Heather Bligh Manchester

Oakland, CA

United States

Profile Information:

How did you learn about Art of Hosting (please add the date and place) and what attracted you to it?

A dear friend from Germany and mentor from California simultaneously suggested I attend an Art of Hosting in Petaluma, CA in June 2013, after I had just returned to California from living in Northern Ireland for 4 years. I listened to this serendipitous call and participated and then attended this Art of Hosting and one in July 2013 in Medellin, Colombia.

Tell us about your experience with Art of Hosting as part of your life and work. What would you say your competence in it is? (new, starting practitioner, experienced practitioner, steward)

I had the great opportunity to participate in 3 different Art of Hostings in the Americas. (California, Colombia and Canada) I am a host for an upcoming AOH - The Art of Participatory Leadership: Building Resilient Communities and Organizations in California in March 2014. I would say that I am a starting practitioner. I am experienced in the methods, facilitation and hosting and the theories of change are newer areas of learning.

What is the primary field/topic/focus in your hosting work?

I am an educator, trainer, and convener., with over 15 years of experience facilitating participatory leadership, community engagement and peacebuilding programs locally and internationally. A passionate leader who partners with young people and adults to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and increased educational opportunities, in service of supporting more equitable and resilient communities.
I work mainly in the education and non profit (NGO) sectors. I strive to host myself and others in and out of circle in restorative justice work.

Where do you live/work?

I live in Oakland, California and I work throughout rural and urban Northern California and a bit in Ireland.

Are there interests/passions that you'd like to share?

I am passionate about working in partnership with young people and community, creating spaces for and hearing people's stories, theatre of the oppressed and restorative justice as tools to host change and DANCING!

Comment Wall: