MS: That's correct. Participants tend to be working on more progressive movements - from social justice to spirituality to education. But, we're not affiliated with any particular political group. Generally, everyone who attends sees a possibility for themselves in what it might be like to bring more ease into their lives and work. It's not political. We also have a lot of entrepreneurs as well. We work with "change makers" - anyone working to make change and create a better world. And we help them do it with more clarity, focus, ease, and grace.
JB: You folks are so confident about the value of the Summit that there's a money-back guarantee attached. How did that come about? And isn't that a bit of a risk?
MS: We're 100% committed to people getting what they come to the Summit for. It's not just another set of tools, for a lot of people it's taking leadership of their lives again.
JB: You folks are so confident that you've already scheduled the next Summit after this one. That's impressive. Where and when will it take place?
MS: Thanks, Joan! The next one will be April 8-12, 2015 in Oakland, California.
JB: Time has passed since we began our interview. You've just finished up with the Summit. How did it go*?
MS: Oh my gosh; it was so amazing. Better than imagined. 55 graduates. I'm excited to see how folks take these tools into their lives. We're already hearing feedback about what a breakthrough experience it was for so many. And we will be producing a short video on our website about what folks have gotten out of it. We can't wait until the next one in April!
JB: I bet! Anything you'd like to add before we wrap this up? With the election coming up, I'm sure that progressives will be disappointed at least with some of the results. Any word of advice for them, for us?
MS: Absolutely. I would love to leave everyone with the question: What would it look like to be resilient? As organizers, it's just the truth that sometimes we will come across challenges, or that things won't turn out the way we planned. When we experience a challenge, it doesn't mean anything is wrong with us or our goal. A lot of people come across challenge and either give up or burn out. It's just an opportunity to practice resilience; and it's amazing how few tools we have to be resilient - and support others as well. If I've learned anything from this work, it's that resilience and success go hand-in-hand. If we want to reach extraordinary or seemingly impossible goals, then we need tools for resilience. So that we keep going, and bring forth the kind of world that we know is possible.
JB: What activist wouldn't choose resilience over burnout?! I'm so glad you, Zo and Coaching for Social Change are out there. Readers, take note! Mary: This was such a pleasure and I learned so much. Thanks so much for talking with me.
***
*This question was added after the Summit's conclusion.
Coaching for Social Change(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
1
