FAQ
Q. HOW DOES THIS WORK? CAN I SIGN UP FOR JUST ONE MONTH?
A. Yes…and, STL Sandbox is built to be a repeat experience. We, as facilitators, continue to learn, grow, and strengthen our muscles in each and every session. Part of ‘The Practice’ is committing to practice. Much of what Sandbox conditions us to do (asking more questions; looking for and prioritizing what feels hard; identifying smaller, more aligned steps of action) can be in tension with conventional wisdom (accepting what’s known as true; believing we will have greater appetite for hard things later; action must be BIG and *loud* to matter). The more we practice “off the field,” the more fluid and capable our muscle memory is when it matters. We recommend at least a 3 month engagement.
Q. Where do the workshops take place? are they in st louis? Do I Need to be from St. Louis?
A. STL Sandbox is a St Louis-grown initiative. You will undoubtedly learn something(s) about St Louis by participating! You do not need to be from or connected to St Louis in order to participate. It is a virtual offering. For half of the years in Nicole and Adelaide’s partnership they have not lived in the same city. They are skilled at leveraging zoom and marco polo as vehicles for engagement! Virtual offerings allow national participation. We have found tremendous value when our participants can share their learnings and challenges from very different geographies.
You are encouraged to bring a pal or two from your community or organization (and get a discount for doing so!) because it helps build more power!
Q. is this a work-focused opportunity?
A. Not necessarily. Participants sign up motivated to think critically about their contributions to and impact on all kinds of efforts, organizations and communities - including their neighborhoods, PTOs, faith communities, workplaces, alma maters, extracurriculars, civic engagement, and within their volunteer work. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done…well, everywhere. It takes caring and showing up to make that happen. Chances are the places you love the most could use a little more of both of those. We believe that you’re better poised than most to contribute to positive change.
Q. WILL i be sharing details of my work?
A. You’ll share what you feel comfortable sharing. Many participants share quite a lot without divulging names or identifying information. It’s the content and context of the challenges that matter - not the who, what, and where of it.
Q. Can I sign Up with a colleague or partner?
A. Yes. Absolutely. We recommend it! Colleagues or partners #2 - #4 can join at a discount. If you want to participate with a group of 5 or more let us know and we can determine if some more custom is appropriate. You can email us at thestlsandbox@gmail.com.
Q. i have participated before but it has been awhile? I would like a refresh. can i sign up again?
A. Absolutely. We learn more in each session we run. STL Sandbox has continue to evolve over the last 5 years and the content reflects that. Also, as you’ll remember from our past sessions together, this is a practice and building our own capacity requires many trips to the (metaphorical) gym. Sessions also differ based on who else is participating. Please join us again!
Q. I HAVE PARTICIPATED RECENTLY THROUGH AN ORGANIZATIONAL ENGAGEMENT. WILL IT BE A REPEAT?
A. It will be familiar, but not a repeat. It’s a great way to continue building your practice in a different configuration. This is also a great way to expand your team’s capacity and muscle by bringing them with you.
Q. ARE THE WORKSHOP FEES NEGOTIABLE?
A. We do not want the workshop fee to be a barrier. Please let us know if you need financial assistance in order to participate. You can email us at thestlsandbox@gmail.com.
Q. CAN I HELP PAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO PARTICIPATE?
A. Yes, please let us know if you’re interested in sponsoring another person’s participation. We will leverage your generosity when assistance is asked for. You can email us at thestlsandbox@gmail.com.
Q. what will i need to bring?
A. A willingness to try. An openness to creativity. That’s it.
Q. I have more questions not addressed here. How do I reach you?
A. Great! Contact us.