We’re preparing for our next NVC Year Training, starting in October, on the topic of Building Community. We offer five 3-day modules in the spirit of Gift Culture between October 2025 and June 2026 at Maitreya House, near Hereford. The fifteen days of the training count towards CNVC certification.
The benefits of meeting in-person
Generally there is a sense of relief and celebration to meet in person. It’s possible to meet online and work through NVC material to get the learning. However, the quality of connection when we meet in person is different. Zoom doesn’t allow for the little chats while setting up the geodome, preparing meals, doing the washing up, playing board games or sitting in the evening around the fire bowl.
When we’re together in person, we can see the other person in their wholeness.
Previous NVC Year Trainings
Our venue is deep in the heart of Herefordshire, UK. It’s amazing how easily we merge together and enjoyed each other’s company. In the summer we spend most of our time outside in our geodome. The warm sunny weather and soft green rolling hills contribute to our wellbeing.
In previous years, after three days together, we’ve heard someone saying, “Now I feel I’ve fully arrived. We just need a few more days to really get to know each other!” We feel touched to sense each other’s common humanity.
What do we mean by community?
When we speak about ‘community’, we mean the people you share time, space and resources with. It’s the people you eat with, the people you share space with. It’s the people you share common resources with, whether it’s a well or a website. As you share resources, you also share risk about how those resources are used.
How do we build community?
We find rich learning in how we develop a mutual understanding of living together and how each of us contributes to the group and to the communal space.
We all come from our own individual social bubbles. Learning from our experiences and trusting in the process of NVC plays an important part, especially when uncomfortable things pop up. Living in the spirit of NVC is all about connection; with self, with others, with the community.
Community-building systems
On the Year Training we explore how to apply the principles of Nonviolent Communication to community-building. We explore these areas:
- Support systems including empathy.
- Learning & growth.
- Rest & play.
- Meaning & purpose.
- Decision-making by consent.
- Conflict transformation.
- Resource allocation, including how to be financially sustainable.
NVC Year Training 25-26: Building Community
Where and how do you experience community? Are you looking to build community?
This October Gesine and I are offering another NVC Year Training on Building Community. Would you like to join us? Booking is open and due to the size of the venue there are 11 places available.
We hope that each of us finds their own community for connection, belonging, support, care and inspiration.
Not sure yet?
Come and join our online Taster Session on Sunday 7 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm Book here.