This article was supposed to be a wonderful recap after hosting our Art of Hosting workshop after months of build-up last year, but alas, COVID played one last game with us in 2022, and it was not the case! With half our hosting team testing positive 48 hours before the event, and with catering and accommodation already booked, ordered and paid for, our guiding principles were put to the test as we pivoted and brainstormed over what gifts we could find in the situation; and thus, The Gift of Crisis was born.
Registered participants were invited to an alternative event, with the promise our original training will take place at a later time. Instead, the remaining hosting team offered the space, time and catering as a place for the community to come together, and have the discussions they felt were needed. As a group called by the question “What becomes possible when we courageously step into a connected, community-led future?”, there was never going to be any shortage of topics to cover. Out of our 60 registered participants, thirty responded to the invitation to the additional event! Rest assured to the remaining thirty, this was not a training event, and we stressed that very clearly to attendees. Instead, for three days, we had the opportunity to be hosted in the style of Art of Hosting, and experience what conversations become possible when utilising some simple techniques to host group work.
Participants came away inspired to delve deeper into these techniques, and with valuable connections to fellow community members, many of whom were strangers three days prior. For myself, the vulnerability and unity on display over those three days was a testament to just how vital these spaces, which have become a low priority in our productive lifestyles, are to our community health.
The hosting team is now even more excited to host our full group of registerees on our new dates; the 6th, 7th and 8th of March! As always, we remain committed to welcoming anyone who feels called to attend our event, so registrations remain open. You can find more information on our event page here: https://artofhostinghuntermidcoast.weebly.com/ to register or reach out to the hosting team for more information.
By Jessica Leck.
