North Star Facilitators

12/09/2025

Set up 2026 with some self-reflection processes that we'll share at the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Global Book Club on 12/17 North American time - 7 p.m. PST!

Self-facilitation requires an ability to reflect and honestly look at your life and your patterns. It is the art of taking yourself on a journey.

Facilitators: Barbara MacKay-CPF|M, Rosanna von Sacken-CPF|M, Farah Ismail - CPF & Annagrace Rwehumbiza

Register here: https://iaf-members.org/site/events/iaf-global-book-club-chapter-7-%E2%80%9C-power-facilitation-self-reflection-change-and-personal

10/01/2025

On October 6th 8-9 a.m. PDT, we are opening the doors for new members to join our emerging ecosystem, the Digital Garden.

For the past 6 months an initial group of inspiring women has been gathering virtually to seed possibilities and court futures. We have dreamed, schemed, and shared wisdom and resources— from practical tools and somatic practices, to emotional and spiritual support. Our coming together around this shared vision has been a potent remedy for the times. A reminder that something else is possible.

🪷 Learn more here: https://www.damiana.io/

09/23/2025

We are launched! An ecosystem dedicated to nourishing, resourcing and uplifting women devoted to earth stewardship. Check out our 3 month “digital garden” membership. Each new and full moon - starting October 6, 8-9 a.m. PST. $90 USD.

🪷 Learn more here: https://www.damiana.io/

💚 Here’s the link to join the ecosystem: https://form.typeform.com/to/jz94kTLL?typeform-source=www.damiana.io

08/28/2025

Today’s blog is a story of an epic journey I took recently. I weave the importance of creating a sense “journey” in our facilitation design throughout my storytelling.

Every experience in your life is an opportunity to ponder more carefully the magic of group dynamics, and the processes and phases they go through as we work with them.

Facilitation of a group is always a journey. There are many phases to it. Each phase is utterly critical. There is a lot of adapting. There are high moments, and moments of letting go. If done well, you will sense the beginning and ending of each phase, provide the right timing for that, and setting optimal conditions for the next phase. You will revel in the progress, surprises and insights that arise at each phase.

As you read this, think of your own personal and professional journeys, what you take away from them, and how you might be more intentional and careful in your designs so they too, become “epic” journeys for the group.

🌟 Read more about the journey: https://northstarfacilitators.com/2025/08/facilitator-reflections-from-northern-b-c/

08/19/2025

I’ve conducted, with the help of about 10 beloved and skilled colleagues, 4 Focus Groups and 2 interviews of women doing eco-work. We are calling these women , because they are women leading the way in . Our ecosystem is meant to nourish, resource and uplift women devoted to . The Focus Groups were meant to find out how to do this.

🟩 Where do eco-femmes find hope and impact?
🟩 What challenges are eco-women facing?
🟩 What are ways you’d like to amplify your work without increasing stress?
🟩 What could you give back so other eco-women could gain skills from your experiences?

🌟 Thank you to Elaine Chan, China for creating this visual.

REQUEST: Please share anything you know about friends and colleagues doing this work. Let me know if you would like to be involved in the project either giving back to women in this project, facilitating, or helping with the research phases and/or funding. Thank you for your support!

🌎 Share our project page: https://northstarfacilitators.com/damiana/

08/12/2025

❓ How do you ensure the best possible solutions are found for complex or difficult problems?

💡 You can warm up your group's thinking using tools such as mind-mapping, graphic illustrations, visuals and stimulating games and activities.

🧰 Build your competency in helping groups innovate quickly. Click the link below to see our PDF tools.

Save 35% when you use coupon code "summer 2025" until 10/1!

Enrich your sessions by providing a variety of learning and thinking tools.

08/12/2025

The launch of a digital hub for connection, learning, sharing, and developing skills for this project is still underway! This inclusive, accessible space will bring together the ecosystem of to co-create systems of mutual support and collective care.

🌟Our goal is to have 100 members by early 2026🌟

Will you be able to participate? Can you share this with women you know?

💚 Here’s the link to join the ecosystem:
https://form.typeform.com/to/jz94kTLL

💚 Donations greatly appreciated here:
https://buy.stripe.com/14k28R93xcZD5C8288

💚 Read more about the project here:
https://northstarfacilitators.com/damiana/

08/08/2025

☀️ Summer sale! Search our library of in 9 categories to build skill and competency!

💰 Use coupon code "summer2025" to receive 35% off until October 1st.

From strategic planning to team building, see our collection here: https://northstarfacilitators.com/tools-for-facilitators/

08/05/2025

In one of our focus groups, we asked women dedicated to what would make their work more meaningful, impactful, easier and inspiring. Here’s what they discovered:

1️⃣ Capacity Building & Knowledge
2️⃣ Emotional, Relational and Physical Support
3️⃣ Structural & Resource Support

Our goal is to build our visibility and credibility while offering immense value to . We plan to offer at least 3 public events by Fall 2025. Our first public offering will be a podcast to showcase and raise the profile of the eco-femmes in our database.

📧 Contact us if you would like to be featured.

We will post our virtual workshop and other offerings on our website so you can join if you are dedicating time to eco-work.

🌎 Check us out regularly here: https://northstarfacilitators.com/damiana/

07/08/2025

Know someone who is doing this incredible work and needs more resources? Encourage them to read about the Damiana project: https://northstarfacilitators.com/damiana/

✏️ They can apply to join the ecosystem here: https://form.typeform.com/to/jz94kTLL

06/27/2025

Help us break the barriers for women leading in environmental and planetary healing. Help us create the most collaborative, caring space for them to do their most brilliant work.

If you are able and wanting to contribute financially you can make a donation through Wise. Every dollar goes a long way in supporting our mission to amplify female-led ecological care.

For contributions over $10K USD we are able to offer U.S. tax deductible receipts through our fiscal sponsor. Please reach out to me if you would like to have a conversation about becoming a patron.

✅ Read about this project: https://northstarfacilitators.com/damiana/

✅ Donate here via North Star Facilitators: https://buy.stripe.com/14k28R93xcZD5C8288

✅ Donate here via Alexa Gantous: https://wise.com/pay/me/alexag57

06/24/2025

Damiana, a women-led eco-movement, aims to build an ecosystem that connects women leading meaningful environmental initiatives across the globe, to share wisdom, resources and amplify collective impact through mutual support. We seek to reduce disillusionment and burn-out.

If you identify as a woman devoted to protecting and stewarding life on earth, we invite you to apply to join the ecosystem. Our upcoming digital portal will be used to connect, nourish and support women all over the globe.

🟩 Apply to join the ecosystem: https://form.typeform.com/to/jz94kTLL

🟩 Read more about this project: https://northstarfacilitators.com/damiana/

🟩 Donate here via North Star Facilitators: https://buy.stripe.com/14k28R93xcZD5C8288

🟩 Donate here via Alexa Gantous: https://wise.com/pay/me/alexag57