Registration for the 2021 Annual Workshop Uralla

Registration is Now Open

SDN is a network of like-minded people interested in the challenges of our time, and keen to share knowledge, experiences and concerns. 
 
The main SDN event is the annual workshop in January. This workshop is about personal, social and community development, based on an open space approach - no fixed agenda, no experts, no hierarchy. Whoever comes is ‘meant to be there’!
 
Participants have the opportunity (no pressure) to present to the group about whatever they want, any issue of importance from global to local, personal to political – in a trusting and supportive atmosphere over four days of convivial in-depth conversations and stimulating discussion.
 
The workshop provides a forum for big and small ideas, our life stories and personal growth. It’s a chance to share thoughts on creating a good life, share concerns and problems, our journeys to interesting places, insights and personal stories, where we’re at in life right now. 
 
The exchanges made possible in this forum are invaluable and set us up better equipped for another year.
 
Please note that: Registration numbers remain conditional upon NSW regulations, and not all registrations will necessarily be approved.
 
Register here.
SDN Uralla 2021 Workshop Flyer SDN Annual Workshop 2021 Uralla

If the Covid-19 Lockdown has you thinking about real and authentic ways to ‘build back better’, or you are interested in promoting social change, community development, co-operation strategies and personal growth, consider attending the Social Developers’ Network 2021 Annual Workshop.

Bring your story of anything from the personal to the political, the local to the global, and become part of this workshop’s dynamic agenda.

Sharpen your skills for being an effective catalyst for social change during this long week-end of conviviality, conversation and ideas.

The 2021 Workshop will be held at the Uralla Community Centre (near Armidale) NSW, Australia, from 15 to 20 January 2021.

4 days/5 nights, accommodation and meals, standard fee $380, Concession $180, Deposit of $50 on registration.

Registration is open.

Registration numbers remain conditional upon NSW regulations, and not all registrations will necessarily be approved.

Covid-19 awareness is required from all participants.

SDN Regional Workshop, NSW Mid North Coast, September 2020

Participants at the Falls Forest workshop in September 2020
Participants at the Falls Forest workshop in September 2020

Participant Reflections

Two of us sang some guitar songs and one led a meditation session. Some of the comments from participants:

“Brilliant, stimulating, the informality is good, it’s a safe space for people to have an opinion”.

“This is my first experience of speaking intimately with Aboriginal people. I’m amazed at how complex Aboriginal society is”.

“It’s thought-provoking. I live alone so this is good. Could we include other groups like conservatives who may not agree with us?”

“I have so appreciated having Gary and Ray here”.

“Our views are part of us”.

Workshop Summary Report

Previous attempts to hold an SDN workshop on the mid north coast had failed – it was too hot and humid in summer on the coast, we couldn’t seem to get enough people interested, suitable venues were hard to find… Then, just as the Covid-19 crisis had eased enough for small groups to get together, we found a venue that would be suitable - The Falls Forest Retreat.

Seven people attended, plus the SDN Coordinator, a total of 8. Small but workable. The Falls has motel-style units with private rooms for sleeping, a large kitchen and a distinctive sunken meeting space reflecting the 1970s architecture. Outside, there are tables under a pergola and a short walk through sub-tropical rainforest to an impressive waterfall.

Some of the topics covered during our discussions:

  • How do we live in a world in crisis? The ancient philosophers and their teaching on virtues.
  • Neo-liberalism and the corona virus. Yuval Noah Harari TED talk.
  • Jess Hill’s book – See What You Made Me Do – Power, Control and Domestic Abuse. Presentation and discussion.
  • Psychopathic world leaders, wildlife trade and life story including migration from Holland and service in the Vietnam war.
  • Life story, ex tempore. Gary is a veteran Aboriginal activist – freedom rides, tent embassy.
  • Thunghutti language essentials – ‘Irri-urri-arri’.

This was the first SDN workshop held on the NSW mid north coast. It was a success, reflecting in many ways what an SDN workshop is about – a coming together of people to enjoy honest and open discussion of topics of interest and learn from others in an atmosphere of positive creativity, shared trust and support.

SDN Newsletter April 2020

Participants at the 2020 SDN workshop near Melbourne

The April 2020 Social Developers' Network Newsletter is attached for download.

This issue includes - Invitations to share our ideas, and to join an SDN Zoom meeting; and quite a few articles. All in all a Bumper Issue.

PDF icon 2020-April-SDN-Newsletter.pdf

Social Development Inspiration

Links to websites and articles that may inspire your social development mind.

  • Survival Of The Nicest? A Theory Of Our Origins Says Cooperation Not Competition Is Instinctive

    Visit
    Cooperation Not Competition Is Instinctive

    'As worker-owned cooperatives continue to gain prominence around the world, we may ultimately witness the downfall of Carnegie’s “law of competition” and a return to the collaborative environments that the human species has long called home.'

  • Restorative Justice FAQ

    Visit
    Restorative Justice

    Why Me provides a succinct outline of common questions and answers about Restorative Justice.

  • Regenerative wellbeing: Creating the conditions conducive for well beings

    Visit
    Photo by Sebastian Unrau on Unsplash

    Regeneration is an interconnected process of becoming that all living beings participate in, where the healthy unfolding of every life form is inextricably connected with the healthy unfolding of everything else.

What is Social Development?

Adventure

Social Development is the Intersection between Community Development and Personal Development.

Many citizens in Australia and elsewhere give generously of their time and energy to contribute to the wellbeing of the local community and the wider society. Some seek a group where ideas and plans can be discussed in an open way, and where constructive feedback and support can be provided.

The Social Developers' Network

SDN Logo

The Social Developers' Network (SDN) is a non-profit, free association of people with a commitment to personal and social development.

Social Developers meet at national and regional workshops, to contribute and share knowledge and experiences.

Our purpose is to be creative and action-oriented: we constantly seek explanations which emerge from action in the world. We are equally interested both in individual people and in the wider social and ecological systems on which our collective wellbeing depends.

What are SDN Workshops?

Image of arms forming a circle

SDN Workshops are real and relevant, on a personal and social level, for those engaging actively and sincerely in the issues of our times.

The vital and central component of SDN membership is participation in recurrent workshops. Participants each discuss a wide range of self-chosen topics, covering everything from personal, through philosophical, professional, operational and practical issues.

Benefits of Involvement with SDN

SDN on Social Media

Social Media Messages

Facebook Page

SDN has a Facebook Page. Please like our page.

Facebook Group

SDN has a public group - Social Developers Online Connection. This group is for anyone who has attended an SDN Workshop in the past, and also for people who have an interest in Social Development. We welcome your engagement.

Role and Objects of the Social Developers’ Network (SDN)

The SDN is a non-profit unincorporated association whose primary task is the support and training for citizens engaged in constructive volunteer initiatives beneficial to the community. The SDN is a support platform only, and does itself not engage in any kind of active lobbying, projects, or public policy initiatives. The SDN does not hold any political agenda, and welcomes people from all political, racial, and social identities. The SDN is predominately a receptive space for those engaged in community initiatives to come together to discuss, reflect, learn and rejuvenate through a uniquely designed process of interaction. Read More