How do we relate to leadership in social movements? What views and preconceptions do we have about leadership? How do these influence the way we enter and hold positions of responsibility and influence? How can we hold positions of responsibility and influence and still be aligned with the deeper values we want to see in the world?  What qualities, behaviours and practices can support us in navigating power and rank in our groups? How can we empower ourselves and each other to use power and rank skillfully rather than shy away from exerting influence for the good of the whole? How does socialisation and systemic conditioning influence the way we relate to and hold positions of power? What can we do about it? How do we remain joyful, resilient and energised by the bigger purpose when under pressure of responsibility?

The Leadership Retreat will aim to open up these and other questions related to leadership, navigating power and influence. We will create a space for inquiry, exploration of challenges and sharing of practices. We will aim to break the cycle of action by opening space for reflection, pause and creating conditions for a deeper understanding of our own behaviours and patterns and those of our groups and movements.

What are the aims of the course?

• To create a space for reflection on challenges of holding leadership positions in social movements.
• To explore and exchange tools and approaches which support more skilful inter-personal work in our groups and networks, and enable ways of organising which exemplify the values we want to realise in the world.
• To create a vibrant and supportive temporary community of experienced activists and organisers, as a space for deep reflection, analysis, and the sharing of experience of the personal and inter-personal dimensions of our work – finding nourishment and inspiration from each other and the landscape around.

So, the workshop will help participants to:

• Learn ways to grow as individuals, develop talents and creativity, deepen self-awareness and learn to bring deep inner resources to support our struggles.
• Identify and draw on the sources of nourishment and inspiration that support our engagement and help us realise our potential as organisers and empowered agents of social change.

Who is it aimed at?

Anyone involved in socially engaged action on environmental, political and social justice issues who holds leadership positions. We embrace a broad definition of activism, including: Resistance – action preventing further damage to ecosystems and social justice; Renewal – action focused on developing and creating alternatives for healthier societies and communities; and Building Resilience – action supporting increased resilience in communities to weather the uncertain times ahead.

The main spoken language on the course will be English.