This event is for anyone who wants to develop their role in challenging the ways we think and act in our organisations and beyond when it comes to nature, Accelerating climate change, rapid loss of biodiversity, and increasing scarcity of natural resources reveal that “business as usual” can’t take us much further. Many of us feel this, yet don’t have spaces to explore the deeper forces shaping our (unconscious) responses. This conference offers such a space.
By examining the unconscious dynamics that guide our relationship with nature, participants of the conference begin to notice blind spots, reconnect with systemic awareness, and rethink leadership and community life on an interconnected planet. An exploration that makes most sense if we invite nature to be part of it. Which means nature engaging through its many other species and the many energies around (weather, light, temperature, sun and moon, birth-growth-maturation-death).
What We Will Explore
Together, we will explore questions such as:
- How aware are we and can we be — as individuals and organisations — of nature’s presence?
- How do we relate and respond to that presence?
- To what extent do we integrate or ignore the natural world in our work?
- What can nature teach us about authority, boundaries, and collaboration?
- How does nature itself participate in our organisations and work?
- How do we experience natural cycles in the rhythms of our collective lives and work, and how do we feel somatically both what is going on in nature and between us?
- How do we include the natural world in our leadership and roles?
Who Should Attend:
This conference is designed for professionals working with people, systems, and change, including:
- Leaders, (governmental) policymakers, and NGO professionals in sustainability and ecology
- Growers, healers, activists and anyone curious about the boundaries between human and more-than-human systems
- Organisational consultants, facilitators, and team coaches working in the field of sustainability
- Representatives of religious communities
- Psychologists and therapists working in the field of climate and nature
- No prior experience with Group Relations is required — only an openness to reflect, experience, and learn in new ways. However, do contact us if you have any questions about participation.
Venue:
Quadenoord Estate, an enchanting 230-hectare area, is tucked away on the northern edge of the Renkums Beekdal, on the Veluwse Zoom. This adventurous estate is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, offering a paradise for being immersed in nature. Quadenoord can be reached by public transport.The nearest train station is Ede Wageningen; a train station easily connected to international trains and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Conference Staff:
Director, Rembrandt Zegers
Organising committee: Anna-Rosa le Roux, Niels van Steenbergen, Rembrandt Zegers
Consultants: This conference functions with the help of ‘consultants’ – staff whose role it is to keep the Group Relations approach in the work all members of the group (including staff) will be doing together. The full list of consultants will be shared in due course.
Guests: Some guests who have first-hand experience in meeting with nature and leading with nature in mind will be invited to join for some time in the conference and be accessible for conference members to have conversations with.
How to register:
If you’d like to reserve a place, or simply know more, please contact conferencenaturerelations@gmail.com.
You’ll then be sent the application form for personal information like dietary needs. Acceptance to the conference is limited to 30 – 35 participants.
