This guide to personal empowerment provides 47 exercises for dealing with feelings of despair, isolation, and powerlessness associated with the growing threat of nuclear war, progressive destruction of the environment, and unprecedented human misery. The first of eight chapters describes psychological responses. to planetary perils and discusses world concerns, pain, reactions to peril, causes and effects of repression, and the genesis of "despairwork." Chapter 2 concentrates on the theoretical foundations of despair and empowerment work, explaining basic principles, the interconnectedness of life, methods for shedding outmoded ways of being, power, and ways of shifting toward new levels of consciousness. Chapter 3, despair and empowerment work with individuals, recommends breaking social taboos and talking about planetary perils in ways that are mutually strengthening. Six exercises for children and young people are provided and suggestions are given for professionals in a counseling setting. Chapter 4 provides sections on facilitating despair and empowerment work in groups or workshops. Chapters 5, 6, and 7 describe three major stages of work and provide 37 exercises to help in the facilitation of movement through these stages. Four final meditation exercises are provided in chapter 8. Appendices include sample workshop agendas and announcements, a resource list of organizations and materials, and advice for dealing with terrifying films. (LH)