South Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It also has a history that has many parallels to the United States. When discussing LGBTQ+ intersectionality, it is the perfect location. To this day, the South African constitution is the most inclusive and equitable constitution in existence. Because of that, same sex marriage was legalized in 2006 making South Africa the sixth country in the world to do this.
South Africa has eleven official languages and an extremely diverse collection of citizens. All these groups hold different beliefs and backgrounds. This creates many different obstacles for the LGBTQ+ community despite being such an equitable country. Additionally, South Africa is the destination for persecuted persons in the LGBTQ+ community to find asylum. The tapestry of the beautiful LGBTQ+ community of South Africa is complex. We will meet individuals of all walks on this trip who identify themselves as in the community or as allies for the community. Some of the meetings will be fun and light and others will be heavy. In these conversations, we will examine leadership, collaboration, and intersectionality that participants can use for the rest of their lives.
This trip centers around intersectionality and inclusivity. Anyone is welcome to join us. . Here are some examples of who this program is particularly ideal for::
- Graduate students in public sectors
- Nonprofit executives
- Facilitators
- Placemakers (city, event planners, community engagement leaders)
- Public and Private leadership positions
- Anyone who wants to develop their leadership skills, learn more about intersectionality, or wants to become a more effective collaborator
The best education comes from experience and growth with a cohort. This trip places you with like-minded people who alone have diverse backgrounds and identities. When we are all together, meeting new people, reading and discussing similar work, and intentionally developing our skills, change making outcomes arise.
You will:
- Expand your ability to examine intersectionality in different contexts and communities.
- Further develop your transformational leadership skills.
- Learn a framework for collaboration.
- Create space for what shall be revealed.
Gregg Potter has developed deep ties during his ten years working in South Africa.
Gregg’s work in the country includes: Advocating and asset mapping for homeless refugees in downtown Johannesburg, Working with the Legal Resources Center and the United Nations in Cape Town to streamline the process for LGBTQ asylum seekers while assessing the ability of the Department of Home Affairs to grant those persons asylum, and many different projects with communities throughout the country. In addition to working in South Africa, Potter has worked in Mozambique, Uganda, Belize, Vietnam, and St. Lucia. Gregg is an experienced international traveler and has traveled to over 30 countries.
Gregg is a connector. This gift and skill set of connecting has created many opportunities for expanding educational and work experience in many different sectors. He worked in upper management and community engagement for Starbucks in Los Angeles. He has worked in the restaurant industry as general manager, district manager, and consultant. Potter is also a trained facilitator and futurist often getting hired to consult and facilitate strategic planning. He has also been trained in conflict resolution by Bob and Alice Evans. Potter has a BFA in Theatre Performance from University of Nevada Las Vegas and a Masters in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service.
Gregg is the Founder and CEO of Project Kinect; a marketing and logistics firm in Madison, WI, USA. He is also the Regional Field Director of Southern Africa for Peacework International. The LGBTQ+ Intersection program is a parallel program with his new book on collaboration. The book teaches Gregg Potter’s Framework for Effective Collaboration.
EARLY BIRD – $3399 – Before June 3, 2023
FULL TUITION – $3799
Payment Schedule:
·$1000 deposit
·$1000 on 90 days prior to trip
·Remainder 45 days prior to trip
*A discount of $100 is applied to anyone who pays in full.
*Prices are based on double occupancy in rooms. Single rooms would be an additional $450.
*Scholarships are available. Email travelinterchange@projectkinect.com for information.
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The refund schedule is as follows. If you are not able to attend (life happens) you are welcome to send someone in your place. Please contact the organizers directly to make arrangements (lgbtqinterchange@projectkinect.com).
·A full refund will be paid minus a service fee of 3% until 90 days before trip.
·A 50% refund minus a service fee of 3% is available for cancellations made 60 days before the trip.
·A 25% refund minus a service fee of 3% is available for cancellations made 30 days before the trip.
·No refunds are available for cancellations within 30 days before the trip.
·THERE MAY BE EXCEPTIONS FOR COVID RELATED REASONS.
This is a professional development program that coincidentally happens to be an exciting trip to South Africa. October 2023 participants will receive a certificate of completion. By 2024, our goal is that the certificate program will be partnered with an accredited university.
