Lunas Collective Leads Open Space on Consent, Pleasure, and Clean Language in Bali
By Jeza Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer, and Ria Landingin, Director of Communications
From June 9 to 11, 2024, the AwareNest CoP on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) convened in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, for a pivotal in-person forum. Set against the backdrop of Tulamben's tranquil environment and the historic USAT Liberty shipwreck, this unique location provided an inspiring setting for participants from Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. They engaged in vibrant knowledge-sharing sessions, impactful plenary discussions, and visited the Sekolah Ekoturin in Ban Village, a local initiative highlighting community-driven efforts in SRHR education and empowerment.
Creating a Community of Practice
Since 2023, the AwareNest CoP has evolved through a year of virtual meetings, culminating in this enriching in-person gathering. Organized by Perkumpulan Pamflet Generasi and supported by EMpower — The Emerging Markets Foundation, the forum's open space sessions and the immersive visit to East Bali Poverty Project’s Sekolah Ekoturin exemplified its commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing best practices among SRHR practitioners across East and Southeast Asia.
Participants not only shared their successes and challenges but also explored innovative approaches to address regional SRHR issues, underscoring the forum's pivotal role in shaping future strategies and initiatives.
Our Open Space Session
Representing Lunas Collective, we facilitated an outdoor open space session focused on "Consent, Pleasure, and Clean Language." The session delved into the foundational principles of consent as a cornerstone of respectful interactions and relationships. Drawing on insights from EMpower’s Learning and Training Methods consultant Charles-Louis de Maere, Founder of Exploration Labs and Licensed Visual Thinking Trainer of the Biklabo method, we applied Clean Language techniques as one of our applied practices rooted in Feminist Care principles.
During our session, we dissected pleasure to encompass various forms of joy, happiness, and the sense of safety and comfort in our sexuality. This approach not only facilitated meaningful dialogue but also empowered participants to explore and share their experiences openly, enriching the collective learning and understanding within the CoP. Roots of Health (Ugat ng Kalusugan) led a session on "Legal Literacy for Human Rights," further enriching the diverse topics discussed during the forum. Philippines, represent!
Reflections
Following our open space session and the enriching opportunity, we reflect on the insights gained and the ongoing impact within the AwareNest CoP and broader SRHR community. Our commitment to Feminist Care principles, guiding both our advocacy and daily practices, was evident in our application of Clean Language during discussions. The experience also included a one-day free day in Denpasar, Bali, providing additional moments of connection and reflection.
Jeza, Chief Operations Officer
Although I've facilitated workshops for international audiences before, this experience marked my first time implementing the "Open Space" concept outdoors. Bringing our participants outside and actually using and applying the "Open Space" idea was a unique opportunity.
I have to admit that the idea of bringing people outside was heavily inspired by the bike workshops I've been doing for the past few months. This approach not only encouraged us to break away from traditional workshop settings, but it also supported our idea of "third spaces," places where we can interact with members of our community and even turn strangers into friends.
Not only did we enjoy our time discussing the concepts of Consent, Pleasure, and Clean Language, but we were also moved by the grassroots efforts of the East Bali Poverty Project (EBPP), where we met young people actively campaigning against child marriage in their community. We also learned about different advocacy approaches from the sister organizations.
It has truly been our “pleasure” to meet everyone and share what we have been doing in Lunas Collective. What a meaningful and relaxing work trip it has been. Matur suksma, Bali!
Ria, Director of Communications
After nearly four years with Lunas Collective, representing our non-profit at a regional activity was a profoundly meaningful experience for me. Sharing how we turn theory into practice and integrate our learnings into real, tangible care work was incredibly rewarding. Seeing our practices resonate with fellow EMpower grantees was heartwarming and opened many doors for future collaboration. The sense of care felt like a ripple effect, spreading through the community. I felt deeply honored to have represented Lunas on the regional stage.
This opportunity was a powerful source of inspiration to continue putting in the work. Our immersion brought so many things into perspective for me, making it even clearer why our call for collective action and our emphasis on the importance of care spaces at Lunas Collective are at the heart of our mission. This reaffirmed my commitment and passion for our advocacy and inspires me to keep contributing to our collective goals with renewed energy and dedication.
As a bonus, Jeza and I had some free time in Denpasar before our early morning flight. I reconnected with the Grab driver who toured me around Bali two years ago! We experienced coffee tasting, enjoyed local Balinese food, and shared a meal with the Grab driver who gave us a tour around Denpasar. In Lunas Collective, we put in the work, but we never forget to celebrate our joys and pleasures, too!
Read EMpower's article about this Learning Session.
Watch this highlights reel to get a glimpse of what transpired during this event:
Photo Credit: Perkumpulan Pamflet Generasi and EMpower — The Emerging Markets Foundation
Lunas Collective Celebrates 3 Years: Creating Communities of Care and Promoting the Pleasure and Self Expression
Lunas Collective celebrated three years with a series of inspiring care sessions from February to March, emphasizing self-expression, connection, and community building.
