GENDER

Gender is much, much more than a simple binary. "Male" and "female" may be the way we have designed our own taxonomy, but many of us already recognize the limitations of this approach. There are lots of departures from what most of us call "normal", and recognizing that sex is not equal to gender is more than words. If your group or organization requires education or training to better navigate this topic, discover how language and behavior shapes our perceptions and impacts others and how to change deeply embedded patterns.
This work is designed for the small group, classroom, or larger organization.

WORKSHOPS and TRAININGS are designed to introduce participants to these fundamental ideas. Workshops run a minimum of 4 hours.

LANGUAGE

What we say, the words we use, can sometimes create confusion or pain. Today, the whole idea of "politically correct" presents a serious challenge in an organization or group: is it all right to say this?. What happens if I use the wrong word? Can I lose my job if I forget to use the correct pronoun? All of these may be on the minds of the people in your group or organization. Well-designed workshops can foster a sense of understanding, and ease the difficulties that can come with a fear of words.

WORKSHOPS and TRAININGS are designed to introduce organizations to these fundamental ideas. Workshops typically run a minimum of 4 hours.

BEHAVIOR and ATTITUDE

We are enculturated into our society. From birth through adulthood, we live what we learn. Sometimes, what we express might seem to be the "right way" to do or say something. Sometimes, others are offended, insulted, put off or hurt by this pattern. Sexual harassment can be corrosive to a workplace. What can an organization do to help members avoid these pitfalls? How can the individuals in a group or organization learn to step back from their own socialization and understand the hidden dynamics that can create obstacles to better, more effective communication? Understanding the culture of a workplace or shared space takes careful analysis. Bringing the results of those observations to an experiential, educational setting can mean powerful change.

WORKSHOPS are designed to challenge participants without shame or negative feelings, and still allow both self-expression and group cohesions. Workshops typically run a minimum of 4 hours.

The POWER of NO

We live in the “okay” zone most of the time and rely on this word to express choices. Simple, day-to-day interactions lead us to this habitual “okay”. We go along to get along. Over time, “okay” takes on a range of meanings - including “no” - because we want to avoid the bad stuff. We learn to say “okay” when we are unsure, ambivalent, don’t care, and even when we don’t want something.

The words “yes” and “no” are part of our everyday vocabulary, and we often use them without thinking or even realizing that we might not mean exactly what we are saying or that we can make a choice. Learning to say “no” to something may be one of the most difficult things we can learn to do.

Changing this pattern is possible. Through a simple series of interactive exercises, we discover how easy it is to use “no” as a response, to feel completely safe in that response, and to learn how to identify not just what you don’t want, but what you do want. Understanding the power of “no” can shift both your own internal response as well as the response you get from others.

WORKSHOPS are designed to challenge participants without shame or negative feelings, and still allow both self-expression and group cohesions. Workshops typically run a minimum of 4 hours.