Acorn-Acacia Teams
A nature-based framework for shared leadership, resilient teams, and meaningful collaboration.
A Better Way to Work Together
What emerges when we embody the energies and archetypes of nature together as a group?
Have you ever been to an event where you were so engaged you didn’t want to leave? The Acorn-Acacia team approach enhances everyone’s experience of an event, making it more connective, meaningful, fun, and seemingly spontaneous.
Based on natural cycles, Acorn-Acacia teams are a way for groups to create connective experiences together, distributing leadership through tending and role modeling different archetypes. Acorn-Acacia teams begin with the awareness of what people need in order to thrive in a group experience, and gives everyone on the team the opportunity to take the lead in creating a different element of that experience.
Thursdays, 10am-12pm Pacific, 18-20h UTC
(convert to your time zone here)
Four Sessions - Feb 19, 26, Mar 5, 12
Sliding Scale Cost - $125, $160, or $195
$75 for Villagers & Village Building Members
Can’t make it live? Sign up and watch the recording anytime
"If you believe in the future, plant an acorn."
-Ingwe, Grandfather and co-founder of Wilderness Awareness School
Course Overview
In each session, we will focus on 2 of the 8 Shields.
Session 1 - Pre-dawn & Afternoon
Session 2 - Sunrise & Sunset
Session 3 - Mid-morning & Twilight
Session 4 - Mid-day & Midnight
Over the four weeks, we explore:
- How role modeling and embodying the archetypes can create a cultural container
- Nature as inspiration
- Prioritizing safety & needs
- How conduct and agreements create connection
- Distributed leadership and collaboration
- Designing for regenerative connection
- Examples & stories of Acorn-Acacia teams in action
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How the 8 Shields relate to
- the natural learning cycle,
- the seasons,
- time of day,
- life cycles of a plant,
- ages and stages of human life,
- attributes & energetic archetypes
- aspects, roles, and tools for being in a team
- and more
8 Shields Archetypes & Roles
“The success of a gathering doesn’t come from one person holding it all together, but from everyone showing up in their strength. The whole truly becomes greater than the sum of its parts.”
-Participant reflection on the Acorn-Acacia model
Resource Library
In addition to our live sessions, the course includes access to a library of resources that explain and explore each of the 8 Shields in great detail as they pertain to Acorn-Acacia teams.
Ready to Join Us?
We offer a sliding scale for accessibility, and truly appreciate those who help create balance by giving more!
Village Discount
Members of the Living Connection 1st Village and/or Village Building receive a discount on all of our programs.
Click below to enroll at the discounted price (you will be asked to sign in).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Acorn–Acacia Team?
An Acorn–Acacia team is a shared-leadership structure inspired by the nature and mapped to each of the 8 Shields. Each member of the group takes responsibility for a unique role that supports both practical tasks and an embodied energetic archetype, creating a balanced, resilient system.
Is this model only for nature-based or outdoor programs?
No. While the framework is inspired by nature, it’s been used successfully in education, nonprofits, community groups, events, and organizational settings. The principles translate well to both in-person and online contexts.
Do participants need prior experience with this framework?
Not at all. This course is designed as an orientation and on-ramp. You’ll be introduced to the core ideas, roles, and practices in a clear and accessible way.
Is this about rigid roles or personality types?
No. Roles are flexible and can be shared or combined. The emphasis is on holding an energy or responsibility, not locking people into fixed identities.
How is this different from traditional team models?
In short, it is about conduct (how we are showing up) before content (what we are doing), and about the collective well-being of the group and mutual support, rather than ownership.
Most team models focus primarily on tasks and hierarchy. The Acorn–Acacia approach also attends to group energy, relationships, and well-being — helping teams function more smoothly and sustainably over time.
Interest in the program but have questions before you are ready to enroll?
Send us an email at [email protected].