you're invited to ...
do the damn thing.
stop talking about the things
you want to do and start doing them.
October 23 - November 20, 2019 at GATHER in Highland Park
let me guess, you either:
1. are already doing great things in the world but know you are capable of so much more than what you're making already
or
2. have ideas to bring something great into the world but haven't made them happen yet.
What's holding you back? If you're anything like us, you've got ideas scribbled in the margins of your notebook of podcasts to make, zines to produce, events to throw, fundraiser ideas for your fave non-profit ... the list goes on. But more often than not, the idea lives in the dream stage and doesn't become a reality. You get ... stuck. Uninspired. Imposter Syndrome sneaks in and you start to question if you're capable of doing the thing.
Or maybe you have a 9-to-5 and those disjointed minutes here and there on your lunch break or before you head to work make it hard to produce something tangible. Or you're a freelancer who works alone in your house and gets sucked into the Facebook-Instagram-Buzzfeed loop instead of carving out the time to work on your projects.
We know. We've been there. This whole bringing-your-ideas-to-life thing is hard. But we've learned the secret -- it's much more efficient (and fun) to be in it together. To share your dreams and ideas and be met with people who not only cheer you on, but have the resources to help you make it a reality. That's why Do The Damn Thing was born.
what is this thing?
do the damn thing is a is a 5-week accountability group for feminist creatives to work on 3 goals (personal, political and business) and get real-time feedback from a strong, ambitious and supportive community.
Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, or side hustler, we'd bet you'd benefit from some good old fashioned accountability and feedback. We provide the space for you to stop working in a silo and meet other creatives who are actively working towards their dreams.
at past do the damn thing sessions, creatives have worked on :
Personal goals
Wrote and performed a stand up comedy routine that she was putting off for 11 months
Designed the layout of a photography book documenting her South American travels
Planned and proposed to their girlfriend with the help of another DTDT member who produced the proposal (spoiler: she said yes! π)
Professional goals
Outlined the schedule for an upcoming retreat she was putting on for the first time
Began the fundraising process to raise the first seed round for her tech startup
Completed the rough draft of her book on financial feminism
Updated her personal website and portfolio to get more clients
Started a podcast about the NSFW side of the wedding industry
Political goals
Created a flow chart and guide for how a group can out their sexual abuser online
Completed Laya Saad's 'Me & White Supremacy' Workbook
Got involved in local elections
Incorporated calling their representatives into their daily routines
about the venue
Weβre honored to host Do The Damn Thing at GATHER in Highland Park. GATHER is an intimate space and curated programming to deepen our community at-large and is owned by DTDT alumna Brittany Margileaux of BKM Photography.
Notes:
Street Parking
Free Coffee
nice words
“Absolutely brilliant, filled with lovely people, giggles and deep talks. Definitely got a ROI from this in the things I accomplished over the weekend, the people I met and the goals I set going forward. Please Ashley, organize another one so I can come again :)”
“Do The Damn Thing is exactly what the creative with a million ideas needs to succeed. Ashley is a warm, inspiring and incredibly resourceful leader who knows exactly how to break down a goal into practical and achievable steps. Having a strong community cheerleading me on every week helped me find the confidence in myself to push past my fears and commit to my lofty goals in life. Iβm so happy I found this community and canβt wait for another Do The Damn Thing to continue pushing myself to succeed!
”
“From the start, Ashley / Do The Damn Thing took all of my swirling thoughts and anxieties and helped me efficiently organize them into realistic goals with achievable steps to take to get there ... Iβll use those tools going forward in my personal and professional lives! The feedback and support from the rest of the group was incredibly uplifting and validating, and Iβm honored to have been included in this group of inspiring people!”
“Iβm a freelancer who works mostly alone from home. Iβm also a procrastinator. Run The World surrounded me with other inspiring bad ass ladies who have been putting off their own projects and kicked me in the ass to get moving.Β I got more done than I have in a while and these ladies are on my speed dial for follow up and support as I continue to perfect my project!”
“This was my first event and I am so excited by the amazing community of people Ashley has collected. I brought in three potential business names to workshop before a big rebrand and everyone had great feedback and suggestions that really opened my mind. Not to mention the wine, snacks, great company, amazing space, and new friends! Overall 6/5 stars!”
“DTDT delivers exactly what it promises! I was able to achieve my goals that are hardest when left to my own devices, all while building a genuine community of support. As a freelance artist, I am constantly fighting the work-from-home blues and looking for connection with other feminist professionals. Ashely creates an intersectional space that allows you to activate each other professionally, politically and personally, meeting you where you are and just working out the hard shit! Where do I sign up for round 3?!”
what are the details?
date + time commitment
Do The Damn Thing is a 5-week series, happening from 3:30 - 6:30 pm every Wednesday from October 23 - November 20. Full list of dates are:
October 23
October 30
November 6
November 13
November 20
schedule
In Week 1, we'll get to know each other and understand how we can best support each other through this process. You don't need to come to the first meeting with the goals you want to accomplish totally figured out. We'll narrow down all the ideas in our head and commit to the personal, political and business goals we want to tackle in the month ahead.
In Weeks 2 - 5, we'll come together and get an update on where everyone is at. You'll have the floor for 15-20 minutes to talk about your progress, where you're stuck, and where you need support.
whoβs running this thing?
Hi. Iβm Ashley Rose Hogrebe.
By day, Iβm an operations manager and event producer whoβs produced 5,000 person creative conferences, summer camps for adults, and nationwide tours. By late afternoons / night / weekends, I run Do The Damn Thing.
There is so much to do in Los Angeles and so many incredible people, yet so many creatives I know feel lonely. Weβre hungry for connection and for events that make us feel something. Weβre probably the side project capital of the world, but we're working in silos.
Powerful things happen when we support each other's ideas and lift each other up. Call Your Girlfriend calls it the Shine Theory -- if I shine, you shine, -- and I couldn't agree more.
When we come together and support each other, magic happens.
+ Is there an age requirement?
Attendees must be 21+.
+ Is this right for me?
Great question. If you are ready to start working on your ideas instead of just talking about them, this series is for you. This is not for people who aren't ready and willing to do the damn thing.
+ Do I have to go to every session?
You have to make it IRL to at least 4 of the sessions in-person. You can Skype in or skip a maximum of one.
+ what's your refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferrable. If you can't make it, find a friend!
+ Will there be food?
There will be light snacks, but please come fed!
+ Is this event ADA accessible?
We're working on ensuring the event space is accesible. If you have specific needs, please reach out and we will do our best to accommodate.
