Why I chose this Project
I chose to do this project because organizing and facilitating retreats is one of the most alive things for me right now. This is the second of three retreats in a 6 month period that my brother and I are putting on. I am also stepping into my role as a healer and shiatsu practitioner, yet I feel that my role in the retreats and stepping into this kind of leadership is my biggest growth edge right now.
I also did not just want to cover the content of the retreat but the actual process of organizing these kinds of retreats. This will provide context for my other OP's where I cover more of the content. The content of the retreat is found in my supporting evidence section.
4 Gaia Questions
What went well:
I really stepped up as project manager in this OP and took charge in creating this retreat and collaborating with Abrah and Ophir as lead organizer. As was reflected to me in the closing circle, the participants recognized my ability in bringing together different people and attracting people that wouldn’t even come. My friend Noah said he wouldn’t come if it wasn’t for me telling him to and he’s so glad he did because it helped transform him. He told the group this and said that’s what makes me a great leader.
I also think I am getting better and better at using different media to create and manage my projects and displaying in the OP. I am getting more and more comfortable with using Mahara and getting creative on it.
Another thing that went well this OP was that I was able to get a lot of things done ahead of time. I started turning in my receipts in right away for the organization which we get funding for which I have never done in the past. This was a big step. I also started working on sections of the OP before the retreat itself, also something I didn’t do last OP and added ease to the completion of this OP.
What was challenging:
Something that was really challenging for this OP was to articulate my design process. I feel that the GADSIE process is something that I use pretty inherently in my design as I am a long time student of permaculture. Yet, articulating this design process is really hard for me. I got this feedback as well from my advisor, Liam.
Another challenge I had was thatI got burnt out towards end of retreat, trying to cook and facilitate and am learning over and over again to focus on one or the other during a retreat.
What would I do differently next time:
Next time, I want to include more charts and graphs in my OP design. I also want to create a more descriptive, yet concise, commentary. I feel that I originally left out important information from my commentary which I added after getting feedback from Liam.
In terms of the retreat, next time, I want to be present during all of the sessions, or at least for one of Ophir or I. This retreat, we both cooked during parts of the retreat and therefore missed some sessions Abrah led. This prevented from not only learning from the other facilitators but also from knowing what happened in the session to know how to guide the next thing. The participants did not notice this for the most part but we did.
I would also have recipes printed out for the people coming to volunteer in the kitchen, so they are not just reliant on Ophir and I’s directions, but can see the plan.
What are my next achievable steps:
Ophir and I got a grant to do another Men’s retreat in July in California. This is the biggest grant we have ever received-- almost 10,000 dollars. We will have a 3-4 day retreat on a friend’s permaculture farm. OP4 will cover this process. This retreat, we are hiring friends to cook so Ophir and I will focus solely on facilitation. This is a great opportunity to focus on facilitation and how to become the best facilitator.
I also would like to create a recipe book for some of the recipes Ophir and I want to be in retreat, so Zion and Eli (the chefs) can have and just for us to have on hand.
I also want to really create an in-depth curriculum for this.
My goals for this next OP is to document the design process a lot more in-depth.
Participation records
I had 3 calls with Liam, my advisor, during this OP and had a think and listen with James Edwards, a Gaia U. associate living in Boulder, CO.
Key Unlearnings
During this OP Cycle, some of the major un-learnings included:
- Making space for all the participants, and asking for what I need. I made space for all the participants that wanted to come but made sure they paid beforehand, which in the past I have not been as firm on payments.
- I felt that I was able to really step into the role of organizer and facilitator without fear
- I also realize I am getting better at getting things done instead of pushing them back.
- Having more confidence in creating this OP, and feeling less overwhelm
- Adjusting goals based on surveying what is realistic and dealing with emergent change
Reflection on Goal set for this OP
Thinking in Use
I am starting to try to think about how the work that I am doing can become more disseminated into the public. This was the idea of creating a guide for people on how to put a two-day retreat. I also am starting to think about things that will help us once our retreats become bigger, such as having recipes are written out and curriculum is drawn so it's not just Ophir and I's head.
My thinking is not as clear as I would like right now, because of life circumstances such as unstable housing, but I am constantly guided by emergent strategy, which I have mentioned in my past OP, working with what's emerging, and not being as attached to plans.
Managing time, managing promises - practice details
Overall, my time management skills are becoming better and better. I feel that for this retreat, I was able to get a lot of things done beforehand.
Some things I didn't get to do before retreat that would have been helpful:
- Visit the site again to really figure out logistics of spaces for activities and sleeping
- Review Abrah's sessions beforehand
- Create a solid feedback form (which was one of my goals)
I do want to mention that I do not have a steady home at the moment which affects my ability to really feel grounded and stay on top of my tasks. However, I am turning in this Output packet in the time I was planning to and I organized an epic retreat overall.
Role as collaborator
I am becoming more and more comfortable as a project manager. Creating this retreat felt pretty easeful. I have already worked with both Abrah and Ophir and already knew their working styles. I did take more of a lead as organizer which felt like an edge I met well.
I feel that I have a good way of allowing people to lead when there is an opportunity for them and stepping in as leader as needed. I see that I take more of a step back so other people can be empowered to lead. Some of the participants even led some ritual and helped facilitate some discussion. Ophir is not as good as this and I have gotten this feedback. I am happy that I have this quality. I really see it as an important leadership trait.