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Sociocracy Certification Intensive (Shutesbury, MA)
15/10/2023 @ 15:00 – 21/10/2023 @ 15:00 EDT
$1074 – $4200
Join us for an immersive 7-day residential training in sociocracy at Sirius Community in Shutesbury, Massachusetts from October 15-21.
About the training
This training offers two tracks of learning, one for beginners and one for advanced practitioners, that will teach you how to make decisions collaboratively, create inclusive structures, and foster a culture of continuous improvement in your organization or community.
Led by Ted Rau and Shala Massey, this training offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
At the end of the training, participants will receive certification as either Sociocracy Practitioners or Sociocracy Facilitators, depending on their level of knowledge and experience.
Syllabus
Practitioner training – mostly with Shala
In this class, we will cover introductory sociocratic processes and principles in an immersion format. We will form circles that will operate sociocratically and provide opportunities for practice.
Topics:
Vision, Mission, Aim, Domain ⬧ circle structure ⬧ circle roles ⬧ meeting format ⬧ generating proposals ⬧ operations/policy ⬧ agenda planning ⬧ feedback⬧ leadership in self-governance ⬧ sociocracy and authentic connection ⬧ sociocracy and personal growth ⬧ sociocracy and social justice
Daily plan
Each day we will have:
- Circle work. Practice of meetings and holding circle roles.
- Application. Project work and certification work (self-chosen project in small teams)
- Scenario work: Working on specific micro-skills responsive to the group dynamics and backgrounds
- Reflection & connection: Space for integration and processing the transformational aspects of implementing sociocracy.
Participants will be able to shape the program according to their needs and interests.
Find out more about the badges.
Facilitator training – mostly with Ted
Required score for entry: 21+ points in the assessment test. (There’s no point in cheating – or this training will likely be too fast for you. If you would like to learn more about how to gain enough experience by October to qualify for the advanced training, send an email to ted@sociocracyforall.org.)
In this class, we will cover practice and deepening of sociocratic tools and processes in an immersion format. We will form circles that will operate sociocratically and provide opportunities for practice.
Topics:
meeting format ⬧ integrating objections ⬧ social-emotional obstacles in meeting facilitation ⬧ topic/time management ⬧ complex circle structures ⬧ operations/policy ⬧ roles ⬧ leadership in self-governance ⬧ sociocracy and personal growth ⬧ sociocracy and DEI ⬧ sociocracy and finance
Daily plan
Morning
- Circle work. Practice of meetings and facilitation.
- Application. Project work and certification work (self-chosen project in small teams)
Afternoon:
- Scenario work. Working on specific micro-skills.
- Reflection. Quick impulse about a distinct topic followed by discussion and reflection.
Participants will be able to shape the program according to their needs and interests.
Note: in order to be certified as a facilitator, participants need to also complete practitioner badges. For people with some experience, that should be easy to do and you will be able to either complete those steps prior or during this class. It’s not a requirement but if you care about certification, please be ready to invest 6h of work to complete the requirements in written form, ideally leading up to the in-person training. We will guide you in completing them.
Certification
Badges are an acknowledgment of real-world skills that can be used to track and measure your learning.
You receive a badge after you have acquired, practiced and demonstrated a skill. This could, for example, be to facilitate a selection process in different contexts (with multiple roles, online, in person etc). The badge is defined by a description of the skill and the measurement of the skill acquired (depending on the skill, this can be self-evaluation forms, evaluation forms from the people attending, e.g. participants in your selection process, or evaluation by an observer).
Over the course of the week, participants will engage in training specifically designed to meet the badge requirements for either the Practitioner Certification or Facilitator Certification.
Participants who complete all badge requirements during the course of the week will receive certification through Sociocracy for All.
Steps to register:
- Provide us with your basic information by filling out this form, so we can get back to you.
- Make your payment to confirm your space (at the bottom of this page).
- Receive the confirmation of your payment and your space in the training.
- Arrange your travel.
Venue and accommodations
Sirius Community is an eco-friendly intentional community, providing an ideal learning environment that is both beautiful and sustainable.
On-site overnight accommodations are limited and include shared or private lodging, and camp sites on camping platforms. Registration includes three organic vegetarian meals per day.
Don’t miss this chance to deepen your knowledge of sociocracy, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy the stunning fall foliage of Massachusetts!
Cost
Your registration fee covers three nourishing vegetarian meals each day, the full course tuition, and accommodations (listed below).
Please note, your registration does not include travel expenses to and from the training location in Shutesbury, Massachusetts.
Single Bed in Shared Room = $1500 – $4000
Queen Bed in Private Room = $1700 – $4200 SOLD OUT!!!
