Transformative Journeys: Navigating Power Dynamics with Stas & Lea From Spring Up Collective

Transformative Journeys: Navigating Power Dynamics with Spring Up Collective

 

In this inspiring episode from the Power Dynamic Podcast hosted by Dr. Amanda Aguilera, Stas and Leander from Spring Up Collective discuss their organization's journey. Spring Up focuses on transformative and restorative justice, equitable power navigation, and conflict resolution; cultivating a culture of consent & liberty for all. The discussion emphasizes the 2-3 year long orientation process of becoming a full partner of the collective, internal practices mirroring external teachings, and extensive preparation of new members. Key themes include decentralization, mindfulness, generational perspectives on power, community empowerment, and integrating somatic practices. This episode highlights resources, personal stories, and the significance of collective responsibility in achieving societal transformation.

 

Leander (they/he), Stas (they/them), and shaïna (they/them) founded Spring Up in 2013-2014 to build a community of practice embodying consent and liberation within our relationships, creative practices, and daily lives. For 10 years, Spring Up has used fiction, art, role play, and community education to popularize the skills and frameworks necessary to be free together. We have grown into a collective of 12 creatives, care workers, liberatory educators, transformative justice practitioners, and an alumni community of over 1500 people.

​

Spring Up hosts liberatory learning spaces through online classes at bluelight academy of the liberatory arts, print materials and curriculum, retreats, and coaching. We are a worker coop with 9 other members on the journey to co-ownership: Mara, Brianna, Gaya, rj, Thanh, Amanda, Kai, Juli, and Natasha. Our core values are Consent, Accountability, and Transformation. 

00:00 Welcome to the Power Dynamic Podcast

01:36 Introducing Lea and Stas from Spring Up

03:06 Founding and Evolution of Spring Up Collective

05:26 Training and Internal Practices

09:13 Navigating Power and Conflict

11:43 The Role of Structure in Decentralized Power

17:28 Mindfulness and Social Change

18:41 The Importance of Grief and Acceptance

20:52 Embracing Collective Responsibility

21:46 The Power of Group Transformation

24:14 Intentional Communities and Personal Growth

26:04 The Role of Collective Action in Personal Development

32:49 Navigating Leadership and Power Dynamics

35:48 Spring Up: Practicing Collective Liberation

41:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

 

Fall 2024 Power Conscious Authentic Leadership: https://rightuseofpower.org/event/power-conscious-authentic-leadership-2/

Spring Up: https://www.timetospringup.org/