Opportunity for great speaker coming to town

[Guest guest]

Hey there!I wanted to let you know that there is an opportunity to have a really great speaker, activist, and executive coach for activists, Hillary Rettig, author of the book The Lifelong Activist speak to local activists and your organization. You can read part of her book and more about her work at http://lifelongactivist.com/. Hillary lives on the east coast, but will be traveling to San Francisco in the spring or fall. These days, Hillary is primarily an animal rights and vegetarian activist, but has experience in various forms of activism as well as in business and coaching for executives, activists, artists, and more. Her work is geared toward empowering activists to be more effective, to overcoming personal barriers, and to be sustainable over the long term.

She would be looking for some financial support to cover her expenses out here. I think this would be an awesome opportunity to empower BAVeg activists to be more thoughtful and effective in their activism, as well as balanced in the work they/we do. I wanted to mention it to this whole list in case people belong to other activist groups that might be interested in having her speak.

I'm pasting below info about the workshops as well as testimonials about their effectiveness. Please let me know if you'd be interested in helping to subsidize this trip for her and sponsoring a speaking event here!

Thanks!Nora

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

 

Note: each of the below workshops lasts 1.5 hours, but the best use of

everyone's time is to do them both in a single 3.15 hour session

(includes a break), because the two subject matters are strongly

complementary. However, I can be flexible and work within your time

constraints. // Both topics are discussed in the context of

progressivism, with examples from several progressive movements, and

referencing George Lakoff's " nurturant parent " model of progressivism

and his dictum that it is the duty of all progressives to live happy

lives themselves, along with helping others be happy.

 

Overcoming Procrastination, Perfectionism, Blocks and Fears. This

workshop begins by precisely characterizing the nature of, and

circumstances that often surround, procrastination. We define

procrastination, and then discuss how people often mistakenly link it

to laziness, immaturity, lack of willpower, lack of commitment, and

other perceived personality or behavioral flaws, thereby

mischaracterizing it and adding a burden of shame and despair. Then we

explore the true nature of procrastination, including common mindsets

and behaviors that support it, such as perfectionism and negativity, as

well as media and other societal influences that encourage it. Finally,

we discuss solutions that really work! Participants will be encouraged

to share their own experiences and insights, and the workshop leader

will share concrete advice and strategies.

 

Time Management. This workshop begins with a discussion of how time

should be valued (contrary to the cliché, time is not money; it's far

more valuable than money); why one needs to manage it; and how

successful people tend to view and use time. Then we discuss how to

properly value time; right and wrong ways to use time; and lifestyles

that support and inhibit success. Then we discuss how to budget and

track your time, how to set priorities, and how to " create " time

through delegation and other techniques. Finally, we discuss tips for

sticking to your schedule, and how to deal with people who don't

support you.

 

Fee: I suggest a donation of $20 per person for the combined workshop

(3 hours), or $10 for the individual ones (90 mins). I am also willing

to do workshops as " partial fundraisers, " in which I share the donation

with the hosting organization.

 

My only speaker needs are a blackboard, whiteboard or easel pad, and

someone to assist with collecting donations and selling books. I may

also require a place to sleep before or after the event, and local

transportation.

 

TESTIMONIALS

 

When Hillary Rettig came to our church and led a workshop about leading

a joyful and productive progressive life, her message resonated with

everyone. Not only did she give helpful practical tools and tips, she

helped us get to the underlying issues that stand in the way of being

joyful and effective activists. Afterwards, I was swamped with people

asking, " where did you FIND her? We really needed this! " I'd strongly

recommend Hillary's book and her presentation to all activists working

in Unitarian Universalist and other liberal faith communities. — Marisa

Miller Wolfson, Faith in Action committee member, Fourth Universalist

Society, New York City

 

Hillary's dynamic, heartfelt workshops not only empowered and inspired

our staff members, but provided them with insights and tools that they

could use to empower and inspire others, including our clients. As such,

Hillary's workshops provide " double value " and I urge all nonprofits in

particular to invite her to speak. — George Zeller, Jewish Vocational

Service, Boston, MA

 

Boston Skillshare participants attended Hillary Rettig's workshops in

droves and left with strong tools to manage their lives. Participant

feedback described Rettig's workshops as " inspiring and practical, "

" invaluable help to get my life on track, " and a means to " truly examine

my time management issues. " — Bart Admonius, organizer, Boston Skillshare

 

Hillary provided both insight and practical tips that left everyone

with a renewed vision of what it means to be a productive activist. She

answered every question with true empathy and patience, making the

audience feel safe and validated. Her professionalism and organization

is impressive, but it's really her accessibility that's refreshingly

unusual. — Jasmin Singer, Farm Sanctuary, New York, NY

 

Hillary is a charismatic speaker who has the ability to reach people

from various backgrounds and perspectives. Her talks are interactive in

a way that benefit all who attend. She gets the balance between giving

practical tips and supporting our need to use those tips. Her wisdom

should not be overlooked. If you can only make it to one talk this

season make it this one. — Aryenish Birdie, Hampshire College, Amherst,

MA

 

Off-the-charts outstanding. Absolutely astonishing. Honest, respectful,

encouraging and sincere. She had us all rapt. — workshop participant

 

It was so helpful for me to hear and absorb that " procrastination is

not a moral flaw. " I sat down today and proceeded to empty my email

inbox by responding to emails that have been gathering virtual dust

there for months if not years. The last one I responded to was from

three years ago. Whew! What a relief. — workshop participant

 

--

 

Hillary Rettig's book The Lifelong Activist teaches you how to overcome

your fears, blocks and procrastination and live a happy and productive

life that includes a strong social mission.

 

" If I had but one book to spend hard-earned cash on this year,

The Lifelong Activist would be it, hands down. " - Daily Kos

 

order: www.lanternbooks.com/detail.html?id=1590560906

read sample chapters: www.lifelongactivist.com/aboutthebook

career and life coaching: www.lifelongactivist.com/coaching

speeches and workshops: www.lifelongactivist.com/speechesworkshops

blog/news/events: www.lifelongactivist.com/blog

veganism as a progressive value: www.lifelongactivist.com/goveg

 

Also, download my new FREE e-book The Little Guide To Beating

Procrastination, Perfectionism and Blocks: a Manual For Artists,

Activists, Entrepreneurs, Academics and Other Ambitious Dreamers at:

www.lifelongactivist.com/downloads

-- " The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. " -Gandhiwww.chooseveg.com " Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. "

-The Lorax by Dr. Seuss