About this group
Want to immerse yourself deeply in authentic communication for two days straight?
In this intensive deep dive, we’ll meet for eight interactive sessions over one weekend on zoom, We will experience the unfolding of the group process and explore our collectively experience.
Along the way, we’ll continually stand on the four pillars of ACG: Here-and-Now, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). These will play out in real-time in our interactions with one another.
Who this is for
This introductory weekend is for those who have not previously participated in an authentic communication group. That way, everyone experiences the group for the first time together.
There is no requirement to already have training in NVC, IFS, DEI, or Here-and-Now process work. We welcome those with a background in any of these areas, and we highly encourage those coming in with a fresh slate!
Learning objectives
You can initiate the work you want to do in the group and use our time together as a sandbox for experimenting with new behaviors and receiving real-time feedback.
In the ACG, you can explore how to:
- speak directly to people about what is alive in you
- express yourself openly and vulnerably and share your genuine emotional reactions
- become more aware of your long-held patterns and growing edges
- challenge each other in ways that are healthy and supportive
You can also set your own learning goals, such as understanding power dynamics, taking a stand against oppression, stepping into leadership, or deepening your compassion for others.
In this program you get
Eight sessions structured as an experiential learning laboratory. In each session, you might practice:
- Naming what you notice about power dynamics
- Experimenting with new behaviors to create connection
- Raising difficult issues with care
- Exploring how gender, race, class, and ability impact the group
- Empathizing with yourself or others
- Giving and receiving honest, consensual feedback
- Communicating mindfully, even when you are emotionally triggered
Design
We encourage everyone to read the Agreements and Getting Started beforehand.
We’ll have four sessions of 1 hour and 45 minutes each day. There will be a 15-minute break after every session and an hour for lunch.
The schedule for both Saturday and Sunday, 24th & 25th Sept 2022, will be sessions at 9-10:45AM, 11AM – 12:45PM, 2-3:45PM, and 4-5:45PM (Eastern Time).
Your Facilitators
Brandon Wong
Brandon currently lives at a rural health clinic in the Peten region of Guatemala. He splits his time between accompanying the work of health promoters and serving clients as a coach and facilitator. He previously worked at a COVID bubble for college students, summer camps across the U.S., an early-stage tech startup, and nonprofits like Ashoka. He’s inspired by liberation theology and engaged Buddhism.
Martha Lasley
Martha Lasley was a founding partner of Leadership that Works, where she supported leaders and social change activists to develop compelling visions, improve their communication, bring spirit into team building, and develop a coaching culture. She has authored three books: Coaching for Transformation; Facilitating with Heart; and Courageous Visions. Martha Lasley is a certified trainer for the Center for Nonviolent Communication and has led many International Intensive Trainings with Marshall Rosenberg. She coaches visionary leaders and social change activists to develop a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Martha Lasley has presented several programs at the annual conference for International Association of Facilitators, including “Facilitating Difficult Conversations,” and “Coaching for Personal & Organizational Transformation.”
Investment
Your investment is based on a sliding scale of $395 to $595. The program is limited to 10 participants.