“Science fiction is simply a way to practice the future together. I suspect that is what many of you are up to, practicing futures together, practicing justice together, living into new stories. It is our right and responsibility to create a new world.” 

adrienne maree brown
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds

The 2021-22 Sentient Leader Circles have concluded. More Learning Circles are coming soon.

Check back, or contact us to be put on a list to receive information when it is available.

What is this?

Leaders of color are invited to practice deep listening, openness, and evolution in a circle of peers. Rooted in values of social justice, liberation, and resilience, we will practice sentience together through reflection, generative process, and discussion to help us look at WHO WE ARE, WHY WE DO, and HOW WE DO. We will connect our actions to the big picture, in order to change culture, narratives, and systems. Facilitated and designed by Toni Tabora-Roberts in collaboration with participants.

Why this?

We must imagine a world of shared power, equitable wealth, community care -- and experiment with how to get there. Sentient leaders need a safe and brave space to connect and practice with a circle of peers, to activate their work for values-driven self and community care, culture and social change, and resilience.

Who is this for?

Whatever position you hold, this is for you if you identify as a leader of color in Oregon or SW Washington who is interested in exploring more just, inclusive, and resilient ways of working and activating, and if you resonate with the idea of “sentient leadership” offered here. Cohorts will include 6-10 people.

The Circles

INTENTIONS

  • Build relationships, network, and community in one of two circles, Jasper or Opal

  • Engage in deep, relevant conversations, welcoming strengths and a variety of ways of learning and knowing

  • Gain self- and other- awareness using a range of reflection tools, inspirational media, and thought-provoking frameworks

  • Envision and support each other’s ideas for creating bold and innovative change in our communities and organizations

JASPER CIRCLE

  • Leaders of color with in arts/culture/media, creative enterprises, and other micro/small-medium nonprofit organizations, networks, coalitions, and businesses

  • 2nd Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm

    • Aug 11

    • Sept 8

    • Oct 13

    • Nov 10

    • Jan 12

    • Feb 9

OPAL CIRCLE

  • Leaders of color who work in medium to large nonprofit organizations, businesses, networks, coalitions, or government entities

  • 2nd Fridays 10:00am - 12:00pm

    • Aug 13

    • Sept 10

    • Oct 15

    • Nov 12

    • Jan 14

    • Feb 11

What’s included?

  • Full group 2-hour virtual meetings every month taking place over 7 months, August through February (except December), facilitated by Toni Tabora-Roberts, with occasional guest speakers

  • Printed and electronic worksheets and resources

  • One COVID-safe in-person gathering, date TBD

  • Peer mentor pairings

  • Two one-hour coaching sessions with Toni Tabora-Roberts (additional coaching sessions available at discounted rate while participating in the Learning Circle)

  • Sentient Leader care package

  • Other potential collaborative projects/co-creations, as opportunities and interest arise.

How much is this?

I am offering a sliding scale of $360-$600 for the 7 month Circle cohort. The fees collected will go towards paying me a fair wage (the low-end of the scale at low-bono rates; the high-end at market rate) for my time planning and facilitating, 1:1 coaching sessions, materials, and for guest contributors.

Please consider the following in determining your price within the scale: What is the budget size of your organization/business/agency? Are you paying out of pocket, or will your (and can your) organization/business/agency pay? Do you have other circumstances to consider which impacts your ability to pay at either the higher or lower end of the scale? If you have the means, please consider paying at the higher end of the scale, as this can help offset those who need to pay less. Another resource for thinking about where you fall on the scale is Alexis J. Cunningfolk’s lovely Green Bottle framework and graphic.

Please submit your interest form by Monday, July 26.
Any questions, please contact Toni Tabora-Roberts.