Level 1 - In Person

Learn the foundational skills, tools, and theory of Lewis Deep Democracy and how this method can strengthen organizational health, support social movement-building, and unleash the wisdom of teams by lowering the metaphorical waterline - that is, skillfully revealing authentic needs and important truths. Sharpen your understanding of the opportunity that healthy conflict cultures offer to positive social change. Experience a powerful collective process and leave with the basic tools you need to engage with divergent perspectives and create psychological safety in social change-oriented groups.  

Full Course Description

Dates: Sept 22 & 23, 2026

Time: 9am - 4pm (with a one hour lunch break ~ 12pm)

Facilitators: Camille Dumond & Navida Nuraney

Location: Creekside Community Centre, Vancouver (in a room by the ocean)
The room has good ventilation and direct access to the outdoors to support airflow. We won't be wearing masks but you are welcome to. 

Price: 

• Solidarity Rate: $400 + 5% GST *

• Early Bird ends Aug 23: $855 + 5% GST

• Standard Rate: $900 + 5% GST

• Sponsor Rate: $1,200 + 5% GST (funds go directly towards supporting our solidarity and scholarship spots)

*Solidarity spots have been claimed already for this course. We have one full scholarship available.
Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we prioritize participants who hold marginalized identities and are experiencing financial precarity. If you wish to access the full scholarship, please email admin@waterline.coop with a few short responses to the questions below:

• The course you wish to attend

• What is calling you to take this course at this time

• Whether you’re seeking a full or partial scholarship

• Anything you’d like us to know about your context or circumstances

Registration Link

Register via Eventbrite

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this course right for me?

You do not need to be a facilitator, leader, or conflict practitioner to benefit from this course. Lewis Deep Democracy is for those drawn to personal growth and deeper relational awareness especially those who work closely with people. 

I took Level 1 before. Can I take it again?

Yes! Like any practice-based learning, the value of Level 1 continues to deepen as you apply the concepts in different contexts and experiences. Level 1 is also a prerequisite for Level 2, so if it has been some time since you first took the course, returning can be a valuable way to refresh your foundation before continuing your learning journey.

How interactive is the course?

This is a highly participatory learning experience and includes a mix of teaching, individual reflection, and practice in pairs and small groups. You'll be invited to participate throughout, while always having choice in how you engage.

We’ll be both sitting and on our feet as we move through different activities. 

Will there by role plays?

No. Rather than role plays, you'll practice the concepts through real conversations and sharing personal experiences.

What kinds of topics will we work with?

As this course is about engaging conflict, it can be natural to want to bring the biggest systemic conflicts of our time into the room with the hopes of processing them. For the sake of learning and nervous system safety, we'll work with lighter topics (not the biggest ones) and go deeper at the personal and interpersonal level.

Will I receive course materials?

We won’t be using PowerPoint slides (a nice chance to get a break from screens). Instead, we’ll use a flipchart to capture key content and post them on the walls in the room. You are welcome to take notes and photos of the materials. A digital participant manual is provided which serves as your handy reference and takeaway.

What if I have to miss part of the class?

The sessions are immersive and designed to build on one another. Full attendance is the best way to experience the richness of the process that emerges. If you know in advance that you'll miss part of the course, we encourage you to apply when your schedule can support your full participation.

Will there be homework?

When you register, you'll receive a participant handbook and we ask that you spend about 15 minutes skimming it to become familiar with the language and concepts before the course begins. Other than that, there is no homework. 

Will there be snacks? 

The snack game will be good and things will be set out in the morning and available throughout the day. There will be coffee in the morning and an urn of masala chai throughout the day. A kettle with tea bags will also be available. When you register, you can note down any food allergies and we will do our best to accomodate. Lunch isn't provided. There are some great spots very close by for you to buy lunch. If you want to bring lunch, the room will be open and available. 

What options are available if the full course fee is a barrier?

We aim to reserve 20% of available course spots for reduced-cost access. This includes solidarity spots offered at a reduced course fee and one full scholarship. 

Solidarity spots have been claimed already for this course. We have one full scholarship available.
Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we prioritize participants who hold marginalized identities and are experiencing financial precarity. If you wish to access the full scholarship, please email admin@waterline.coop with a few short responses to the questions below:

• The course you wish to attend

• What is calling you to take this course at this time

• Whether you’re seeking a full or partial scholarship

• Anything you’d like us to know about your context or circumstances

Any suggestions on how to prepare?

Engaging in this course takes both brain and heart power, so if you can, we encourage you to leave yourself some space after each session to reflect and unwind.

What is your refund policy?

• Full refund up to 30 days before the course begins, minus payment processing fees plus a $35 administrative fee per registration.

• 50% refund up to 7 days before the course begins.

• No refunds within 7 days of the course start date.

I can't make these dates, when will you be offering it again?

• Check out our course calendar for other offerings. 

• Sign up for our newsletter to be alerted about new courses.

• We also offer in-house courses shaped around your team's schedule and context.
  Email us at: deepdemocracy@waterline.coop