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2009 World AI Conference Call for Workshops

Dear Positive Change Core Colleagues

On behalf of Dr. David Cooperrider, Honorary Conference Chairman, we are pleased to announce the 2009 World Appreciative Inquiry Conference, which will be held November 16-19, 2009 in Kathmandu, Nepal at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel.

In addition to the in-person conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, an Online Conference will also encircle the globe with hundreds of individuals participating virtually.  As such, you have an opportunity to participate in multiple ways either in person in Nepal, online, or both! Learn more about the conference at: http://www.2009worldaiconference.org

As David comments: Why Nepal? This small but extraordinary country represents a region where Appreciative Inquiry has taken root in dozens of nationwide programs, empowering its citizens–including tens of thousands of women from over 100 ethnicities. I cannot imagine a more appropriate or inspiring setting for us to come together as a community of practitioners and scholars to learn from each other and advance the field of strength-based work together. With this setting serving as our inspiration, we will explore the cutting edge work being done around the world in Appreciative Inquiry and other strength- based methodologies that we can take the positive revolution for change to the next level together! I hope to see you there!”

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS:
We are currently inviting workshop proposals for the conference, both for in-person and virtual workshops. We are looking for workshops that are rich in example, interactive and engaging, and which illustrate the most innovative use of Appreciative Inquiry and other strength based change approaches to meet the pressing needs of our communities, governments, civil society organizations, and businesses. The conference workshops are an excellent way to bridge theory and practice and are a powerful way to share your work with organizational leaders, managers, change agents, designers, and innovators from all over the world!

Full details about the call for workshop proposals are available at:
http://www.2009worldaiconference.org/proposal/

Please share the vision of your workshop by using the on-line easy submit form at: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB228S9JLRNUP

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2009.

For more information on the overall conference agenda and exciting opportunities for co-sponsorship, please visit the conference website at: http://www.2009worldaiconference.org/ or contact: info@2009worldAIconference.org

Finally, please feel free to send the Call for Workshops to people you know. We thank you in advance for your help in identifying the kind of work the whole world should hear about!

Sincerely,
Lindsey N. Godwin, Ph.D.
2009 World AI Conference Co-Chair
Assistant Professor of Management
College of Business
Morehead State University

(Sue James, one of our PCC members, is also on the International Advisory Board for the 2009 World AI Conference.)

Appreciative Inquiry Foundations Course, January 2009

Date: January 20-22 2009
Time: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Location: Duncan Conference Center, Delray Beach, Florida

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is research into the root causes of success. It is asking,  ‘What goes well around here, and how can we get more of it?’

This theory-based and highly practical course will focus on:

  • Identifying the basic principles, assumptions and practices of Appreciative Inquiry
  • Identifying how and when to use Appreciative Inquiry
  • Defining a topic
  • Designing questions
  • Telling stories
  • Using the data from stories

Our 3-day course for individuals, groups, and group leaders provides opportunity for participants to gain a solid basic understanding of AI, with many opportunities to learn by doing.

This workshop is ideal for individuals, leadership groups from organizations, educators, clergy, and anyone who is interested in ‘change at the speed of imagination’!

Course facilitators, Marge Schiller PhD. and Joyce Lemke, have worked with a variety of groups from schools to social services, and advocacy groups to business leaders. For three days, they will be at the Duncan Conference Center teaching a dynamic and life-changing course.

Cost: $250 per person (Reasonably priced onsite accommodation also available)

Download Course Flyer

For more information or to register, call Veneta at 561-496-4130 or email her on vlorraine@duncancenter.org

Mail registration and payment to:
Duncan Center
15820 S. Military Trail,
Delray Beach, FL. 33484
http://www.duncancenter.org

Note: The Duncan Center has overnight accommodations for 80 people. Semi-private rooms with private bath. Rooms are spacious and quiet with small lounge areas in each building. Each room fitted with twin beds and some queen beds, and has its own library, clock radio, and individual climate controls.

2008 Annual Positive Change Core Meeting

Thank you to everyone who participated on March 1, 2008 in Deerfield, FL either in person at the Hampden Inn or virtually. This was an extraordinary meeting for PCC. We acknowledged that we are at a critical crossroad in our evolution. We have a rich history of working with school communities that want to change direction to using positive approaches with youth. The experience in our membership attests to the strong commitment and significant skills that we can continue to provide. Our chaordic design products are withstanding tests of use in multiple environments.

We decided that it is time to move forward in a direction that will support an involved international community of people who recognize the fundamental value of investment in the quality and experience our youth in educational and developmental arenas. Our Lead Learner product is on schedule and we expect a 2008 publication. Other publications are in progress and we established 2008 production goals.

We embraced the objectives of the International Education Conference and will support organizational activities.

Positive Change Core will move forward throughout 2008. We will embrace new opportunities, explore innovation, and emerge as an energetic and engaging beacon for positive approaches with youth in education and other organizations.

The Excitement is Growing!

The May 15, 2008 monthly meeting was very exciting. The preparation for Canton is moving forward. We identified virtual participation opportunities (contact Shelia McCann if you are interested). Read our minutes and get excited, too.

April 15 2008 – A Foundation

In this meeting, we made critical structural decisions and set a path for the future.

I. Updates on Current Activities

Structural Definition

  • PCC will pursue a single social business entity. The social business will be an LLC-B. The structure will be broad enough to include international personnel and activities. Currently, there is a core of active people, primarily in the US, but the span of interest and collaboration is global. For example, the business should accommodate products and services performed in Australia. The implications of an international business are under review.
  • From the international perspective, a quick web-glance indicates that social businesses may exist, but not prominently.
  • The nature of the business is a ‘relationship broker’. PCC will connect positive change activities to funding, services, and tools. It will promote and support collaborations. The business design enables measurement of impact and reach of positive approaches in schools and youth organizations.
  • Income from the business will support the activities of PCC in schools, communities, and youth organizations.

