In the current climate of social tension and polarisation, how do we bring diverse groups together in conversation and collaboration? How can we meaningfully hold space to work with real differences and disagreements? How can we sensitively gather small and large groups and foster deep listening and understanding?This one-day workshop will explore these questions and offer tools for facilitation. The experience is suitable for individuals or organisations who want to improve the way they work with groups, as well as those new to facilitation.Filled with a rich selection of methods, approaches and exercises, the day will offer an insider look into some of the facilitation tools used for St Ethelburga’s transformational programmes. It will be highly experiential, with an opportunity to engage with practical techniques that help to foster participative and productive group conversations.
Workshop Elements will include:
Rebecca leads on our community reconciliation programmes: managing Journey of Hope with our Reconcilers Together partnership, and facilitating our Conflict Coaching, Facilitation Training, Listening Processes, and Peacemaking workshops. With over 20 years of experience in community based reconciliation, training, facilitation, activism and mentoring, Rebecca has a passion for curating spaces that encourage understanding and enable shared wisdom and for equipping and inspiring faith leaders to restore relationships. She holds accreditation in restorative justice, trauma informed practice, mediative facilitation, nonviolent communication and is currently studying Spiritual Direction. She moved from California to London in 2001 to study at the London School of Theology where she received her BA in Theology & Worship. Her past employers include Oasis Trust, XLP Youth Charity, and Tearfund. She lives in South London with her husband and twin daughters. rebecca.brierley@stethelburgas.org 07453287925
Jo is Programme Manager of People of the Earth refugee programmes St Ethelburga’s. She collaborates with individuals and organisations to bring refugee and non-refugee together building empathy and understanding one conversation and one action, at a time. She hosts and co-ordinates events to promote inclusion and leads on the production of Listen to the World Open Mic. A programme where themes of home, displacement, belonging and community meet through music and the traditions and talents of migrants and refugees find a home among local artists. Jo has worked in the non-profit sector for over twenty years. She holds a BA (Hons) in Education and a Diploma in group facilitation, conflict resolution and counselling (NAOS).
Tarot has been Co-Director of St Ethelburga’s since 2021, and at St Ethelburga’s in various roles since 2016. She created St Ethelburga’s Lifelines programme, which brings diverse spiritual and faith communities together to create nature corridors across large tracts of UK land. She is interested in the meeting point of large-scale collective action with individual transformation, and loves bringing people together in shared passion and service. Tarot is a musician and cellist, and is currently exploring how collective music-making can open doors into a deeper connection with the natural world. Previously Tarot used collaborative art-making as a tool for change in the fields of migration and LGBTI+ rights, leading projects in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Ireland. She was also involved in establishing the Bushman Heritage Museum, working with indigenous artists in South Africa. She loves night walks, sleeping outdoors, spending time on her boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal, mountains anywhere, and rowing and walking in the Lea Valley, where she lives with her partner.
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