European Summerweek Connecting Communication and more, 21-18 August in the Netherlands.
Creating practical hope together. From I, to you, to we!
The last full week of August, in the middle of the Netherlands, at a beautiful location in the middle of nature, there is an inspiring workshop week from Saturday till Saturday. It is based on Connecting (Nonviolent) Communication, and we alos want to broaden it. How can we create a world that works for all? From the core of ourselves towards the outer world, creating PRACTICAL HOPE. We will use different methods to answer this question. Connecting Communication, The work that reconnects (Joanna Macey), Living Compassion (Robert Gonzales), Sociocracy, Conflictmediation and conflictresolution.
It is for people with and without experience in Connection Communication. It is recommended you did a basic course in Connecting Communication, because then you have more options to choose your workshops.
The location is Centrum Oostraven, Epe, the Netherlands. (Closest big city is Apeldoorn)
We aim at 40 participants out of Europe. We encourage everyone to travel is a way that is eco–friendly: by foot, bike, train and bus, or car. Make it a sunmmertrip and take some time to travel around in the beautiful Netherlands!
The trainers are:
Hester Macrander, from the Netherlands. CNVC certified trainer, specialities: creative background in theatre and writing, conflictmediation.
Eva Maria Schneijderberg, from the Netherlands. CNVC certified trainer, specialities: the work that reconnects, living compassion.
Marijke Christianson, from Sweden. CNVC certified trainer, specialities: the work that reconnects, sociocracy. (Has Dutch roots and speaks Dutch also)
Baltazar Faunbäck, from Germany, Berlin. CNVC candidate, specialities: empathy, democracy, dialogue.
Hester and Eva Maria organize and facilitate summerweeks for many years, this will be there seventh year. They are experienced, also in working with groups of fourty people. This is their first European week.
The language
It will be in English, at a middle level. If you need translation, we will take care of that. (Whisper-translation). If there are only Dutch people in a workshop, it will be in Dutch.
Registration opens on January 1, 2027.
Most rooms are for two people, beds are apart with quite some space between them. There are a few single rooms. And a few rooms for three people, which is cheaper. Biological, vegetarian food is taken care of, with vegan options and we can take care of all sorts of diets.
Doubt?
If you are unsure whether this is right for you, please feel free to discuss it: get in touch.
So…
This week is an immersion in Connecting Communication and other inspiring methods. The aim is to explore the essence of how we can live a good live for yourself, and together, to deepen this further and to expand it to the outer world. How can we take care of ourselves and contribute to a world that works for all?
Workshops
From Sunday to Friday each day has a theme, and there will be choice from four workshops in the morning and four in the afternoon. So eight workshops per day. On Saturday 21st you can arrive from 15:00 o’ clock, and we will have a first meeting in the evening. On Sarurdau 28th we will have our last meeting in the morning and you can leave after lunch. Please stay the whole week, because we form a community together.
Quote
‘I arrived without expectations, assuming that I would take something away from it, and that is exactly what happened. I enjoyed getting to know so many other people and not having to do or be expected to do anything at all, or being responsible for anything. This week, I experienced how much space that offers to truly listen and observe. Thanks to that open attitude, I was able to see people so much better, without having to make any effort at all. I had a fantastic week!’ (Participant in the summerweek 2026)
The week is a wonderful immersion in beautiful surroundings!
We believe it is important that you are truly present during this midweek and do not have other commitments. Missing parts of the program is not advisable. There are also evening activities that you may or may not participate in. We aim to shape the week together, including the experience of being a group. So: please try to keep the entire week free. Of course, unforeseen circumstances can always arise. If it is needed that you come later of leave earlier contact us.
Schedule
De midweek start op maandag 15:00 uur, vanaf 14:00 uur ben je welkom. En het eindigt donderdag 14:00 uur, na de lunch.
We hebben elke dag een ruime middagpauze om boodschappen te doen, of even te rusten.
Tijdens de workshoptijden zorgen wij voor koffie, thee, fruit, versnaperingen. Daarbuiten is het zelfverzorging.
Aanvang elke dag met elkaar (behalve maandag) om 10:00 uur.
Vervolgens workshops naar keuze, en je kunt ook vrij nemen als je dat wilt.
- Community meeting and announcements: 9:00 – 9:30
Break: 9:30 – 9:45 - Morning workshops: 10:00 – 12:00
- Lunch and rest 12:00 – 13:30
- Afternoon workshops: 13:30 – 15:30 uur
Break 15:30 – 15:45 - Home groups 15:45 – 16:30
Community meeting to close the day and announcements 16:30 – 17:00
Before 9:00 AM and in the evening, there is room for other activities and offerings by the participants. Think of yoga, voice work, a nature walk, a short training, theatre, meditation, dancing, a lecture, creative writing, singing…
Costs
Will be announced as soon as we know.
Registration and payment
Is possible from 1-1-2027 via the ABK-huis. Instructions will follow.
If you have any questions: please contact us.
