Shaping Our Futures Together (SOFT) is a course designed for women living in regional, rural and remote NSW. It includes a wide range of learning activities with an emphasis on having fun while learning together in a supported environment.

The course assists women living in rural communities to develop their leadership and networking skills.

As a SOFT 'graduate' you will:

• see yourself more clearly and take steps to boost your self-esteem and confidence
• use visioning, write goals and understand the action planning process
• understand how assertiveness, attitudes and actions can affect you and others
• network more eectively.

The course

SOFT courses are delivered throughout NSW based on demand. These courses are often conducted in partnership with community groups and other government agencies that may help cover course delivery costs.

SOFT can be run just about anywhere as long as there are at least 12 interested women and a local volunteer ‘coordinator’ prepared to organise catering, book a suitable venue and help with promotions and registrations.

If you would like a SOFT course to be offered in your community, contact the coordinator of the Rural Women’s Network (RWN).

Testimonials

SOFT is best explained by those who have participated in the course. Here is
what some recent graduates have said:

Course program

Topics covered by SOFT include:

• Building self-esteem
• Presenting to a group
• Visualisation
• Journaling
• Identifying 'shoulds' and values
• Managing time
• Assertiveness and effective communication
• Managing change
• Visioning
• Writing SMART goals and understanding action planning
• Mindmapping
• Reflecting
• Networking more effectively

PROfarm

SOFT is delivered under PROfarm, the training program developed by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) to meet the needs of farmers, primary industries, agribusiness and the community.

PROfarm courses are delivered locally, by highly skilled and respected facilitators. Many of the courses are subsidised to reect the public benets provided by the adoption of more sustainable farming practices.

Information about all PROfarm courses can be found on the PROfarm website, www.profarm.com.au

Course fee

The subsidised cost of SOFT is $240 per person, with a course manual provided to all participants.

SOFT courses are delivered throughout NSW based on demand. These courses are often conducted in partnership with community groups and other government agencies that may help cover course delivery costs.

Register your interest

To register your interest in SOFT, complete the faxback form below or contact the coordinator of the Rural Women’s Network (RWN).

• SOFT course information and registration form ( PDF 275KB)