Online Circles & Retreats
I offer online and in person retreat programmes for humanitarians and change-makers.
These are spaces for rest, healing and joint learning among people who value deep connection and want to come away feeling rejuvenated and with new ideas for putting collective care into practice.
It's amazing how much hope, courage and inspiration can be built when we come together in a sacred space of listening and sharing.
I offer day long and weekend in person retreats, and longer deep dives over the course of several weeks.
Join my mailing list to stay updated for online and in person retreats!
The Vulnerable Humanitarian Circle of Practice
Welcome to a space designed not just for reading, but for deep listening, sharing, and meaningful action within the aid worker community.
The Vulnerable Humanitarian Circle of Practice offers a sanctuary where truth-telling, vulnerability, and connection flourish. Using my book The Vulnerable Humanitarian as a rough guide, each month we explore key themes that matter for individuals and organisations to embed cultures of care.
What to Expect
In each monthly online session, we delve into a different theme from The Vulnerable Humanitarian, inviting participants to engage in open dialogue and reflection. This is a supportive environment where participants can explore how to apply the book's insights to their personal and professional lives. Together, we cultivate actionable strategies rooted in anti-oppression, care, and resilience.
You're welcome to join any session, but attending regularly offers a comprehensive understanding of the book and practical tools for implementation, and brings you into a community that is treading the same path of culture change from the inside out.
Each session incorporates key routines and self-care practices from The Vulnerable Humanitarian, empowering participants to navigate challenges with clarity and courage. But you do not need to have read The Vulnerable Humanitarian to join us!
Themes We'll Explore Include:
The Perfect Humanitarian
Are you a perfectionist? Would you like to unlearn your perfectionism? Come and share how we challenge white saviourism and other heroic narratives, and show up with more truth and wholeness.
Psychological Safety and Safer Spaces
Feeling alone and unsupported with your struggles? Is your employer taking time to listen? We will look at what both leaders and staff members can be doing to open up dialogue and support mechanisms for mental health and wellbeing.
Feminist and Decolonial Wellbeing Strategies
How do we apply feminist, decolonial wellbeing strategies? We will look at why this is important and how this can build collecitve resilience, so no one is left behind.
Are you Ready to Embrace the Journey of Vulnerability and Connection?
How to Join the Vulnerable Humanitarian Circle of Practice
The Circle of Practice is open to everyone committed to creating positive change in the aid sector. Join us as we embark on a journey of learning, growth, and collective action. Together, we can create a more compassionate and resilient community.
Each monthly topic runs twice, to accommodate different time zones, at 5.30-7pm UTC on the first day and 1-2.30pm UTC on the second day.
The next Circle of Practice dates are:
5/6 November: Collective Resilience
3/4 December: Reclaiming our Stories of Resilience
14/15 January: Overcoming Perfectionism
10/11 February: Brave and Safer Spaces
More sessions to be confirmed in 2025!
Join my mailing list to be kept up to date, or register for a session below.
What People Say About Previous Book Circles
"As someone just starting a career within the Humanitarian sector, discussing and reflecting on positionality and wellbeing with such depth as during the book circle, has greatly contributed to my own safeguarding strategies. It also permitted an honest and safe reflection space to analyze past situations. I'd wholeheartedly recommend the circle and look forward to following Gemma's continued work within this space."
Maurice, UN staff member
""Gemma is a humble, caring, and powerful facilitator who leads with grace. Her book reflects the long and rich journey she's taken to come to refine her understanding of and proposed solutions for this sector, which we should all take to heart."
Anonymous, Peace on Purpose