Gutsy Projects.
Carefully held groups for volunteering and community projects – so showing up for a cause doesn’t take more than you’ve got. Taking shape now.
Showing up for something that matters
So many of us want community and connection. So many of us also want to participate, contribute and make a difference. Trying to work out how can be overwhelming, especially when new people make us anxious, groups in general are a lot, and we constantly doubt what we have to offer.
Gutsy explores how to build groups that allow us to be together better, especially for those who are more introverted, quiet, shy, sensitive or socially anxious. Projects takes that practice outwards and asks: what becomes possible when you’re warmly welcomed, carefully hosted and supported in the process of showing up for a cause, a community or a place that matters to you?
Still forming
The idea is still forming: small, closely held groups built around a real volunteering or community project – say, a community garden.
The activity itself will be at the centre, with Gutsy practices wrapped around it: extra care over access and welcome, clear routes to share feedback and resolve problems, careful connection with your fellow group members, opening circles and warm-ups, team work, wind-downs and closing circles with celebrations and acknowledgements.
That’s my rough sketch on the back of a napkin.
Right now I’m using myself as a test case – trying things out, noticing what makes me feel able to get involved and what puts me off, what helps me feel welcome, and what stops me ever coming back.
I’m doing that first, before I try to build this for anyone else. I’m also starting conversations with community and volunteering groups about what working together might look like. And allowing it all to develop at the pace it needs. I’ll share what I’m learning along the way in the newsletter.
Projects news goes out through the Get Gutsy newsletter, along with personal essays and notes as I practice. Sign up to stay in touch.
Run a community or volunteering project?
If you’re curious what working with Gutsy could look like, I’d love to hear from you.