Women working professionally – and especially free-lancers – in the intercultural/people field often feel isolated and unsupported in their work. The vocabulary to explain our work can be exclusive; our professions, as such, are not always well-recognised or valued. Marketing ourselves and our talents can be difficult! Whether we work with groups or individuals, whether we are freelance or employed – we need spaces where we can take distance from our everyday work to meet with ourselves again.
Coaching by a mentor or with a trusted-peer can help to touch base and recharge our batteries. But – from time to time – it is valuable to get together with others in similar situations and compare and contrast our experiences, exchange tips and techniques and express our thoughts and ideas in a supportive atmosphere!
The idea for the format of this workshop has developed through many encounters over the last years – but especially from experiences of mentoring / training professionals, during various Training of Trainers courses in Erasmus+.
Also influential were other events offering personal and professional development spaces for facilitators and project-managers, where participants appreciated the chance to “escape” everyday reality and the opportunity to:
- take time to think about themselves and review their situations and needs
- dive into “bigger picture” questions in a supportive environment
- give and receive support within a group of peers
- think about next steps for their future personal and professional development
We are basing the workshop programme largely on experiences, findings and materials developed during the following European-funded projects of the last years: One-to-one, She Empowers, Emotional Intelligence in Youth Work, ConnEQt – Connecting Emotional Intelligence to Leadership development and Inner Pathways towards Sustainability Key words: Empowering / Mindfulness / Visioning and Dreaming / Essential Oils / Self-care (time for me!!) / Marketing Me.
Profile of trainers
Hazel Low
Some of you know me from Training of Trainers, the Ride or through my time with Service Civil InternationaI. After 30 years “in the European-programme field”, I’m pursuing my interest in cross-cultural-encounters these days from (and especially IN) my home-base of the village of Marlanval, south of Paris. With my new project “Entre Nous”, I am committed to sharing my resources – including my kitchen table – with others who are on a quest to maintain their own health and general well-being whilst working in the exciting people fields they have chosen! I have trained in the fields of Community Education, Youth Work(er) Training and, more recently, in the field of coaching and mentoring at individual level.
Paola Bortini
In the last 25 years, it has been fascinating to strengthen people and organizations throughout Europe, to support them in liminal phases in learning from / for the future with creativity. At the centre of my methodical approach is above all mindfulness, the Theory U by Otto Scharmer – and his team from the Presencing Institute -, “wilderness” nature work and pure essential oils. Born in Italy, I lived and worked in many countries. Currently living in Austria with my family.
Target group
The workshop is intended for women of all ages who would like to turn their life round into a more sustainable work/private life relationship or to make some kind of professional change. All the time keeping in mind the need to care for themselves at the same time as strengthening their professional careers.
Location and costs
The workshop will take place in the heart of the hamlet of Marlanval, which is one-third of the village and commune of Boissy aux Cailles. Boissy aux Cailles is about 80 kms south of Paris, in a triangle of 15 kms from Fontainebleau, Malesherbes and Milly-la-Forêt.
The course, as well as the accommodation, will be in the newly-extended house of Hazel and Simon. Simon and friend, Joan, will be taking care of meals and our general comfort on the spot! Home-from-home style and ease– in 2-bed rooms mainly. Don’t expect hotel services – but our standards are high!
380 euros will be your financial contribution for food, accommodation and seminar fees all inclusive. If you would like to stay an extra night or two – we would just ask an extra contribution of 25€ per day.
You are practically and financially responsible for your own travel as far as Fontainebleau.
The best airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (about 3 hours away). You can reach Fontainebleau with the train from Paris Gare de Lyon easily. Once in Fontainebleau you will be picked up.
Arrival on Friday 18thOctober late afternoon and leaving on Tuesday 22nd after breakfast.
To register please write to: Paola Bortini at paola.bortini[AT]limina.at
