Healing the Heart of Democracy

Healing the Heart of Democracy

The Courage To Create a Politics Worthy Of The Human Spirit

March 3-31, 2026, Tuesdays
at 6:30 – 8:30 PM (ET) on Zoom

Instructor: Juanita Johnson, Licensed Unity Teacher

Course Description:
Starting Tuesday, March 3rd, and continuing every Tuesday until March 31st from 6:30 to 8:30pm on Zoom, you’re invited to join our class: Healing the Heart of Democracy. This class explores Parker J. Palmer’s book “Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage To Create a Politics Worthy Of The Human Spirit.”
Participants will have the chance to discuss their roles in democracy and develop practices that foster a more compassionate and effective political environment. Central to our conversations will be Palmer’s five “habits of the heart,” which aim to help people and communities embrace their democratic responsibilities.

Required Book:
Healing the Heart of Democracy – The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, by Parker J. Palmer 2024, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ
Materials:
Personal journal or notebook

Materials:
Personal journal or notebook to record your reflections and ideas for your Power Journal. This journal will include daily entries that document practical ways that you have integrated the powers/abilities into your life in a deliberate, conscious way. In addition, this journal will be useful in completing the Final Assignment for learners taking this course for credit that is discussed in greater detail below.

Workshop Presentation:
Participants will learn through studying the book, “Healing the Heart of Democracy,” facilitator lead presentations, short videos, small and large group discussions, and individual exercises. Reading assignments will help participants understand the principles being communicated and will facilitate learning. All sessions will be held virtually on Zoom.
Workshop Objectives:
The workshop is designed to encourage and support a thoughtful exploration of these areas of inquiry suggested by the book:
1.What is most important to you as an American citizen?
2.What is the role of “We the People” at this moment in American history?; and
3.What are you and I now called to do?

Love Offerings:
While Unity of Washington, DC does not charge a fee for this class/workshop; and no one would ever be turned away, we are open and receptive to a suggested love offering of $20 for each workshop session — is graciously appreciated.

Workshop Schedule:
All session are via Zoom on Tuesday, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM
March 3, 2026 – Session I, Prelude and Chapter I
March 10, 2026, Session II, Chapters II & III
March 17, 2026, Session III, Chapters IV & V
March 24, 2026, Session IV, Chapters VI & VII
March 31, 2026, Session V, Chapter VIII

About the Facilitator:
Juanita Johnson is a Licensed Unity Teacher (LUT) based in Washington, DC. Juanita has been a LUT since 2022, and a member of Unity of Washington, D.C. (UWDC), since 1999, where she is currently serving as an adult education facilitator, meditation facilitator, and communications and operations specialist. In addition, Juanita has more than 40 years’ business expertise in finance, policy, project management, and workshop facilitation for national and international financial organizations and the federal government. Through her company, Johnson Scott, LLC, she provides universal strategic planning services to strengthen an organization’s core business practices, and holistic Health & Wholeness Coaching for individuals. Juanita is a Certified Meditation Instructor, and a practitioner of various meditation practices including Transcendental Meditation®, Mindfulness Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi.

Registration Form & More Information:

https://unityofwashingtondc.org/our-event/47331-2/