Touching the spiritual essence within oneself is perhaps the greatest of gifts. I am so humbled and honored to help facilitate opportunities for people to do so. Those involved with making the arrangements and preparations for holding a workshop in their area often come away with heighten feelings knowing that they too helped facilitate such deep, meaningful experiences for others.
Hosting a workshop in your area is really quite simple and any expenses you incur will be reimbursed from event proceeds. As detailed below, finding a space in which to hold the workshop and getting the word out are really the two primary concerns.
We'll need access to bathrooms and drinking water. An optional kitchen area is also a plus for longer events.
Compensation for using the facility can be done in terms of either a flat rental fee or as a tithed portion of the proceeds. Often, churches will charge $1 per attendee. Each case will likely be a bit different, so it's best to discuss specific financial arrangements on an individual basis.
Letting people know about the workshop is most commonly done by sending press releases to local newspapers, public service announcements to local radio stations, and circulating flyers around town. Posting flyers in "spiritual" and "new age" establishments usually produce good results.
I have a sample press release, public service announcement, and flyer online to get you started. You can download and edit them yourself, or I would be glad to assist you in developing something specific for your group or area.
Your paper and photocopying costs will be reimbursed from the event proceeds. Please save all receipts. Depending on how many flyers you are able to distribute, you might want to consider colored paper. Places like Kinko's can charge as much as 10 cents extra for colored paper, so be sure to check into it first. We can discuss an "advertising budget" a bit more once the event is scheduled.
I like to arrive in town at least a few hours ahead of time or the day before when possible. We need to make sure we have pre-arranged a meeting place and that I have phone numbers and directions to that meeting place as well as the facility itself (just in case). I like to arrive at the facility itself about an hour before the advertised start time.
Just prior to the workshop, one or more greeters are needed to welcome people, explain the facility layout (coat racks, drinking water, bathrooms, etc) and point out the mailing list, donation basket, etc...
During the workshop, we will want to mention/promote PeaceWorks and the local host organization. Since I will likely not be too familiar with your area, I'll need to rely on the host to provide information to the group on local/closest Dance circles, related groups and happenings, web sites, etc...
Occasionally, overnight accomodations for people traveling long distances or those who cannot drive at night are needed. By the end of the workshop, people have such good feelings about one another that it's never a problem to find some place to stay, yet it doesn't hurt to make arrangements ahead of time when possible. As for myself, my (appropriately named) Caravan is set up for sleeping. People often graciously invite me into their homes, and while this is certainly not expected nor required, it is very much appreciated.
The host is welcome to organize a pre-registration if desired, though it is typically only necessary when prepared meals are included.
Copyright ©1998 Dave Walker. This document can be freely distributed provided this copyright notice remains.
January 20, 2001