I’m reminded that stability and predictability is an illusion as I look back on 2024. Especially when it comes to our human endeavors that involve entire groups of people and their varied experiences, choices, patterns, and behaviors…among the systemic and institutional failures that are steadily and more readily uncovered.
But that is exactly what the social sector attempts to do: Imagine and then shape the future. In the wake of rapidly rising inflation and inequality, in the wake of unrelenting genocide, rising protest and oppression globally and locally, our go-to strategies and tools as nonprofits have run their course. Because they are all predicated on predictability.
Trouble is…we have no idea what is going to happen next. And maybe, if we’re brave enough to be honest, we never have. Oftentimes the only assurance we’ll get amidst all this uncertainty is knowing we tried our best.
So what other approaches and practices can we offer at this time? Can we do less objective setting and more scenario planning? Can we release our over-ambition and set more realistic goals/expectations for ourselves and our teams? Can we explore what is required for more shared discernment and inclusive decision-making within hierarchical institutions? Can we focus on building financial reserves to adapt to a changing world and the “what if”s we cannot yet imagine?
Can we tell more stories and share more lived experiences? Can we more readily name the elephant in the room and have more difficult conversations? Can we build our muscles to “normalize” consent, responsibility and repair, grief and release within our teams? Can we laser in on what’s going right, what’s possible, and where change feasibly has and can occur inside our own organizations first?
We can. Let’s get started in 2025, and let’s learn to do it together. Because who knows what tomorrow brings…for real.
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Upcoming six- and 14-week group learning spaces
Ever been in a meeting and left disappointed in the facilitators? We’ve all been there, observant of dynamics that were not addressed in a group space, and outcomes that led to for attendees. What if that disappointed feeling was replaced with additional preparation? What if those insights pondered as correction or follow up were applied to the design phase? This cohort is a space to view yourself as a facilitator, and consider the elements of meetings that can be both more effective and more equitable. Over the course of six sessions, cohorts will explore the themes of space, intervention and self knowledge, and how to complement and strengthen healthier group dynamics.
Dates/Time: 22 January 2025 – 26 February 2025 (Wednesdays) 12-2pm EST / 5-7pm BST
Cost: US$900
(Cohorts are limited to 15 people each.)
There is a familiar axiom in relationships that says ‘move at the speed of trust’. In this short phrase it’s made clear that having expectations and pacing in relationships is important, and this is equally true in our workplaces. The relationships we have with people we supervise ripple into larger attitudes and behaviors in an organization, making these relationships highly influential. How are you thinking about that influence and role? How would you like to think about it? What considerations are you open to reevaluating? This cohort is a space to view yourself as a supervisor, and consider the elements of supervision that can be intentional from the beginning. Over the course of six sessions, cohorts will explore the themes of expectations, formality and socialization, and how to anticipate and model behaviors that foster a trusted relationship with a supervisor.
Dates/Time: 6 February 2025 – 13 March 2025 (Thursdays) 12-2pm EST / 5-7pm BST (See timezone converter here.)
Cost: US$900
(Cohorts are limited to 15 people each.)
Our reflections on work frequently describe toxic and harmful dynamics, whether we reference these generally or more specifically. Our understandings, ways of coping, and interventions are often held independently, or without adequate support or alternatives. This fourteen week cohort offers shared time and inquiry to develop our awareness and responses in identifying and responding to these challenges. The space also holds the personal and collective toll of this dysfunction and toxicity. Over three months, within a facilitated group of diverse professionals bringing honesty to these issues, you will gain practical resources, validation, and practice. We bring new curiosity to these dilemmas and vulnerable perspectives, and invite you to develop your own ideas of what erodes trust and collaboration…so that we can all be more human and humane with each other at work.
Dates/Time/Duration: Weekly, two-hour sessions on Mondays, starting 17 March to 16 June 2025, 12-2pm EST / 5-7pm BST (See timezone converter here.)
Cost: US$1950 (early bird rate), US$2100 (after February 21st)
(Cohorts are limited to 15 people each.)
