The first part of the day will focus more on theory and practices for (co)regulation. In the afternoon we will look at obstacles to care and collective practices to overcome those obstacles.
You can apply for the training via this form: https://nc-feros.nestor.coop/apps/forms/s/yZaTyZMiib2idnpwzFjRkmxs
Introduction to RADICAL COLLECTIVE CARE
In this workshop we explore different ways to take care of ourselves, each other and our collectives. We will offer some theory on “nervous system” regulation (feeling calm or safe-enough) and how this can enable you to have more choice in your response to situations. We will also offer some practical tips on how to do this alone or with others.
We will explore why radical collective care should be a central practice for any organisation or collective that wants to work for social justice and how we can take a feminist approach to the division of care tasks. We take inspiration from practices from movements for anti-racism, lgbtqia+ rights and disability justice.
WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR
This workshop is for everyone who identifies as nonbinary, genderfluid, genderqueer and gendernon-conforming. We want to create a space where people who face oppression from the cis-hetero-patriarchy can come together to share their experiences and ways of dealing with these common types of violence. A place for support and solidarity, where everyone can connect and find new ways to cope with these challenges.
We don’t believe in “safe spaces” and prefer the concept of accountability. We are aware that situations of violence can also occur within queer feminist spaces. Our intention is to create a space where we can collectively express solidarity, respect, understanding, and kindness, while also having the opportunity to express what’s not working, so we can address and resolve tensions in a constructive way.
PRACTICAL INFO & ACCESSIBILITY
The workshop will take place at Au Kalme, Rue Fransman 118, 1020 Bruxelles.
Doors open at 10h and we will start the workshop at 10h30 sharp. Depending on participant needs we might implement a safety protocol for respiratory virus’ which means you need to be present at 10h15 latest. We close around 18h30.
We will provide tea, coffee, biscuits, but no full meal. For lunch, please bring something that is easy to eat and doesn’t need to be heated.
The venue was selected to meet as many neurodivergent accessibility criteria as possible (sensory sensitivities, type of lighting, ambient noise, multiple rooms, etc.). The venue is mostly accessible for people with reduced mobility, but the toilets are not. Depending on your disability it might be possible to use the toilets with the support of someone from our team. We have to verify how wide the doors are. A very small quiet space is available for isolation or you can take some air outside. There are some different types of chairs and sofas available. The venue is on a street in a busy part of Brussels. There might be some noise from traffic etc.
This workshop is open to everyone, regardless of physical condition. However, we want to point out that the venue and the workshop content are unfortunately not fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. For any specific needs, please contact us : training@feros.be or leave us a voice message via DM (Messenger or Instagram). We alternate seated and standing exercises, but you are welcome to stay seated, stand up, or leave the room at any time.
The workshop will be facilitated in English. Facilitators may be able to provide occasional translation to Dutch, French or German and you may express yourself in this language if that’s more accessible to you.
Our facilitation is based in experiential learning. Our methods engage participants on the level of heart (emotions), head (thinking and concepts) and hands (practical experience / embodiment).
Our facilitators don’t position themselves as experts, but rather draw on the collective experience and knowledge present in the group. So come prepared to share your personal experiences.
What to bring? Something to write and something to drink water. If you like to stim (fidget) be sure to bring something to keep your hands busy during the workshop (soft toy, stress ball, stim toy, crochet,…..)
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION
We strive to offer our activities to those who need them, whatever their financial capacity. As a young collective, we have no fixed income and rely mostly on participant donations to organise our activities.
Money should not be an obstacle to taking part in this workshop. The real cost is 55 euros per person for the whole day. We encourage all those who can to give more, to create space for those who can contribute less financially. In particular, we are asking white, able-bodied, university-educated or otherwise privileged participants to contribute more, up to 110 euros per person. We will send you our bank details after you have attended the workshop. If you would like to make an anonymous donation, please contact us.
TRAINERS
The training will be facilitated by Robin (he/they) and Lee (they/them). Both facilitators are white and hold EU passports. They bring diverse lived experiences across gender and sexuality, disability, (mental) health, class, education and housing. In their free time they like to go for walks, bake, play games, dance and crochet …..
WHAT IS FEROS?
Feros is a collective of facilitators organising workshops that support individuals, groups, collectives and organisations that work towards social and ecological justice in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
All of our trainings are firmly rooted in a queer, intersectional, decolonial feminist political analysis.
We organise both open workshops, to which anyone can apply, and bespoke workshops for existing organisations, groups or collectives.