Question 1

What is Talanoa Lab?

Accepted Answer

Talanoa Lab is a community-rooted workshop that explores feedback as a relational, cultural, and transformative practice. It’s a space to unlearn extractive communication habits and practice feedback grounded in trust, safety, and collective care. The workshop draws from Indigenous Moana frameworks.

Question 2

Is this workshop for me?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve ever struggled with giving or receiving feedback, are building culture within your team, teaching, caregiving, organizing, or managing others—this is for you. This space is especially for those invested in equity, healing, liberation, and collaborative leadership.

Question 3

What does “talanoa” mean?

Accepted Answer

Talanoa is a Tongan and wider Moana term that translates to: tala = “to tell or speak” and noa = “without concealment” or “nothing in particular”. Together, talanoa means to talk openly and honestly, without a fixed agenda.

Question 4

What will we actually do?

Accepted Answer

Expect storytelling, facilitated discussion, small group scenarios, gentle roleplay, writing/reflection, and lots of space to practice. You’ll leave with frameworks, tools, and language for feedback rooted in care, growth, and cultural integrity.

Question 5

Is this a training or a conversation?

Accepted Answer

Both. It’s structured, but it’s not top-down. It’s part teaching, part reflection, part co-creation. You’ll be learning from me and from each other

Question 6

Where is the workshop located?

Accepted Answer

The workshop will take place in Oakland, CA at the intersection on 9th and Clay St. The exact location will be shared with all registered participants the week of the event. The space is accessible and near public transportation.

Question 7

What’s the deal with the sliding scale?

Accepted Answer

Access matters. You choose the price that aligns with your financial reality.

Question 8

What if I’m shy / nervous about feedback?

Accepted Answer

Totally okay. This space isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real. You’ll be met with warmth, care, and pacing that meets you where you are. Nothing is mandatory. Come as you are.

Question 9

Do I need to be Pacific Islander or BIPOC to attend?

Accepted Answer

This space prioritizes BIPOC participants, especially those who are Black, Indigenous, & Pacific Islander, POC, or navigating white-dominant organizational culture.If you do not identify as BIPOC, we ask that you come with deep respect, a willingness to decenter whiteness.

Talanoa Lab: Fostering a Transformative Culture of Feedback

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