Frequently Asked Questions
FeelReal is a social learning network powered by a community of expert Spaceholders. Rooted in the principles of restorative justice, we design and facilitate Communities of Practice where teams come together in small groups to practice and improve their social-emotional skills—skills that are the foundation of inclusive, healthy, and collaborative organizations.
A Spaceholder is a unique kind of facilitator who creates interactive and deeply engaging experiences optimized for mindfulness, inclusion, and social-emotional wellness. They go beyond training to provide safe space to practice and integrate skills.
A circle of people coming together for a shared purpose and experience. In a FeelReal Gathering everyone has the opportunity to be heard and to listen. We call it holding space for each other.
Exactly what it sounds like. Just pay something – an intersection of what’s reasonable for you and the value you received from the Gathering. For those able to pay more, your contributions help sustain the platform and keep FeelReal accessible to all. Thank you for supporting your Spaceholder and the people who make this possible!
Spaceholders provide a valuable service in the form of emotional labor. Unfortunately, this kind of work has long been undervalued or ignored under capitalism. We believe in the principles of mutual aid – to each according to their needs and from each according to their means. If you are able, please support the community; and if you can’t pay today, we’d still love to have you.
Absolutely! You are invited to come as you are and welcome others to do the same. By joining a Gathering, you are consenting to uphold shared agreements.
Please note that some gatherings are designed for people with specific identities (e.g., BIPOC or womxn). In these cases, the description will clearly indicate them as such and we ask that only people of these identities attend these gatherings.
Shared agreements are guidelines for communication that are shared, then agreed upon by all participants at the beginning of each Gathering – unless there are special circumstances. Your Spaceholder will say the baseline agreements and open it up to the group to make amendments and additions. Below are example shared agreements for FeelReal gatherings.
Most often they are not, but each FeelReal Gathering is autonomous for the Spaceholder(s) and participants to make that decision themselves. If a session will be recorded, all participants will be made aware and invited to consent before the recording begins.
These spaces are valuable places to connect with others and opportunities to practice social and emotional wellness. Just like eating well and exercising benefit your physical health, building authentic relationships is an essential part of overall wellness. This is not, however, a substitute for clinical therapy or other professional mental health services. If you feel you are in need of clinical services, please refer to your local resources or SAMHSA.
No, it will not be.
Please see our Privacy Policy.
Participants – you will receive a direct link upon registration to Zoom or whatever platform that is being used.
Spaceholders – You can use whatever connective technology you prefer so long as it allows for all voices to be heard. We are sure there are exciting new technologies on the horizon that we haven’t even imagined yet! Want to host the first virtual reality circle on FeelReal? Let’s do it!
Our basic framework for psychological safety involves two parts:
(1) verified Spaceholders who are dedicated to facilitating an experience where all voices are heard and respected equally, encouraging people to be brave to share vulnerably; and
(2) an understanding that all participants in the gathering have knowingly accepted to uphold the shared agreements of that Gathering. This does not mean that ideas can’t be challenged or that any one person’s experience will take precedence over another’s. Certain Gatherings that involve challenging or polarizing topics will be indicated as such so you can be prepared. You can learn more about individual Spaceholders, their training and expertise by viewing their profiles.
Yes, once you register, you will receive an automated email with the connection link (eg, Zoom link).
Knowing how many people will be in attendance supports Spaceholders in planning the best possible experience for all involved. Note that many of the Gatherings have a limited size, so if you can't attend, please do let us know so that space may be made available for another participant.
Follow the connection instructions in the email ticket confirmation. If you ever need technical assistance, you can email support@feelreal.net.
It is at the Spaceholders discretion on how to handle any violation. If it’s a simple mistake and the conversation is easily set back on course, the Spaceholder will first try to keep the conversation focused with love and patience. However if there is any sense that the feeling of safety of any participant is compromised, the Spaceholder will promptly ask the violating participant to leave and/or choose to end their access immediately. In the unlikely chance a Gathering is shut down, your Spaceholder will reach out with details of rescheduling promptly.
Send an email to support@feelreal.net.
No, FeelReal is a Benefit Corporation.
We are committed to working toward a post-capitalist world by codifying and engaging regenerative and cooperative economic structures beyond a non-profit/philanthropy model. We believe the Benefit Corporation model is a viable way to both navigate the existing system and (re)allocate services and resources to stakeholder communities.
Connect with ryan.bell@feelreal.net to set up a meeting.
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