Bullshitador Collective: a workshop for leaders charting a different future

The Bullshitador Collective is a workshop for women and gender-expansive leaders, visionaries, creatives, and instigators to tell the truth about what’s ending, reignite imagination for what’s possible, and develop the stamina to participate intentionally with what comes next.

The old structures are no longer working, and while no one is clear about what’s coming next, leaders like you, who live on the edge of this future and are already navigating ambiguity and paradox, know that something has already shifted and a new story is emerging. You are no longer here or there – you’re in the space between.

The Bullshitador Collective is a container for this uncertainty. To build new structures --whether at home, at work, or in our neighborhoods and schools-- people need to harness their insights and ideas, move each other from depletion to inspiration, and create sustainable systems change that can be integrated within their circles of influence.

This session is for those who:

• are working toward an unknown future;
• need the space, time, and community for creative thought and fresh ideas;
• want to connect with colleagues across fields of inquiry to cross-pollinate ideas;
• want to reinvigorate their motivation for changing whatever patch of the world they're working in.

Slowing down to pay attention to the patterns is the only way we’re going to chart a different future. Visionary leaders, creatives, and activist change makers need designed spaces for this kind of thinking and creativity; and for the world that’s coming, people navigating burnout under patriarchy need to be in community with each other.

In this intimate cohort of 10-15 people, we will:

Compost the nonsense: name the bs, and use this knowledge to enrich the collective story

• In the first half of the day, we partner with other bullshitadors to iterate through a couple of cycles of sharing what you’re sensing, listening to what isn’t being spoken, and integrating new ideas that come up. 

Find your people: connect across silos and sectors with others who are experiencing the same tensions

• In the second half of the day, we practice design inquiry by mapping our ecosystems, identifying resources and leverage points, noticing energy distribution, and highlighting the connections within our individual maps and across our collective landscape.

Shift subtly/change durably: make small moves to leverage long-term transformation

• Finally, we create an intentionally simple future design vision to put the day’s findings into action. Everyone will have an opportunity to share what they learned, what shifted, and what they’ll take with them.

Humor, art, and music are portals that are thoughtfully woven throughout the day, encouraging us to tap into other ways of knowing and unstick from the mental ruts of what is in favor of what could be.

There will be a one-hour break for lunch: see food options below

When we de-normalize something that has previously been unquestioned or invisible, we open space for new stories, values and relationships to emerge. Naming bs in a system illuminates a bridge between where we are and where we're going, which ultimately shifts mindsets and culture. But in that space between, bullshitadors can feel alone and vulnerable if they don't have a collective of co-conspirators.

If you are de-normalizing previously invisible dynamics in resource distribution, community organizing, governance and hierarchy structures, or any other currently accepted norms in your home, school, workplace, or practice, this workshop will leave you with:

• New thinking –about patterns you couldn't see before and what’s possible from here
• New connections --to yourself, your work, and others doing the same
• Realignment --with your long-term vision and goals, both personal and systemic
• Motivation that reverberates –because it’s based in creativity and joy

Together bullshitadors harness the fires around them to stoke the flames within them.

About Kristen Corning Bedford

I’m a civic leader, visionary catalyst, and Principal Consultant of philanthro/be, a consultancy that supports individuals and communities visualize and innovate the future. I received an MA in Whole Systems Design, and have founded nonprofits, served on boards of directors, led community strategy sessions, and launched collective initiatives. I wrote A Generous Heart, Changing the World Through Feminist Philanthropy, and write weekly and podcast seasonally (coming soon!) on my Substack page, Bullshitador. I live in West Seattle with my husband and two teenage sons and am currently working on a memoir about the year I lost my hair.

Cost: Tiered ticketing prices reflect my commitment to community growth through equitable access and the power of richly layered humus. There are several levels, including two access (free/pay what you can) tickets, first come, first served.

All ticket prices include morning coffee and pastries (include any food restrictions at check-out).

FAQs:

Is it possible to pay for my ticket in installments?  There isn't an installment option through the ticketing site, but if you need this option to participate, I can work with you to set up payments in 2 installments. Contact me: kcbedford [at] gmail

What if I need a refund?  Because of the small design of this workshop, refunds will only be given with emailed notification 14 business days before the event. After October 26^th, refunds will no longer be offered.

Is food provided?

Your ticket price includes coffee and pastries in the morning, along with various water options. Lunch is not provided, and it's suggested you bring your own so you can enjoy the downtime around the Youngstown space, as well as the casual company of the other participants.

I can't bring a lunch -is there somewhere to purchase lunch in the neighborhood?  Youngstown Cultural Center isn’t easily walkable to any lunch spots, but with an hour break and a car, there are a few restaurants you could order from and pick up. Here are a few of my favorite local options: Hagosa’s House, La Chingona, Luna Park Café, Pho Aroma. 

How interactive is this workshop? The day is designed to be interactive and creative, allowing everyone an opportunity to speak in small groups and 1-on-1. The magic of these workshops comes from the space created between participants. Come prepared to name bullshit, relax and enjoy the company of other dreamers like you, and dig into your ideas for the future.

I have more questions before I commit. How can I reach you? I'm happy to answer individual questions via email or set up a 15-minute inquiry call: kcbedford [at] gmail.