Programs/Learning Path

Comment

Comment by Susan Szpakowski on October 22, 2009 at 6:58pm

As you may have heard, we have made a first step in this direction, with a Pathways course beginning in June 2010, and Susan Skjei and Sera Thompson beginning to work on design. It will begin on the shoulder of the Summer Program, journey on through that program, then move into a distance format for a few months, coming back together in Nova Scotia in early October. After that there will be a chance to apply the learning in one's home context, with support from the facilitators and the group, and enrichment from ALIA faculty webinars. The course will formally end in March.

This will be a chance to embed the deep patterns of authentic leadership in action--in oneself and in one's organization or community. Exciting!

I also had a conversation recently with Paul Born of the Tamarack Institute (based in Waterloo, Ontario), about the possibility of a joint community development certificate grounded in the Institute's core principles. And other conversations are popping up about specialized tracks/collaborations.

Meanwhile, one step and one conversation at a time.

Comment by martin challis on June 28, 2009 at 6:13pm

May I echo Crane. In praise of words well knit.
Having just returned from a day at Niagara Falls I am filled with the awe of raw natural beauty. What gravity does and can do with the constant stream inspires the thought; what might a community of practice do with similar intention.

Comment by Susan Szpakowski on June 28, 2009 at 3:48pm

I bow to the white canvas
brush poised, heavy with dripping black ink.

First the circle
already complete, already whole
nothing to add
opens a portal
for everything.

Then the triangle
like a well fitted jacket or straight back
nothing frivolous
bounds the circle with three lines
of intention, mindfulness, and courage.

Next the square
symmetry of the hearth
sets the foundation and
draws the perimeter
of this time, this place.

Now moving into action, the pattern repeats.

The circle for wholeness of community, society, system.
The triangle for intentional, elegant, minimal moves.
The square for boundary and container.

Is this the essential pattern, continuously unfolding
at the heart of the journey?

Comment by Jim Marsden on June 26, 2009 at 5:04pm

Members of the small group in this discussion were:
* Martin Challis
* Susan Szpakowski
* Jim Drescher
* Crane Stookey
* Marilyn Casley
* Jamie Snook
* Jim Marsden

Comment by Jim Marsden on June 26, 2009 at 4:59pm

What Actions might move this forward?
The following are highlights from the small group discussion:
* understanding what's at the core of an ALIA learning path. What ALIA principles are present that can help guide this effort?
* Further exploration into alliances, affiliation and accreditation (high caliber)
* Parallel efforts to attract resources/money to ALIA in the short term

Comment by Jim Marsden on June 26, 2009 at 4:55pm

What contribution could be most helpful now?
The following are highlights from the small group discussion:
* Understanding the principles and essential elements of an ALIA learning path
* Listening for the loudest noise, or the chord that is created from the sounds of the ALIA community, and having this help determine a starting point
* Knowing which possible community partners are ready and willing to act now and knowing what actions and/or contributions they are poised to take/make

Comment by Jim Marsden on June 26, 2009 at 4:52pm

What Excites you about the potential of this idea?
the following are responses shared by the small group:
* an interest in the possible development of a PhD program. Especially one valuable and accessible to people who are working
* the potential to host something in Australia and/or host something for children
* Deep Learning - more advanced training and development, beyond what's possible at a summer institute gathering.
* Diversity and Complexity - many possible starting points with a high degree of diversity to tap in to
* the potential for establishing and affiliating with a high caliber community of practice. A place both to learn and gain from as well as to give
* A manifestation of connection with community and listening for what's bubbling the loudest as a starting point. An entry point and a path.
* What are the stepping stones from here? What are the essential elements and principles that constitute an ALIA learning path?