Monday, July 22, 2013

Transformative Leadership Training for Social Changemakers


Hello Have, Fun Do-Gooders!

One of the reasons you haven't heard from me as frequently lately is that I've been busy doing some super fun Big Vision Consulting for Rockwood Leadership Institute.  I've known about Rockwood's awesome work for years, and am super excited to be working with them.

If you listen to my Big Vision Podcast, you may have heard my January 2013 interview with Rockwood's President and CEO, Akaya Windwood. She recently wrote a powerful piece in response to the Zimmerman verdict that I highly recommend.

Rockwood has a bunch of Art of Leadership trainings coming up for nonprofits and social changemakers that I wanted you to know about, including special trainings for Women in Racial Justice and Human Rights, and for Philanthropic Leaders. You can apply for all of the trainings here, and see the fee scale for tuition here.

Here's the 2013-14 Art of Leadership schedule, so far:


September 15-19, 2013
Art of Leadership
Edith Macy Conference Center
Briarcliff Manor, NY

September 16-20, 2013
Art of Leadership
Westerbeke Ranch
Sonoma, CA 


October 21-25, 2013
*7th annual Art of Leadership for Women in Racial Justice and Human Rights

View testimonials here.
Mayacamas Ranch

Calistoga, CA  

November 4-8, 2013
Art of Leadership

Earthrise Retreat Center
Petaluma, CA

December 9-13, 2013 
Art of Leadership
Mayacamas Ranch
Calistoga, CA


January 13-17, 2014 Art of Leadership
Westerbeke Ranch
Sonoma, CA


February 24-28, 2014  
*10th annual Art of Leadership for Philanthropic Leaders 
Earthrise Retreat Center
Petaluma, CA 


March 24-28, 2014
Art of Leadership
Westerbeke Ranch
Sonoma, CA


April 7-11, 2014
Art of Leadership
Edith Macy Conference Center
Briarcliff Manor, NY

You can follow Rockwood's news on Facebook, Twitter, and on its blog. If you have any questions about the trainings, lemme know, or contact the lovely Renee Yang Geesler at (510) 251-2500 x 115, or at training AT rockwoodleadership DOT org.

Please share with your have fun, do good peeps!



Sunday, July 07, 2013

Celebrate the People You Love While They're Around


I'm going to a memorial service for a relative this week. I'm sure that people will tell many stories about all of the things they loved about him. Unfortunately, he won't get to hear them.

This spring, I received the most amazing gift. My friends Julie, Rachel and Tara threw a party for me.  Just because.

It wasn't a birthday party, or an anniversary party, or a congratulations party.  It was a celebrate me party. How amazing is that?

It was wonderful. Not everyone I would have hoped could have been there could come, but many did. People who warm my heart. People who I hadn't seen in years. 

We laughed a lot.  There was a bowl on the dining table with prompts on strips of paper like:


People told hilarious stories, and I'm so glad that I got to hear them, and laugh with them about my, uh, uniqueness.

Sadly, parties like these don't happen often enough, at least when we're alive. In fact, when the invite was sent out, some people emailed back asking, "Is Britt sick?" "Is something wrong?"

Think of someone you love, love, love today whose life needs to be celebrated. Just because. Throw them a party. It will one of the most life-changing gifts you can give.

Original photo is Firework  from Wikimedia.