Networks of Action and Hope The base idea of Networks of Hope and Action is to link together people, programs events that are actively both resisting the current unjust and unsustainable polices and economy AND are courageously imagining and building the relationships, the understandings, the programs and policies needed for a more creative, just, sustainable even thriving world.
First step is to link with other networks and nexus, such as Springboard for the Arts locally, Forecast Public Art, which is local and with international connections, (there are too many to name), with ACW as a center for:
1) a directory, a hub, of interconnections. 2) as a prime convener with many others of these sites of Hope and Action. Imagine an emerging network, organic in its relationships, of active hope and resistance ! 3)then a select number of events to learn from and with each other , with, possibly, a blog post or podcast. The learning from and with is a critical piece of this work.
David O’Fallon will take a leadership role on this project.
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On Hold
ACW Ambassador Program (name may change). The purpose of this initiative is to cultivate relationships locally and globally while providing support for our members. Participants may receive financial and/or other support towards attending a conference, seminar, festival or meeting focused on their particular interest or passion.
*Ambassadors complete an application which screens for passion and commitment.
*Ambassadors complete an orientation/training session where potential networking ideas are brainstormed.
* Ambassadors should be able to talk about past successful ACW projects and current/upcoming activities.
Deliverables may include:
* Advocating for the idea that art could/should be incorporated into partner organization projects for maximum impact.
* Imagine ACW partnership project possibilities with them and put them in touch with ACW leaders for discussions.
* Dispersal of printed materials.
* Report of their outcomes? We provide a form?
* Introduce new contacts to ACW leadership.
Craig Harris Newsletter Post. Launch Cost: $100
NOTE: Send an Ambassador to the Community Connections event on February 1. ACW could pay $100. Craig will attend this event. http://columbiapark.org/2019/08/february-1-2020-is-the-community-connections-conference/
March 2020 Community Connections Conference Report
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The 4 R’s: Rethinking, Reusing, Refurbishing, and Recycling Boring conferences around tables have little effect. We need an event which is edgy, fun and has potential press appeal. ACW might host an event in partnership with Savers (and other eco-dedicated partners who might contribute funds and volunteers) which has the following components:
- Kick -Off at Savers where 10 CAREFULLY selected applicants (from all artforms) get $100 of free supplies and 1 hour to select their project materials. Successful applicants must have the verbal skills and 4 R’s passion to lead a discussion.
- A 4 R’s theme as inspiration for the name of the event and as a thematic goal for the completed artworks.
- Participants take their supplies back to a work/gallery space with tools, adhesives, tables etc. and have until 5:00 PM to complete their works.
- ACW hosts a “show” with food, beverages and discussions. Each artist gives a 3-minute presentation on their eco topic and leads a discussion.
- Three carefully selected judges choose a 1st, 2ndand 3rd Prizes: $1,000, $500, $200.
- The show stays up for 2 weeks and we look for other venues – not galleries- government buildings, churches etc where there is heavy traffic from people who might not attend “art” related events.
You have to “romance the street” as I call it in order to effect “change”. Singing to our already established choir changes nothing. Barbara will take a leadership role for this event.
Launch Cost: $2,300 $100 to Project Manager, $1,700 to artists, $500 event costs.
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Coaching Project
Ashmore, McDill and Bridges have done the design work on this project. Barbara agreed to re-work the website and start using our developed project application when people approach her for partnerships. Done: https://www.arttochangetheworld.org/coaching-project/
ACW might want to go ahead and find funding for one coaching pair and call it a expanded pilot Coaching Project Internship.
- $600 – Coach 12 hours over 6 months meet with intern @ $50 an hour
$250 Intern 12 hours over 6 months meet with coach @20 an hour
$500 Intern Project development -24 hours over 6 months @ $20 an hour
$1200 Development of coaching materials and for coach to customize materials for Intern 24 hours over 6 months @ $50 an hour
$800 Supplies, promo and other items for project implementation.
$300 ACW Admin fees
Launch Cost $3650.00 If grant funded - ACW might want to go ahead and find funding and call it a pilot Coaching Project Internship.
$600 – Coach 12 hours over 6 months meet with intern @ $50 an hour
$250 Intern 12 hours over 6 months meet with coach @20 an hour
$ 100 Prep stipend for Coach to customize materials for Intern
$150 Supplies, promo and other items for implementation.
$100 ACW Admin fees
Launch Cost $1,200 for pilot ACW Funded
Policy and procedures need to be developed for:
Coaching meeting procedures and expectations
Monthly report form for both coach and Intern
Project steps and expectations- including all the programming, promo, volunteers, budget etc.
Final report with relevant data needed for director to execute a simple analysis.
I think the basic design has been developed for this project and the coach who takes the first intern should develop the relevant policies and procedures since they will be right there on the ground with primary source input! I would like someone else to take point on the Coaching Project.
Layl McDill has agreed to take a leadership role on this project.
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ProVocation Facilitator Rules of Engagement Directive
The name “ProVocation” communicates that by provoking thought, one’s vocation (one’s life’s mission and body of work) is strengthened. Even the “experts” are invited to take a breath and be open to learning from the small, subtle examples where change is happening at ground level.
In the ProVocation model, facilitator and speaker/s work together in advance to design questions to get the discussion going. Speakers are encouraged to bring key turning points in the field being studied and examples of what worked elsewhere with emphasis on how those solutions sprung from the observations of those closest to the problem.
The facilitator must believe that solutions will emerge from the community, communicate that interest in individuals and groups, and values roles and backgrounds of all community members. From these 2 + hour sessions it is not likely that there will be a defined next step, though the participants will be encouraged to trade contact information if they want to continue the discussion.
If an individual has a preconceived notion of a desired outcome, they are better suited for the speaker role. The facilitator role must concentrate on making spaces for all voices and practice active listening (not only paraphrase and summarize but check back to be sure the meaning was appropriately captured). A facilitator will be curious, optimistic, humble and able to create a friendly, fun atmosphere.
Throughout the conversation, the facilitator uses words and phrases that communicate trust that solutions will come from the group, honesty that there is not a preconceived agenda, inquiry – true curiosity, invitation to anybody who wants to be part of a solution, and community, that at least for this short period we are working together to discover from within, positive approaches.
Facilitator is encouraged to “take 20 seconds” and let silence linger after an open-ended question is asked and as thoughts are processing. This honors the group’s thoughts and calms those who are responsible for the health of the group; it does take practice but is worth the outcome. Above all, a facilitator is not to jump to conclusions or solutions. There is great temptation to fix things, give advice, or parry with each person who speaks, but that is not the role of facilitator.
ProVocation follows loosely a model of Adaptive Positive Deviance called Discovery and Action Dialogs (DADs) where the key questions are “what do you know about the challenge?” “What do you usually do to deal with the challenge?” “What prevents you from doing that all the time?” and “is there anyone who is able to overcome the barriers frequently and easily? How do they do it? (Subtle and obvious ways)”
Facilitator should model body language that indicates interest and comfort, while watching for body language that indicates others’ excitement or discomfort and asking about it.
Reference: Adaptive Positive Deviance, Plexus Institute, Washington DC 2016, www.PlexusInstitute.org, Creative Commons License.