Dear prospective Host,
This is an invitation to join Huddlecraft’s 2022 Host Fellowship. I’m intrigued to think that you’re out there somewhere, thinking about hosting your own Huddle! The Host Fellowship is a 18 month springboard that will help you do just that: become a licensed Host, backed and supported by us at Huddlecraft, and a cohort of fellow Hosts.
You might be wondering how this works in practice, where it could take you, or whether this is right for you. We have lots of information to mull over on our website and in our information pack. But first I’d like to share a bit about my own experiences of hosting Huddles.
I started Huddlecraft as a side project with Iacob Bacian in 2016. We were both itching to learn and make something happen, in our own lives and beyond. As we explored existing learning options, including formal education, we realised that we would never scratch the itch that way.
Iacob and I set off to make our own solution with two wishes. We wanted to form a dynamic group of peers, whose different perspectives would challenge, inspire and encourage us. And we wanted discipline! We knew we needed structure that would support us to take the continual, small steps that add up.
The idea for the first Huddle was born. I hosted the pilot, and 2 further peer groups, before handing the baton over to new Hosts in London, Birmingham and Bristol.
This experience has been the ride of my life. It certainly hasn’t been easy. Every individual is unique, so the dynamic of each peer group is different every time. I still find the unique nature of each group completely fascinating.
I’ve come to see practising peer-to-peer relationships as one way of modelling the future I want in the present. As a Host, you hone your ability to see the value in everyone, to view differences as opportunities to learn, and to lift up and encourage instead of judge.
Recently I heard someone say that a learning journey can be a ‘micro-utopia’. That is exactly our aspiration for each Huddle — that each peer group can become more than the sum of the individuals within it, allowing more of each person’s potential to materialise. Working toward this aspiration, despite the challenges and setbacks, feels to me inherently full of optimism and love.
Every participant I’ve worked with as a Host has taught me something. Some have become firm friends. Some have made me cry with laughter. Some have changed the course of my life. I’m more resilient, playful, grounded and capable thanks to these shared experiences.
I really hope you’ll consider joining us — and I can’t wait to hear more about your vision for a Huddle, hosted by you.
Zahra
To learn more about the Host Fellowship:
- Read about the Host Fellowship and Huddles
- Download our packs for individuals and organisations
- Join an Open House event
- Book a 1:1 call with Sarah, our Community Director
Think this is for you? Apply here.
