'The Get Together' II: Self-Care for The Practitioner - Stories, Connection, Reflection and Recharge

All applicants must be aged 18 and over; there is no upper age limit. Please note that if you need a visa to enter Greece it is not possible to provide letters of invite.

'The Get Together' II:  Self-Care for The Practitioner - Stories, Connection, Reflection and Recharge is about creating space for Youth Work practitioners and Non-Formal Educators to come together to foster interpersonal connection, share ideas, visions, aspirations and non-work stories, spend quality time together, enjoy each other’s company and for a short period of time leave everyday policy, practice, programmes and strategy behind.

The Youth Work & Trainers Bazaar in association with EN.O Greece and European Earth Event and with the support of the Directorate of Solidarity and Social Affairs Welfare Department, Amfilochia, Greece,will host ‘The Get Together II’ in the beautiful coastal surroundings of Mpouka Amfilochias, in the northwestern part of AetoloAcarnania in Greece, between Thursday 25th September and Wednesday 1st October.

This is the second meeting of ‘The Get Together,’ the first taking place in Bremen, Germany in August 2024 and it will create space for practitioners to join colleagues and peers for several days where relaxed conversation and recharging are at the heart of the time spent together and where regular work, i.e., Erasmus+ (and similar) is left aside momentarily. Rest, connection, conversation, and recharge are very much central to the programme.

The aim of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for practitioners to connect with one another, but rather than (as is ‘the norm’ with international youth work gatherings) focus on developing programmes and projects or to discuss policy and strategy, or even the evolution of models of practice, or sample new tools or ways of working, we want to create space for individuals to engage with one another at a more informal and human level, and make time to be together.

A criticism we often hear from practitioners is that they don’t have enough time in the normal large in-person youth work events to spend quality time with one another and with The Get Together we wish to offer this space and make the time.

We wish to provide opportunities for practitioners to sit and chat about issues important to them (and not necessarily those of their organisation) without the pressure of having to report back or the obligation of having to create a list of actions they must implement post-programme.

We want to create time for practitioners to engage but where they are not necessarily having to represent the interests of their organisation or advocating on behalf of a community of interest.

We would like to offer space for practitioners to sit, relax and enjoy each other’s company and get to know the person rather than merely (focus on) the practitioner.

We are keen to explore moments together where the emphasis is on fun, enjoyment, and laughter, and other pro-social elements such as care, compassion and kindness but equally, ensure moments of serenity and calm, as well as creating memories and appreciating time together away from intense and often demanding schedules and environments that have come to dominate the Youth Work agenda.

We ultimately want to invite practitioners to be part of an experience where they come as an individual, as a human being, as the person and not solely the practitioner, and do not feel burdened with the ‘baggage’ of professional responsibilities, where they can leave their practitioner hat at the door.

Individuals will be guaranteed time to enhance their connections with colleagues and peers without the pressure of having to select and attend workshops or sessions. They will have space to explore and examine issues that they prioritise rather than those determined by policy and strategy.

This initiative is not in receipt of any funding. The Bazaar is delighted that EN.O Greece and European Earth Event  will host ‘The Get Together II’ in the beautiful coastal surroundings of Amphilochia, where the venue sits looking onto the beach.

The event is self-organised and participants will help to arrange all elements including activities and meals. Apart from time and energy, the only expense is travel and this will be the responsibility of participants no matter where they travel from.

‘The Get Together II’ will provide space for practitioners to come together as individuals rather than as professionals and together share stories, experiences, ideas and thoughts, reflection, the outdoors, health and wellbeing activities, and learn about the non-work activities that other colleagues are involved in.

This call is open to practitioners that wish to take part, but you also have the opportunity to help shape the schedule in advance by offering something that can be part of our time together. Some of the themes from last year included:

Storytelling, Music, Gaming, Poetry, Relaxation Activities, Individual Time, Humour, Informal Discussions, Reflection Spaces, Art, Outdoors and Nature

If you wish to be part of this space and feel you can make a positive contribution under one of the above themes or you have another theme to suggest, please fill out the application form:

https://forms.gle/cLBWvWVd97d9RNPS6

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if you have any questions please e-mail: theyouthworkandtrainersbazaar@outlook.com

We look forward to seeing you in September.

Join us for 'The Get Together.' You're invited!