Locally-Led Brave Spaces

Facilitated Community Conversations that Create Space for Honest, Respectful Dialogue on Difficult Topics.

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What Are Locally-Led Brave Spaces?

The Locally-Led Brave Spaces are guided group conversations designed to help people engage thoughtfully across differences and experience. These spaces are about listening, reflecting, and building understanding within our communities. The program will consist of a series of 5 sessions led by local facilitators focusing on areas of interest to the community. These sessions aim to build leadership capacity through education, skills sharing, planning and facilitation and direct practice in civic participation.

Discussions will be led by local practitioners, either professional or with lived experience in the content they are discussing.

Why Brave Spaces Matter

Many of the issues facing our communities today are complex, emotional, and deeply personal. Avoiding these conversations doesn’t make them go away, but having them without care can cause harm.

Brave Spaces offer an alternative.

Participants are invited to:

  • Practice listening without immediately responding or defending

  • Engage across differences with curiosity rather than judgment

  • Reflect on their own perspectives and assumptions

  • Build skills for navigating difficult conversations beyond program

Program Overview

Each Brave Spaces Session Includes:

  • Structured Group Sessions

    Guided conversations built around a specific theme or topic

  • Trained Facilitators

    Facilitators help set agreements, guide dialogue, and hold space with care

  • Community Agreements

    Shared expectations that support respect, confidentiality, and accountability

  • Reflection & Resources

    Optional readings, and resources to help support learning between sessions

  • Connection

    A chance to learn alongside others who are committed to growth and dialogue

2026 Session Overview

Day one is about grounding in the art of floral design. From tool basics to flower care and composition theory, you’ll start to develop your creative.

With the basics under your belt, today invites you to stretch your skills. We'll dive into larger-scale arrangements, experiment with shape and movement.

Our final day is about pulling it all together. You’ll bring your vision to life in a final showcase piece, share your process with peers.

Our final day is about pulling it all together. You’ll bring your vision to life in a final showcase piece, share your process with peers.

Our final day is about pulling it all together. You’ll bring your vision to life in a final showcase piece, share your process with peers.

Application Process

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic about finding a stronger voice in the community and willing to commit to the sessions listed below. As this is a program for new leaders, there are no requirement for skills or experience. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, especially people who do not currently feel confident about participating in local government.

The application process only consists of a simple form, and we will accept as many applicants as possible. First priority for spaces will go to HRI residents, followed by other Cambridge residents, and then to the general community.

If you have questions, please email: emohamed@homeownersrehab.org

Application Deadline: TBD (March)

Apply Now

“This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

— Former Customer

Testimonial

For Questions Contact:

Joe Deignan (He/Him/His)

Director of Community Engagement

Phone: 617.868.4858 ext.210 | Mobile: 617-682-9666

Email: jdeignan@homeownersrehab.org