hope is that you will incorporate this knowledge and medicine into your own cultural work, organizations, collectives, families, and your own daily rituals and perspectives. The bees have imbued us with deep wisdom that we hope to continue sharing, and we are in deep gratitude to have you as a part of that story.