Living and Leading from Within
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Programs & Retreats for Life & Work

There is in us an instinct for newness, for renewal, for a liberation of creative power. We seek to awaken in ourselves a force that changes our lives from within. And the same instinct tells us that this change is a recovery of that which is deepest, most original, most personal in ourselves.                                                            – Thomas Merton

Courage & Renewal programs are designed to sustain you in your life and work, to build your capacity for resilience, to help develop clarity and discernment around your life direction and choices, and to renew your commitment to living an authentic life. At any stage in your life and career, these programs help you “connect who you are with what you do”.

All programs offered are grounded in the Circle of Trust® approach which was created by Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal.  A Circle of Trust is distinguished by principles and practices designed to create a process of shared exploration, where people can find safe space to nurture personal and professional integrity and the courage to act on it. In the hands of a knowledgeable and skilled facilitator, this approach has the power to transform individuals, families, workplaces and communities. 

Signature programs are:

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Courage to Lead®

"True leadership comes not from the sound of a commanding voice but from the nudging of an inner voice ...."                                          - Madeleine K. Albright

For individuals from all walks of life who care deeply about their work in the world, to help them develop the courage to live and lead with integrity.  At the heart of authentic leadership is the courage to be fully human, to take risks, to care deeply, and to take action even in the midst of change and uncertainty. 

Check out the Event Calendar for the date of the next Courage to Lead.

Courage to Teach® 

“Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.”                           -       Parker J. Palmer

Courage to Teach focuses on renewing the inner lives of professionals in education, providing educators from all sectors the opportunity for personal and professional insight and growth.  Inspired by Parker J. Palmer’s ground-breaking book, The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life, this program is rooted in the belief that competent, caring and committed teachers are the vital ingredient in successful learning outcomes. 

Check out the Event Calendar for the date of the next Courage to Teach.

​​Leading Together:  Strengthening Relational Trust in Schools

Leading Together was developed at the request of many educators who had experienced personal and professional transformation through the Courage to Teach program, and who were looking for ways they might translate their experience for the benefit of their school communities.
​Leading Together  is an evidence-based program that supports whole school change by strengthening shared leadership, personal development and relational trust in the adult community.
 
It is designed to help school leadership teams build the capacity to facilitate positive, trusting relationships among the adults in their school community, to enable them to work together more collaboratively to improve student outcomes. 
 
Leading Together focuses on shifting school culture by:
  • cultivating self-awareness and internal accountability
  • improving communication
  • building connection and community
  • fostering collaboration
  • strengthening listening and reflecting
  • sharpening focus and attention
  • addressing conflict constructively
 
Check out the Leading Together page for further details of the program.



​Other programs offered to the Education sector include:

The Heart of the Teacher

A one-day workshop introducing educators to approaches for personal and professional renewal and to practical applications that bring reflection and mindfulness into classrooms and support the building of relational trust in the adult school community.

Professional Development Collaborations

For whole school faculties, to renew school cultures, improve professional relationships and communication, to grow and challenge existing and aspiring leaders, and develop a shared school vision.  Programmes can be tailored to the needs of your particular situation.

Sampler Sessions

Custom-designed workshop sessions, that offer a brief introduction to Circle of Trust reflective practice, can be provided as part of a wider professional development or conference program.

Other Circle of Trust® Programs and Retreats

From time to time other programs for personal renewal  will be offered.   
Check out the Event Calendar for dates.  


    Would you like email notification of new events on the Event Calendar?

Yes, please add me to your email list

Mennie Scapens M.Ed
Courage & Renewal Facilitator
Phone 07 552 6581
Mobile 027 686 7449
Email  scapens@xtra.co.nz


What participants have to say:

"Taking the time out of the busy rush of university life to really reconnect with my inner self was definitely invaluable! I had forgotten to really take a step back to re-evaluate my personal goals and see whether they align with my values."
   - Merit Scholar, Macquarie 
           University, Sydney.


"I particularly liked the idea of the trust circle, in which silence wasn't awkward, but was mostly a way to reflect upon what others told. The atmosphere was very soothing, relaxed and ideal for inner thinking and reflection." 
  - Merit Scholar, Macquarie 
           University, Sydney.


"The concept of silence as a valued member of the group provides a new framework to connect and relate to others, in a more responsive way rather than a reactive way."
 - Counsellor, Tauranga.