We’re tremendously sad to hear that Michel Bauwens has suffered a serious health crisis. Michel has been one of the central thinkers and organizers of the commons movement for decades, and his work has shaped many of us deeply. This also creates real uncertainty for the first week of Valley of the Commons, where Michel was meant to lead the “Return of the Commons” course. Rather than pretending everything is unchanged, we’ll take a few days to re-coordinate with care. In this light, we’re extending the Early Bird deadline until Wednesday, 20 May, and will host an X Space at 4pm CEST that day: x.com/i/spaces/1mxPaLgNQRVKN… Please join us to hear where things stand, reflect on Michel’s work, and discuss how the wider commons community can help. This may include support for Michel’s recovery and medical costs, but also an “intellectual fundraiser”: inviting his collaborators, co-authors, and fellow commoners to help continue his work toward the Return of the Commons — during the first week of Valley of the Commons and beyond. More soon. For now: love, strength, and deep gratitude to Michel <3

A message from Michel Bauwens: dear friends, I I have unfortunately experienced a stroke (triple) and still in the Chulalonghuhornh hospital. At this stage, I cannot assess whether I can would be able to go back to the type acvitities I have engaged myself since 2005. My brain function right now is very slow and meticulous, we will see how it evolves. This is the minimal amount of information that I can pass on. Fortunutaly my wife and family have moliblized. Jeff Emmett and Bryian should be better informated abut the events.