Incorporation

  • PCC is exploring incorporation as an LLC in Florida, Illinois, and Washington. The business will pursue a B designation, institutionalizing commitment to act in the best interests of current/past employees, the environment, stakeholders, and the locations in which we operate.
  • We know that the B designation is OK in Washington.
  • At the end of the fiscal year, the LLC will not have a profit, however a reasonable contingency account is appropriate.
  • A key factor in determining the state for incorporation is cost.

Board of Directors

  • We have a list of potential members of the board of directors. We will determine the number and composition based on a structure of roles and responsibilities (board, management, employees, and contractors).
  • PCC members on the call are candidates for the board.

Not-for-Profit

  • PCC will not pursue a new not-for-profit (NFP) incorporation. However, research into the description and status of the current Delaware incorporation will enable a decision to drop or maintain the Positive Change Corps name.
  • We determined that the primary reason for keeping a NFP is to apply for grants. However, our role is to connect schools and youth organizations with funders. We are not their competitors.
  • We will choose to amend the existing DE incorporated name to DBA Positive Change Core  if the cost is reasonable. If the cost is high, we will not maintain the DE incorporation.

II. Funding

  • PCC has about $100 in its account. We need to identify startup costs, such as incorporation, virtual meeting services, and website.
  • A recommendation to establish an a $200 fee was made. We will review this suggestion when startup cost research has been completed.

III. Deferred Topics:

  • 2009 Canton Gathering (Joyce)
    • Status
    • What are the support needs from PCC?
  • What else should we be focusing on to redefine PCC?
  • There is a lot more to do.
  • International Education Conference and Current status of Core Team

IV. Next Steps for Next Meeting: May 20, 2008 at 6:00pm EDT

  • Incorporation (Gina and Shelia). Research and make final recommendations for incorporation. Recommendation should include: state, type of tax structure (LLC-B), and determination of existing DE corporation.
  • Board of Directors (Shelia and Gina). Shelia will develop draft roles and responsibilities. Gina will consolidate lists of potential candidates for further review.
  • Startup Costs (All). Shelia will present three options for virtual meeting services. Key factors include services, participant load, and cost. Gina and Shelia will identify cost of incorporation as part of their recommendation. Shelia will identify costs associated with the PCC website. Everyone is invited to recommend items that will be necessary to begin our business. Please email Shelia and Gina (symcats@msn.com and Hinrichs@geneseo.net)

Moving Forward Innovatively

Positive Change Core is moving forward in a striking new direction. We are reviewing business structures to optimize our opportunities to link schools and youth organizations to funders, tools, and resources to support introduction and utilization of positive approaches.

Our excitement is building with every decision! We aren’t ready to announce our new look but we want you to know that PCC recognizes increasing global and national awareness of positive approaches and related activities in schools and youth organizations. We are ready to support and encourage and and, soon, we will have the structure to make things happen…in BIG ways.

Join us as we make our journey. Follow our progress on our website.

Charting The Future

March 19, 2008 Meeting Notes

This meeting represents the fundamental and foundational discussions towards a restructure.

I.  Identify next steps: PCC Structure

What is the appropriate tax structure to support a social business?

  • Two organizations (Not-for-Profit and For-Profit) with separate tax structures included under an umbrella. This will enable the Not-for-Profit to pursue grants (local emphasis per project and national for more universal activities) and gifts. Each entity is dynamic: multiple satellites using a common official address and contact. Question: How do we structure the umbrella entity?
  • Not-for-Profit will focus on projects such as summits
  • For-Profit will develop products (publications, manuals, workbooks, etc.) with authors,  and deliver meeting and training support services
  • Gina will investigate business structure as LLC. What are the costs?
  • Shelia shared information about corporations, LLC-B, that are designed to meet rigorous standards for human services, the environment, and financial support for local communities.

To create a social business, what is the problem that we are trying to solve?

  • Individuals and organizations are looking for options for positive approaches with youth (Seekers)
  • Individuals and organizations engaged in efforts to use positive approaches want information about successful experiences to assess potential use in their organizations (Engagers)
  • Seekers and Engagers desire training and support services to increase knowledge and guide their activities
  • Communication across whole systems and communities of Seekers and Engagers is essential. This communication can be virtual or terrestrial (in a room). Organizers and coordinators of change activity often lack the skill, resources, and time to manage the myriad types and forms of communication available to them.
  • Cost of forming business and acquiring tools will be built into the financial plan. Investors will be repaid from profit. Costs include: Virtual meeting support tools: Microsoft LiveMeeting (preferred) @ $600 /year; website development and maintenance; publication channel ($7 each @ 200 copies)

What are the products/services that will solve the problem?

  • Products: publishing – books, manuals
  • Services: training, virtual/terrestrial meeting support

Board reconstitution: Who do we need? What resources are necessary?

  • Shelia will gather names of current board members

II.  What is our business plan?

  • Timeline
  • Finances
  • Marketing

III. What is the status of our current product list?

Lead Learner Manual

  • Gina and Nancy are currently working on Section 3.
  • Prepare hardcopy book and a download
  • Working on $15 strategy

Lead Learner Training

  • Gina and Nancy will conduct a pre-conference training session in June 2009 at the Canton gathering

Marge/Joyce book

  • Joyce ahs reviewed completed work and is pleased with product.
  • Book is 2/3 completed

IV.  What else should we be focusing on to redefine PCC?

  • There is lots more to do.

V.  International Education Conference

  • Current status of Core Team – Deferred