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A multi-part event, “Soul Purpose” will aim to connect the multifaceted issues of today’s world and move participants to a state of greater understanding, compassion and empowerment, on Friday, Nov. 6, in the Annex.

Soul Purpose consists of a workshop titled Awakening the Dreamer, from 4-7 p.m., a dinner at 7 p.m., and a concert featuring Boston band Melodeego and a student band, The Tetris Effect, beginning at 9 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

The Awakening the Dreamer symposium aims to accelerate the emergence of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet. Through group interactions, leading edge information, music, reflection, and inspiring multimedia featuring speakers such as Desmond Tutu and Majora Carter, participants of this three-hour event are inspired to reconnect with their deep concern for our world, and are empowered to make a difference.

Designed through the collaboration of some of the finest scientific, indigenous, and activist minds in the world, the symposium explores the current state of our planet from a new perspective, and connects participants with a powerful global movement to reclaim our future. Volunteers Judy Leaf from New York City and Greg Reinauer from Boston will lead the symposium.

Seven students from Hamilton attended Awakening the Dreamer at PowerShift, an environmental conference in Washington D.C., last spring. The students were so inspired by the workshop that they decided to bring it to Hamilton.

One of the students, Will Gowen ‘11, commented that “Awakening the Dreamer is an awesome symposium that pushes you to concretely realize the issues facing us in this world today. Effectively using tools such as digital media, group discussion, music and meditation, it leaves attendees invigorated and motivated to push for positive change in the world we live in today.”

Will Thoreson-Green ‘12, who also attended the symposium, said “Awakening the Dreamer helped me explore the emotional and spiritual connection I have with nature, allowing me to understand environmental issues on a whole new level.”
The first 50 people to arrive at the symposium will receive free hand-woven bracelets made by indigenous women of the Andes. Participants will also receive free dinner and a HEAG mug.

Following the workshop is Melodeego, a high energy rock, funk, and soul four-man band whose lyrics have to do with the same issues addressed in the symposium. Zo Tobi, Northeast organizer for the Sierra Student Coalition, PowerShift 2009 described Melodeego by saying, “It’s like Mick Jagger and James Brown had a baby and picked Al Gore to be the godfather.”

As testimony to its multiplicity, Soul Purpose is sponsored by HEAG, The Dean of Students, The Dean of Faculty Diversity Initiatives Fund, the Womyn’s Center, the Chaplaincy, and Amnesty International. Participants are encouraged to arrive at 4 p.m. since the symposium is best experienced in its entirety.

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