Learning Layers
The Practice of Upwording
An exploration of how the current habitual use of language underpins coercive behaviours and oppressive systems and how to develop the shifts crucial to dismantle them.
2.5-3.5 hour interactive group presentation
The practice of Upwording raises awareness of linguistic tools constructed to enable hierarchies of superiority and authoritarianism – including patriarchy, white supremacy and many more. We rarely even notice how such language has become habitual in everyday communication. Upwording encourages us to co-create environments free from coercion, stress and anxiety, where our microcosm impacts and reflects what we would love to see happening throughout the world.
Upwording
and…
Introducing, testing, and integrating Upwording within particular contexts: at work, at home, in educational environments, social settings, social media, networks, and so on.
2.5 hour flexible format.
We are integrating the core fibres and approaches to develop effective healthy communication, mutually beneficial collaboration, leadership, parenting, relating and earning.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Upwording - session or podcast
flow the framework
A framework of prompts creating a flow of considerations to transform situations, aid innovation and realise endeavours.
flow of considerations is a framework of prompts that expands familiar formats, such as the GROW Model.
flow can be applied flexibly in coaching, mentoring and facilitation processes and to structure sessions in any context.
flow assists transforming situations from current realities to desired futures and how to shape the routes and realise the impacts.
You will practice using the prompts for self-guided explorations, one-on-one, and together in partnership and team settings, and you be able to take our beautiful set of flow cards with you.
WoW
Words of Witness
A fresh layered approach to obtain and to share impressions of work in progress of any kind.
2.5 hrs for 2 cycles of applied learning. An additional 2.5 hrs focus on inhabiting the facilitator’s role.
A fresh system of giving and receiving feedback on work-in-progress or (final) presentation, performance, exhibition. To disperse anxiety and remove fearful anticipation, we created a rigorous enjoyable approach that is informative, constructive, without the unasked for judgments and advice, aiming to inspire the recipient to take the conscious considered informed directions.
WoW is a co-creation with Maurice Carling for and with refinements by Islington Mill Art Academy IMAA in 2018/19, merging elements from Edward DeBono’s Thinking Hats, Simone Forti’s descriptive approach to feedback for work-in-progress, and Upwording.
A round of WoW takes 30-45 mins each plus prior viewing/experiencing of the work to be discussed. Maximum three artists/companies in one session = 2.5 hours including break. Suitable for artists, choreographers, directors, curators, educators.
Creating our Climate
How to co-design agreements with your team and project partners, cultivating a team of willing, engaged, fulfilled members, participants and learners.
90 mins – 2.5 hrs. For teams who will continue to work together on a project or ongoing basis, whether established, or newly formed.
Creating Our Climate; how do we want to work?
What are the ingredients of a wonderful working climate? How can you co-create one with your colleagues, project partners, teams, partners, parents, co-parents and carers, children, learners, and community? And what are the ways to maintain it? This workshop is ideal for people who wish to create, review, renew or refine their ‘working, communicating, living, being together.
Elements may include values, capacity considerations, expectations, support, boundaries and agreements and making decisions.
Prerequisite: Upwording podcast
SOS Stress or Stretch
How to work stress-free, with periods of stretch & sprints
90 mins – 2.5 hrs flexible format.
Acknowledging the detrimental impact of stress on mental and physical health, well-being, communication, and interaction with others, SoS moves conversations about workplace wellbeing into action.
Can you imagine stress-free working?
Would you like stress- and pressure-free work?
Is stress an inevitable and acceptable part of life?
A close look at what leads to stress, the popularity of being stressed, toxic productivity, and how we may inadvertently contribute to that. Instead of ‘managing’ stress, we can shift our focus on how to alleviate, reduce, and even refuse it, and prevent slipping into unhealthy working conditions.