Kicking Shame to the Curb

In my work with children as a social worker in schools in South Auckland, I have come across a nameless anchor that holds our children back from living life where they can be comfortable in their skin and embrace possibilities for living life to their fullest potential. This anchor triggers outbursts of anger, frustration and leaves our children with a sense of being Not enough... not good enough, fit enough, rich enough etc.... It causes children to hide in a shell that impedes connection and quality of life.

A few years ago I came across the work of Dr Brene Brown who is a Shame and Vulnerability Researcher. Her work rang true for me as it touched the core of shame which is a key element in what holds us back from living life well. This was that nameless anchor that I had identified, but had been powerless to address until now.

I have the opportunity to attend one of her first training's outside the United States next year in Sydney. I am not able to fund this myself and am seeking kind financial support to see this vision fulfilled.

My heartbeat is to see a school community that is not defined by expectations of not being ".....enough", and paralysed by the shame that arises from that. But to see a school of children who, when looking to the future see quality relationships, heart connections and limitless possibilities.

I believe I can facilitate this by attending Brene Brown's training, and bringing the valuable skills back to my school and wider South Auckland community. Initially I will be working with the children and families in my current school and then looking to move out to the wider South Auckland community.

I will need to raise $8000.00 to pay for the cost of the training, travel and accommodation. I am looking at running trainings as one of my fundraising efforts.