This program is perfect for jobs/careers that:
- Seek further professional development.
- Offer development funds/pay incentives for career development.
- Have qualifications for service hours or professional development hours.
- Are about to undertake a large collaboration with other organizations.
Can I just participate in the program as a vacation?
You are very welcome to make this your vacation and not participate in the workshops and education portions of the trip. You will still be involved in most of the conversations with community partners and the cost will still be the same. Regardless, you will receive all of the texts, workbook, and other materials included.
Do I need a Visa to visit South Africa?
Persons coming from the United States & Canada are provided a ninety day Visitors Visa when arriving to South Africa. Anyone joining us from other countries will need to check with their government’s rules and regulations on visiting South Africa.
Is COVID-19 an issue?
We are watching the situation in the United States and South Africa. Currently there are no restrictions on entering or exiting the country.
Is South Africa safe?
South Africa is safe, but like everywhere, has difficulties and challenges. South Africa has one of the largest wealth gap disparities in the world. Because of that, petty crime is a real issue. Due to COVID-19, crime has increased. We will have trainings about safety & security before departing and when we arrive. The most difficult part of traveling in South Africa is that visitors easily feel at home and can become less cautious, creating opportunity for crimes to occur. Please review the US South Africa Travel Advisory to see the severity of circumstances. Feel free to email Gregg directly to discuss the safety & security procedures we will put into place on this trip.
What if I’ve never traveled before?
How exciting! This is a great first trip. It might be a little more challenging than taking a cruise but you will be with an experienced guide and a cohort and will be constantly surrounded by South Africans who have your best interest in mind.
What if the dates do not work for me?
What about travel insurance?
Your travel insurance fees are included in the cost of the program. In addition, you will be registered in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the US government.
Do I have to book my own flight?
Beyond the cost of the program, you will be responsible for purchasing your round trip flight to South Africa, two dinners, and anything you want to buy as souvenirs, snacks, or beverages when we are out on the town. We can assist you with purchasing flights if participants need that service.
What if I want to stay longer?
You are more than welcome to stay longer. You will discuss your travel plans with Gregg to make sure you are set up to continue after the end of the trip.
What is this certificate good for?
This certificate is a great addition to your resume. It is possible your company/employer has continued education opportunities this can be applied to. This program will one day soon be a certificate program through an accredited university.
What safety precautions are set into place for the trip?
Often South Africa feels very safe. Petty crimes are the most common things to happen to visitors. Gregg and your team of South Africans will keep up to date about whether there are any additional concerns while traveling. The largest concern is when we are in city centers such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. We will thoroughly discuss safety and security procedures prior to departing for the trip.
How will we get around?
Transportation is included in the cost of the trip. Most of the time we will be in a minibus. We may take the subway in Johannesburg for one trip. Additionally, we will take South African Airways from Johannesburg to Cape Town and to East London.
What if I can’t be there the whole time?
If you want to join us but are concerned and have conflicts with the dates, please email Gregg (gregg@projectkinect.com).
What vaccines will I need?
You must be current on your Tetanus and Hepatitis shots. Malaria and Yellow Fever are not issues in South Africa. Please take a look at the CDC recommendations for this trip.
$1000 Deposit is due to register. See payment schedule below.
$100 discount to all who pay full tuition when registering
Payment Schedule:
·$1000 deposit
·$1000 on 90 days prior to trip
·Remainder 45 days prior to trip
*A discount of $100 is applied to anyone who pays in full.
*Prices are based on double occupancy in rooms. Single rooms would be an additional $250.
*Scholarships are available. Email travelinterchange@projectkinect.com for additional information.
—————————————————————————–
The refund schedule is as follows. If you are not able to attend (life happens) you are welcome to send someone in your place. Please contact the organizers directly to make arrangements (travelinterchange@projectkinect.com).
·A full refund will be paid minus a service fee of 3% until 90 days before trip.
·A 50% refund minus a service fee of 3% is available for cancellations made 60 days before the trip.
·A 25% refund minus a service fee of 3% is available for cancellations made 30 days before the trip.
·No refunds are available for cancellations within 30 days before the trip.
·THERE MAY BE EXCEPTIONS FOR COVID RELATED REASONS.
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