• Illustrated activity page. At the very top, the text reads, "In seven generations... how would you like your community to look?" The text in the clouds at the top read, "Create the world(s) you want to live in!" There are 5 different levels to the sky, in which people can write their own answers. The remaining text reads, "The concept of keeping seven generations in our hearts and minds comes from the Iroquois people. Many have come to use this framework to be better caretakers of the earth. Here we ask you how you would imagine what an ideal seventh generation world would look like. How do people interact with each other? How are choices determined for the community?"
  • An activity page that reads at the top, "Conflict & Connection. What is your relationship with conflict? With connection? How do you want to approach connection? Conflict?" There is a full-page illustration of two rams butting horns. One seems to be smiling. In between the ram horns and the rams are spaces for people to write their responses.
  • Activity page that's titled, "Ancestral wisdom & woes." The text reads, "What wisdom can you draw from your ancestors? What do you want to let go? Example... Wisdoms - refugee resilience, community care, subverting capitalism. Woes - negative attitudes toward Black people, homophobic and transphobic behaviors." The illustration is of an incense burner with bunnies at the base and a flower that holds the incense. There is smoke rising from it. In the smoke there are areas for people to write their responses.
  • An activity page that's titled, "Plant a seed in yourself." The text reads, "What is a skill, attitude, belief, mindset, or practice you want to develop and grow? What is the seed? How will you know when the seed has sprouted and taken root? What will it look like when the seed has flowered or bore fruit?"

The Growbook (2020) is a downloadable activity packet designed to spark conversation, healing and discovery in a small group setting. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to support connection during a highly isolating time. I invited Cori Nakamura Lin as a contributor, and the Growbook was born.

Reflection and visioning activities include “Plant a Seed in Yourself”, “Conflict & Connection”, and “Create the Worlds You Want to Live In”. The Growbook also includes coloring pages of original artwork. It can be used in classrooms, with roommates, at family gatherings, or mailed out to folks across the world.

The Growbook was featured on MPR Art Hounds (audio below).

Download the Growbook pages here.