Day 1: Step in |
Day 2: Step up |
Day 3: Step out |
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Our first time together sitting in circle, we shared a special object that represented something important to us, and told a little of who we are and what else we bring
Who am I?
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What do I bring?
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Round 1:
What does collaboration look like now? |
Round 2: What becomes possible when we collaborate with purpose?
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Round 3: What do I need to shift to collaborate with purpose?
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Reflecting on our first dayDay one of the Art of Hosting training, I felt quite insecure when I walked in.
We were greeted by a circle of chairs with some plant/tree life in the centre the circle. When I first sat down I was very unsure of how it was all going to be, but we were offered a talking piece and asked to share a little about ourselves. It was our choice whether to speak or leave it until we felt more comfortable. We were asked to help make it a safe place with no judgement. I felt we all took a great leap that first check in. We placed an object that was special to us in the middle of the circle, and spoke about what we each bring. I brought with me my cultural background. Our next activity involved choosing someone we were not familiar with to go for a walk and speak with them (Dialogue walk). But, we were timed and for the first 15 minutes, only 1 person was allowed to speak while the other person listened, with no head nodding speaking back or answering questions etc. I found this quite hard at first, as I was the first speaker. I found it hard to talk about myself for 15 minutes uninterrupted. Once my time was finished and the other person started speaking, I found it hard to not interrupt, as I had similar experiences and wanted to talk more about it. It was a great exercise and felt it was very beneficial to just listen, and I was able to share so much with a stranger. I picked a great partner and felt we have had very similar life experiences. A lot of the afternoon consisted of team building in our own little community and understanding the reasons we have all come together for this training. We moved into World Café where we were split up into groups of 4 and we had 3 questions to answer, all relating to collaboration. I felt this exercise helped us all connect a bit more and we worked as a team to get some insights into the questions. I enjoyed this exercise as I felt we all worked well as a team. That afternoon we were asked to sit in circle again and we were asked a question of what we are taking away from the first day of training. When it came to my turn I said I felt I had made a connection with all of people there, and was excited to come the next day to see what was in store. Thanks, Meagan ☺ |
What are we learning about collaborating with purpose?
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Triads reflection: A host's perspectiveHad we explained the process properly? Did everyone understand? Did they know the role of the witness? Did I even understand it? Too late now, everyone had organised into their group of three and set off to share their stories of courage.
I looked out at the groups on the verandah - lots of nodding, open body language, all a good sign. Or just a sign that we had all been well trained in active listening? No-one survives in community services without learning the value of a sympathetic nod and a neutral expression. Gradually, there is a shift. Peals of laughter float across the lawn from one group. They later report sharing stories of isolation, but in this moment are unified in joy. I walk past a perfectly arranged triangle of chairs, each occupant has their head bowed as if in prayer. I quickly move past to avoid interruption, I think I saw some tears. Moving among the groups I overhear snippets of stories, some carefully edited to be palatable, some disclosures that would be inappropriate in any other context, but mostly the feelings. The ‘I’ statements we use so carefully in our working lives seemed to flow unconsciously as people told their stories, ‘I felt…’. The bells toll and everyone trails back to circle. They walk a little closer to each other; more trusting, more comfortable, more vulnerable. Sharing a story of courage has allowed the group to be brave. Kate |
A participant's perspectiveWe were asked to get into groups of 3 of people we have not had much time with. We found our own safe place to discuss a situation in our life when we got through because of courage.
One person was the storyteller, one was the listener and the other was the witness. I realised we had all quite different stories, but one thing was that we didn’t feel we were supported and felt we fought alone, with courage. It was very eye opening to have to discuss quite a private story with two people I didn’t know much about. But I realised they have their own stories and situations and there was no judgement. I felt a great sense of connection with these two girls after sharing our stories. Meagan |
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A space for voices of the LGBTQI+ communitySewa
Next wise steps
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Gunnedah: You're dancingMel
Next wise steps
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How to make Gunnedah Cultural Precinct openLauren
Next wise steps
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Design a youth drop-in centreGaye
Next wise steps
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Day 3 was by far my favourite day!In groups of 4, we worked on projects that will benefit the Gunnedah community, and learned how we can work as a team to get the ball rolling. I was part of a project hosted by Gaye to create a youth centre in Gunnedah.
There is such a need, and I could see Gaye’s passion. As I work with children I felt this was the most beneficial place for me to be. We discussed ways of inviting young people in to co-create what it could be. We also spent some time offering support and advice to other projects, in peer coaching. The (hosting team) should be very proud of what they achieved. I will be using the skills I have learned in this training in my everyday life, and feel I made great connections with a lot of the people that came together for this training. Keep up the good work Thanks, Meagan
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Stealth hostingHow can we find ways to host in challenging spaces? A Knowledge Cafe conversation with Mel, Beck, Gaye, Robyn, Tracey, Meagan, Sarah
Insights
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AHA moments
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Extra resources
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