Rites and Responsibilities - by Darcy Ottey (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Who am I? How do I fit in? What is my purpose? What can I do to make a difference, to address issues like climate change, political turmoil, and social injustice?

These are some burning questions for young people today, who despite challenges and uncertain futures, are at the forefront of cultural transformation. This book is about how rites of passage help young people begin to answer these big questions, while initiating them into healthy meaningful adulthood, channeling their gifts, and helping them find their place in multigenerational movements for change.

Rites of passage are a diverse set of practices fundamental to healthy development. Found in all cultures, they are one of humanity's most ancient psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural tools. In this book, readers learn what rites of passage can offer in times of turmoil and transition; how these practices came to be stolen, destroyed, or co-opted in most cultural traditions; and how young people can reclaim their own rites of passage into adulthood.

Through real-life stories and quotes that cut across lines of race, class, culture, gender, and more, social science research, and step-by-step exercises, this book gives young people the tools they need create their own initiatory journey, supports adults who never experienced their own initiation, and provides an invaluable resource for anyone helping young people navigate their path to adulthood.

"Darcy returns to the people the medicine of rites of passage in a way that honors the harm that has been done and delivers the hope for a healthier and more just future." Kruti Parekh, Los Angeles Youth Justice Organizer

"A compelling, comprehensive, and comprehensible guidebook for young people who long for meaning, belonging, and a creative participation in the great work of our time: the slow, visionary work of building just, equitable, and life-enhancing cultures. A lifelong student and innovator of nature-based human development and cultural restoration practices, Darcy is among our best guides enabling younger generations to discover how they, individually and collectively, are uniquely made for these times. Bill Plotkin, author of Soulcraft and The Journey of Soul Initiation

Review Quotes

"When it comes to growing up, our modern culture acts as if we are all amateurs. Rites and Responsibilities stands on the ancestral wisdom that is in the bones of all people and all generations. We've lost our way in these trying times, but this book shows it's all accessible. Our young people must be seen, heard, guided, and cared for on their journey toward adulthood. We know how to do this. Using modern techniques of research and inquiry, and her own extensive lived experiences as well as stories of many young people, Darcy proves it's never a lost art."

- Luis J. Rodriguez, author of the memoirs Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. and It Calls You Back: An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions & Healing

"As a formerly lost young person, it wasn't until rock bottom experiences that I realized that I could afford myself the love of finding guides that actually cared. Darcy and community are among those teachers, with this book delivering much of the knowledge and understanding gained through the school of life that has desperately needed to be documented for the collective to behold. It will serve as a pillar in youth education and emergent strategies that will carry us through paradigm transitions and emerging shifts to come..."

- j. nyla "ink" mcneill, Owner, Mx. Lifestyling and Steward, School for the Ecocene

"This robust and passionate book points towards becoming ever more human in an increasingly inhuman time. Filled with stories and insight, Darcy has diligently gathered all kinds of gifts here. It rehydrates wonder."

- Martin Shaw, author of Courting the Wild Twin

"Rites and Responsibilities is a blessing. So much used to be oral history. Now it needs to be written and recorded for our young ones and future generations. Much has been lost as our librarians, our elders, were taken from us. Our rites of passage, protocols, and ceremonies, share the importance of where you come from, and what your ancestors went through for you to be here today. All cultures and traditions have these teachings, and Darcy helps young people access them so all youth can grow up connected, knowing who they are, where they came from, and what they came here to do."

- Becky Chief Eagle, Oglala Lakota Sioux tribal member and Founder of All Nations Gathering Center