February 18: Creative Movement Workshop with Kathrin Knöpfle (Care Session)
We began our celebrations on February 18th with a Creative Movement Workshop. Supported by INROADS, the workshop was facilitated by Filipina-German artist, Kathrin Knöpfle, a Filipina-German. Participants engaged in discussions on gender dynamics, mental health, and sexual health, creating a safe space for self care and connection.
February 26: Art Party with kayecanvas (Care Session)
On February 26th, we hosted an Art Party, guided by peer kayecanvas, where vollies expressed themselves on blank canvases. This event fostered creative self-expression and community.
March 1: Purple Bazaar and Art Exhibit at the Commission on Human Rights
We joined women-led organizations at the Commission on Human Rights’ Purple Bazaar, marking the start of Women’s Month. The event featured ‘#PleasureIsPower’ shirts and Lunas Collective-themed stickers, promoting care, pleasure and community.
March 11: Hike at Mt 387 in Nueva Ecija (Care Session)
Just a little after International Women’s Day (IWD on March 8), our vollies connected with nature by hiking at Mt 387. They supported the local farming community and KaPuncan, the land’s protectors, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.
March 16 to 18: DANZ DISH 15: TAYMPERS with La Salle Dance Company (LSDC) Street
Lunas Collective was a beneficiary of DANZ DISH 15: TAYMPERS by LSDC-Street, which celebrated Filipino roots through dance. Lyka Lucena (Director of Services) and Ria Landingin (Director of Communications) represented Lunas Collective, showcasing the power of collaboration and advocacy.
Our third anniversary was on March 29, 2023, and it was truly made meaningful by these events and with growth of our work! We have engaged over 2,000 storytellers, onboarded 200+ vollies, and all in 3 years of operations.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your trust and support! We extend our gratitude to all participants, collaborators, and supporters for making our anniversary and Women’s Month celebrations a success.
Feminist Counseling Boot Camp and Feminist Leadership Training Empowers Leaders and Counselors
We successfully completed our first-ever Feminist Counseling Boot Camp and Leadership Training Program, which took place from April to October 2022. This initiative brought together aspiring feminist peer counselors and leaders into a community dedicated to creating a more inclusive and caring world.
The program has drawn participants from diverse backgrounds, united by their commitment to promoting gender justice and using social media to support those affected by gender-based violence.
We are on a mission to empower those who wish to learn about providing care and leading with a feminist perspective.
Leadership training highlights importance of grassroots activism.
The Leadership Training, offered to youth leaders and gender justice advocates, is an inclusive opportunity that emphasizes the importance of feminist leadership, care, and grassroots activism. The program includes both synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing participants to engage with a wide range of topics and practical skills.
Among the key areas of focus are:
- Gender, Sexuality, and Power Orientation
- Care Work as Work
- Ethical Use of Data
- Community of Care
- Self-Care Tools and Strategies for Service Users
- Self-Care for Feminist Leaders
- Advocacy and Orientation to Conducting the Lunas Collective Feminist Care Module
As a vital part of their training, participants shared their learnings by conducting at least two Lunas Collective Feminist Care (LCFC) learning sessions with partners and possible volunteers.
Online Boot Camp opens sessions for participants nationwide
The Feminist Counseling Boot Camp, meanwhile, welcomed women, people of diverse sexualities, and with diverse abilities, and even cisgender heterosexual men who advocate for gender justice. Since the sessions are held online, participants from across the Philippines, regardless of their ethnicities and regions, were able to join. This program was also open to those with experience in gender equality advocacy, formal education in counselling or related fields was not required.
The Boot Camp training covered a variety of topics, including:
- Gender, Sexuality, and Power Orientation
- Foundations of Feminist Counseling
- Impact of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual and Reproductive Health on Mental Health
- Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Disorders Related to GBV
- Building Therapeutic Alliances with Service Users
- Ethics and Clients' Rights
- Self-Care Tools and Strategies for Service Users
- Self-Care for Counselors
- Community Care and Advocacy
Both programs emphasize the importance of self-care and community care while providing a platform for advocacy. Participants in the Boot Camp have the unique opportunity to engage in supervised practice with Lunas Collective counselors, gaining real-world experience in feminist counseling.
In total, more than 30 participants successfully graduated from the program, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in their communities. A select few have continued their journey by volunteering with Lunas Collective.
Program graduates attend #DearSurvivor 2022
To celebrate the graduates’ achievements, the #DearSurvivor 2022 event was held at B Hotel in Quezon City on December 3, 2022. The event recognized the dedication and hard work of the participants and celebrated their commitment to making the world a more caring and just place.
Our Feminist Counseling Boot Camp and Feminist Leadership Training have not only enriched the lives of its participants but has also planted the seeds for a more compassionate and gender-just society. As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to empowering individuals to lead with care, empathy, and a feminist perspective.
This transformative program was made possible through the leadership of Lunas Collective’s Founder and Director, Sabrina Gacad, and Project Officer Janine Del Mundo. It was proudly supported by organizations such as the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc., the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Women’s Rights, Action, and Advocacy Project (WRAAP).