On-site Camping on Camping Platform = $1254 – $3754
Local residents – course tuition and meals only = $1074 – $3547
We believe in fostering inclusivity and accessibility, and thus, we offer tiered pricing options to create more equitable access to our transformative experience.
Tier 1 Pricing: Tier 1 is our most affordable option, thoughtfully designed for individuals who are personally funding their participation and may have limited financial resources. This pricing covers the cost of food and lodging, and still includes the full training experience, ensuring that everyone can benefit from our empowering curriculum.
Single Bed in Shared Room = $1500
On-site Camping on Camping Platform = $1254
Local residents – course tuition and meals only = $1074
Tier 2 Pricing: Tier 2 represents our standard rate, covering the comprehensive package of tuition, food, and lodging, and compensation for the trainers. By selecting this tier, you contribute to the base costs of the program and support the compensation of our talented trainers, making this training sustainable and empowering for all participants.
Single Bed in Shared Room = $2500
On-site Camping on Camping Platform = $2254
Local residents – course tuition and meals only = $2074
Tier 3 Pricing: Tier 3 is for attendees who are experiencing financial abundance or whose organization will be covering the costs of the training, Tier 3 ensures that the full cost of tuition, food, lodging, and trainer fees is covered, with a little extra which in turn enables us to offer discounted rates and partial scholarships to those facing financial hardships. By choosing this tier, you actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse learning environment.
Single Bed in Shared Room = $4000
On-site Camping on Camping Platform = $3754
Local residents – course tuition and meals only = $3547
We want to break down barriers and promote equitable access to knowledge and skills. We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, and that’s why we offer these tiered pricing options – so that cost doesn’t become a barrier for participation. Together, we can create an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and transformative learning for all.
If you are interested in attending and a payment plan would make the program more accessible for you, please reach out to shala.massey@sociocracyforall.org.
Course Materials
As part of your registration, you will receive all the necessary course materials required for a comprehensive learning experience. These materials are designed to enhance your understanding of sociocracy principles, practices, and facilitation techniques.
Meals
Your registration fee covers three nourishing vegetarian meals each day, carefully prepared to support your well-being and sustain your energy throughout the program. We accommodate dietary restrictions and provide a variety of healthy and delicious options to cater to different preferences. Registered participants will receive a questionnaire one month before the event to inform us of any dietary restrictions.
Financial Considerations
We are committed to making this training accessible to a diverse range of individuals. If the sliding scale options are still beyond your means, we encourage you to reach out to us regarding our limited financial assistance opportunities.
We strive to ensure that financial constraints do not become a barrier to participation.
If you are interested in attending and a payment plan would make the program more accessible for you, please reach out to shala.massey@sociocracyforall.org.
Please note that the program cost covers tuition, course materials, lodging, and meals only. You will need to cover travel expenses to and from the training location in Shutesbury, Massachusetts.
Meet your trainers
Ted Rau is a consultant and coach for self-management. Born in Germany, he completed a Ph.D. in Linguistics and moved to the US, where he moved into an intentional community with his five children. He co-founded the nonprofit Sociocracy For All to promote self-management with consent-based, distributed self-governance. Ted has (co-)authored two books on the topic: “Many Voices One Song. Shared Power with Sociocracy” (2018) and “Who decides who decides. How to start a group so everyone can have a voice” (2021). He’s intending to publish his next book, “Collective Power. Patterns for a self-organized future” in Sept 2023.
Shala Massey (she/her) is a sociocracy facilitator, coach, and trainer based in Texas, USA who is passionate about dismantling systems of oppression and exploring tools for liberatory design. Shala is a transformational space facilitator who supports transformational leaders and change makers in deepening their skills and embodiment of regenerative practices. In addition to training, coaching, and facilitating, Shala works at the non-profit organization, Sociocracy for All, as their conferences and special events Program Administrator.
Cancellation Policy:
A. If we cancel:
If we cancel this training, you receive a 100% refund (or if you prefer, you can apply your payment to another Sociocracy For All intensive training within 2 years).
B. If you cancel:
Through September 12, 2023, you have two options:
- Transfer 100% of your payment to a future Sociocracy For All intensive training within 2 years; or
- Receive a refund minus a nonrefundable $150 tuition deposit
Between September 12, 2023 and October 11, 2023 , you have two options:
- Transfer 75% of your payment to a future Sociocracy For All training (we retain 25%); or
- Receive a 50% refund (we retain 50%).
Beginning October 12, 2023 no refunds or transfers are available.
Note: Any refunds due will be issued within 2 weeks after the cancellation.
