If you have been following us for a while and have read last month’s newsletter you might have seen that I (Lisa) cycled to COP26 end of last month, joining the #ridethechange from London to Glasgow. I had planned to join the last three days of the week long ride when severe weather conditions including heavy rains and floods basically put all trains going up north on hold. I remember standing in Euston station with my bike, trying to hear the announcement over the speaker while frantically scanning the departure displays for updates. All trains to the most important climate conference of my generation are cancelled due to severe weather conditions? How apt.
Long story short, I did, eventually, make it to Scotland and was able to join the ride for the last two days, which were nothing short of incredible. Cycling together with over 100 other people who are passionate about climate action, many of them already working in the space and dedicating their lives to climate solutions, reignited my optimism and strengthened my belief that we can overcome our current challenges. That we can create a world that’s liveable for everyone. How wouldn’t that be the case with so many people already building our future in this very moment?
But what does all of this have to do with this month’s topic - Gathering? On the train to Scotland I had a few hours diving into our book club read: ‘The Art of Gathering’ by Priya Parker and many of her shared learnings from facilitating meetings and community get togethers, big and small, were eye opening. I was able to notice when a gathering was organised well – like the bike ride – which left everyone feeling inspired, energised and optimistic and also when a gathering was organised badly like a protest I joined in the streets of Glasgow. This protest started out promising, with a lot of people and high energy but quickly dissipated into a confused and disorganised bunch of people who head no direction. Mostly due to missing leadership and lack of communication. It made me realise how important it is to gather with intention and make sure there is also leadership present that reinforces that intention. Which nicely leads us onto last month’s key learnings 👇🏼
This month’s book club take aways : The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
The purpose of a gathering defines everything. Think beyond ‘celebrating my birthday’ and be specific like ‘surround myself with people who bring out the best in me’. It is a game changer for every gathering.
Cutlery hire and toilet facilities are important but we need to put more thought into who is coming vs not coming and what conversations are going to be had
Don’t be a chill host! We might think that by a taking a leaned back approach to hosting we are eradicating any sort of power plays but what actually happens is that it creates a vacuum of power that can be filled by anyone (usually the loudest most overbearing guest at the gathering)
As a host your job is protect your guests and help them connect to each other.
A space for a gathering is usually a space that is contained to make sure ‘the energy isn’t leaking out’.
Close doors: Be intentional on who you exclude and make sure you do it well. It’s important to exclude people who threaten the purpose of the gathering. This takes courage but is key for a successful gathering.
Etiquette vs. Pop up Rules: Etiquette allows people to gather because they are the same. Pop-up rules allow people to gather because they are different – yet open to having the same experience. (Diner en blanc or a masked ball etc.)
This month’s community Notion document, includes a podcast with Priya Parker and Brene Brown which we highly recommend listening to if you don’t have time to read the book. Feel free to add your thoughts, tools and methods for gatherings and more. It’s a slightly different collection of content than the other ones 🙌🏽
Join our last book club of the year: Do Earth – Healing strategies for humankind by Tamsin Omond
The next topic we will be diving into is ‘Healing’. Healing what? Ourselves, our communities, our fractured relationships with each other and the earth so that we can create a future we love to live in.
About the book:
We know there's a climate emergency but what does that mean we should do? What does a "better future" look like and how do we get there?
Do Earth is about collective action and community engagement. It's about healing our relationships with nature, each other and ourselves; and feeling inspired about what the next phase of human evolution might be. With practical guidance and gentle encouragement, Do Earth provides a blueprint for reimagining the world and reviving our beautiful planet.
Having spent over a decade on the frontlines of climate activism – organising, campaigning, and holding the powerful to account – Tamsin Omond discovered first-hand that this crisis is too big for one group of activists to solve. It needs everyone.
Join our online discussion on the 14 of December at 7PM GMT – tickets via Eventbrite below 👇🏼
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If you prefer following our meet up events there, then follow this link.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at one of our next events.
Thank you for reading this month’s newsletter! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did writing it :) If you want to join us for one of our upcoming events, make sure you follow us on Eventbrite. If you have any questions please add a comment to this post, DM or send us an email to hello@andthefuture.com
Lisa & Tash ✨