Hosting & facilitation

The pandemic came down especially hard on nonprofits serving underserved communities. Together with Maurice Stevens, we hosted a virtual resting retreat for nonprofit leaders experiencing burnout. This respite served as a place to fall apart, be held in community and reconnect to the support within and around them.

How does an 80-year-old basic research institution hold a conversation about its intentions for the future? Over two months we hosted several rounds of conversations using group model-building, dialogue and reflection. (In partnership with Summ()n)

Now in its second year, we are co-holding a space for learning, conversation and collective action among white members of foundations in our region. Together they engage in the personal and organizational work of shifting their role in oppressive patterns and centering black liberation. Co-hosted by Tiffany Wilhelm.

After the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh, faith leaders acted with compassion and community. We were honored to play a small role in support of those leaders—hosting an interfaith “How are you?” gathering, and weeks later a “What actions now?” open space (with JCC Center for Lovingkindness).

As misfit plans were being foisted on our neighborhood, we gathered a representation of neighbors to help them speak in a unified voice to outside developers. They got past their differences, discovered a shared sense of belonging, and created a Voice of the Neighborhood document. The eventual result: new affordable housing.