We believe that compassion is a fundamental building block of communities, spreading kindness, understanding, tolerance, warmth and connectedness between people. It is a quality that can be cultivated through practice and it means being aware of how our actions affect other people and ourselves. In the spirit of spreading compassion, we are organizing an international online conference, “Circle of Compassion – Youth work based on compassion”.

We invite you to join an inspiring exploration of compassion and discover its many facets. The conference will be held online and, far from being a traditional seated event, will be held in English. Selected speakers will run interactive workshops highlighting the importance of compassion for empowering ourselves and developing a culture where compassion is part of the work balance.

The conference will take place on 15 March 2024, via the Zoom online platform, between 9.00 and 14.00 CET.

Learn more and apply here.

A MORE DETAILED TIMETABLE:

9.00 – 9.30 / registration

9.30 – 9.45 / opening address and conference presentation

9.45 – 11.15 / keynote speakers

Dr Hannah Gilbert, psychotherapist focusing on compassion and working for the Compassionate Mind Foundation.

Monica L. Hanson, Distinguished Lecturer, Consultant and co-founder of the Applied Compassion Programme at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine.

David Rand, entrepreneur, educator and researcher on empathy and compassion. He is also the founder of Art of Wisdom in Las Vegas and the director of the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC.

Vinciane Rycroft, Education Project Manager and Trainer at Mind with Heart.

11.15 – 11.45 / break in nature and search for compassion

11.45 – 12.15 / reflections and introduction to the workshops

12.15 – 13.30 / interactive workshops

Dr. Hannah Gilbert / Training the compassionate mind: Science and practice for life’s difficulties

Monica L. Hanson / Compassion as a Choice: A Practical Guide for Young People and their Advocates

David Rand / Empathy + Compassion: Why these two values are important when working with marginalized communities

Vinciane Rycroft / Compassion for Self, for young people and their allies

Marko Pavlovič / How to cultivate compassion in a youth center

13.30 – 14.00 / summaries and closing of the conference