For over 20 years, Comhlámh has supported a network of Volunteer Sending Agencies through the Comhlámh Code of Good Practice. As echoed in the most recent edition of the Code, reflection, connection and community have always been central to the work:
“The Code aims to support and to challenge, accompanying a journey of reflection and change. It seeks to strengthen practice within living, learning organisations who are open to new approaches and willing to seek out emerging ways of being, even if these are not always clear and easily defined. It is not about ticking boxes to achieve a narrowly defined status which fits neatly into a photo frame. Perfection is not the goal – mistakes are part of the process and vital for learning within a continuously evolving process that we are all part of. (Comhlámh Code of Good Practice, pg. 5)”
None of this is easy. How do we genuinely open ourselves up to new approaches? How do we hold space for the contradictions in our work? How do we confront power imbalances and complicity in harmful systems while generating momentum for new ways of doing? How do we stay on the path of reflection, and not become overwhelmed or burnt out?
Working with Asier Carrrasco González to develop this Gestalt inspired handbook has helped us to recognise the importance of relationships based in care and honest communication and that time for process offers important foundations for this work.
The activities in this handbook offer an opportunity for individual and collective exploration of these two elements in an intentional way and to build up the base that we know is already there. We are deeply grateful for all the care and thought that Asier put into the handbook. Enjoy exploring it and let us know how you get on!