Martha Lasley, Catalyst for Collective Liberation
As the founder of ACG, Martha Lasley works with movers, shakers and changemakers to advocate for social justice. She facilitates small groups to explore power dynamics and transform the domination culture. She has authored three books: Coaching for Transformation; Facilitating with Heart; and Courageous Visions. She supports social justice activists to realize their visions and develop heart-centered authentic relationships.
Martha is a certified trainer for the Center for Nonviolent Communication and serves on the board of directors. As a founding partner of Leadership that Works, she and her team developed the Coaching for Transformation program where thousands of coaches have been certified. She has presented several programs at the annual conference for the International Association of Facilitators, including “Facilitating Difficult Conversations,” and “Coaching for Personal & Organizational Transformation.”
Martha Lasley is passionate about helping small groups explore power dynamics and advocate for social justice through heart-centered, authentic relationships.
Whether you’re searching for an experienced leadership coach, social justice advocate, or a seasoned Nonviolent Communication trainer, Martha Lasley is committed to empowering individuals and groups to foster meaningful, transformative change. Martha lives in Ecovillage in Ithaca, New York where she likes to host friends and garden and cook with her neighbors.
Books by Martha Lasley
Coaching for Transformation by Martha Lasley
Coaching for Transformation puts a new spin on coaching. Martha Lasley explores not only how the coach empowers clients to support personal growth but also social change. The self-awareness tools awaken passion that helps clients identify their deepest yearning and make a difference in the world. Click here to download an excerpt of the book.
Facilitating With Heart by Martha Lasley
Facilitating with Heart: Awakening Personal Transformation and Social Change is a book that integrates best practices in the field of facilitation. You’ll find resources and inspirational stories from facilitators, coaches and social change activists from around the world. Click here to download the excerpt of the book.
More Resources by Martha Lasley
Say What? Confronting the Power Dynamics of Language
– Martha Lasley
How do language, grammar, and social norms uphold class and racial hierarchies? This thought-provoking group conversation explores the hidden power of words, the cost of assimilation, and the journey toward radical honesty and liberation.
The DEI Backlash – How Do We Talk about Patriarchy without Losing the Room?
– Martha Lasley
How do we talk about patriarchy and systemic oppression without shutting people down? This article explores the tension between naming injustice and fostering real conversations that inspire change. Instead of softening our words to avoid discomfort, we can frame discussions in ways that engage people in dismantling oppressive systems together.
Four Levels of Interaction
– Martha Lasley
One of the things we do in an authentic communication group is to interact in the relational space in the present moment. We call this level 4. Let’s look at all four levels of interaction.
Rank, Power and Privilege
– Martha Lasley
Issues of power and privilege are often invisible to people who have higher rank, but are more visible to people with lower rank. As facilitators we can move groups towards understanding and effectiveness when we can see the dynamics of rank.
How Do You Repair Harm from Microaggressions?
– Martha Lasley
If you’ve ever said or heard something offensive and didn’t know what to do, you are not alone. It’s one thing to recognize insults. It’s another to respond in ways that repair the harm. People may mean well when they say, “I don’t see color.” Or “He’s not a typical gay guy.” Or “What she is trying to say is…” Many times, they aren’t even aware of how much pain these messages can stimulate. It can be shocking to learn that our positive intentions are experienced as painfully racist, homophobic or sexist.
Social Sector Leaders Need Oxygen
– Martha Lasley
Leaders in the social sector feel as though they are climbing Everest with no oxygen, no rest stops, and no base camp. Coaches and facilitators who support the social sector need to understand the unique challenges that leaders face.