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A Journey of Inner Development

Are you ready to embrace a season of connection, reflection, and growth? Inspired by the learning and introspection of her sabbatical, our Director of Systems Change and Learning, Freya Bradford, invites you to join us for the Winter Warm-Up, a 10-week journey designed to gently explore and cultivate the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) together. 

 

Beginning February 10th, 2025, this unique experience will bring changemakers from across our five-county region into a shared virtual space to:

  • Reflect on what it means to embody the capacities that create meaningful change.

  • Explore micro-practices and tools to foster personal and collective growth.

  • Engage in thoughtful dialogue and build connections with like-minded peers.

Each week, we will introduce two or three inner capacities—such as presence, learning mindset, trust, and connectedness—accompanied by reflective questions and practical ways to deepen our collective understanding. 

This experience takes place 100% in Slack, as we experiment hosting an online community and offer a new way for changemakers to connect with one another. There are no meetings or workshops. Instead, you can explore offerings at your own pace. Together, we’ll contribute to a supportive and inspiring environment in Slack where you can share insights, celebrate breakthroughs, and encourage each other throughout the journey.

Join the Winter Warm-Up

image: Inner Development Goals

About the Inner Development Goals (IDGs)

The Inner Development Goals offer a framework to build the personal and interpersonal capacities needed to address the most complex challenges in our world. The IDGs highlight 23 key capacities grouped into five dimensions:

  • Being: Cultivating qualities like presence, self-awareness, and inner calm.

  • Thinking: Fostering skills like critical thinking, sensemaking, and creativity.

  • Relating: Building trust, empathy, and a sense of connectedness with others.

  • Collaborating: Enhancing abilities like co-creation, communication, and inclusion.

  • Acting: Strengthening resilience, courage, and the drive to make a difference.

During the Winter Warm-Up, we’ll explore these dimensions with curiosity and compassion, encouraging a gradual deepening of your own inner capacities. Whether you are new to the IDGs or seeking to expand your understanding, this journey offers tools and practices to integrate these transformative skills into your life and work.

Winter Warm-Up FAQ

Who can participate in the Winter Warm-Up? 

This journey is open to changemakers from across the five-county region (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau counties in Northwestern Lower Michigan) who are interested in personal growth, community connection, and exploring the Inner Development Goals.

 

What is the time commitment? 

The Winter Warm-Up is designed to fit into your busy schedule. Each week, you’ll receive a short update with reflective questions, micro-practices, and tools. Engaging with the Slack space and other participants is entirely up to you, based on your availability and interest.

 

What are the participation expectations? 

We encourage participants to engage with the weekly materials and join the conversation in Slack as much as their schedule allows. This is a flexible, self-paced experience, but active participation can enrich your learning and connections with others. Respectful and constructive dialogue is essential to creating a supportive community for everyone.

 

What are the community guidelines? 

To ensure a positive and inclusive environment, we ask all participants to follow some basic Community Guidelines:

  • Be respectful and kind in all interactions.

  • Keep discussions focused on the topics and themes shared each week.

  • Uphold a spirit of curiosity and openness, recognizing that everyone is on their own unique journey. If any concerns arise, please reach out to the Rotary Charities team for support.

 

How do I join the Slack workspace? 

After you sign up to participate in the Winter Warm-Up experience, you will receive an invitation to our Slack workspace, where weekly updates will be posted, and you can connect with other participants.

 

Do I need a subscription to Slack? 

No, our Slack workspace is free to join, but you’ll need a Slack account. If you already have a Slack account, we recommend signing up for the Winter Warm-Up with the same account you already use so you can toggle between workspaces easily. We’ll share more information on how to get started on Slack when you’re invited to the workspace.

 

Is there a cost to participate? 

No, there is no cost to participate in the Winter Warm-Up.

 

Do I need prior knowledge of the IDGs to join? 

Not at all! This experience is open to everyone, regardless of your familiarity with the Inner Development Goals. Whether you’re new to the framework or have previous experience, you’ll find value in the reflective and interactive format.

 

What happens after the 10 weeks? 

The Winter Warm-Up is just the beginning! You’ll leave with tools and insights to continue your inner development journey and connections with others who share your commitment to meaningful change.

Join the Winter Warm-Up