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2. Tell your story. How did you get into this work? What has happened as a result?
What keeps you going? (EXPRESS)
1. First facilitation experience - 1976 Town Meeting, Chicago, Southside. Inclusive participation, ability
to engage many people in rational process moving to consensus. Wed, 11/12/08 10:28 AM
2.
I lead teams in developing long-term management plans for national parks. Typically, a big team of people with diverse ideas
and backgrounds are involved in developing these plans. I learned about TOP methods because I was trying to find a concrete,
clear set of tools to build consensus among these folks. I have only used the tools maybe 5 times over the past few years,
but so far my experience with them has been great. I think that the consensus workshop really works in terms of helping everyone
be heard and seeing their ideas reflected in the outcome. I keep going with the tools because I think that they reduce the
inevitable stress of team efforts. Most importantly, they provide structure to conversations that would otherwise meander
in ways frustrating to people who just want to see a problem solved (which describes most people in our busy world).
Wed, 11/12/08 6:57 AM
3. Trained by Kevin Balm in 1992. Got excited about facilitation.
Started doing it in my job, then after becoming a consultant, started working as a professional facilitator. Did more training
with Zenergy. Then discussed with Kevin Balm bring ToP training to NZ in the early 2000's. Did that, set up a company with
Dr Helen Ritchie to deliver the courses, and we are both progessively getting accreditation to lead the various Australian
ToP course modules. Have just moved into a full time job back with Government. But will complete this survey from what I WAS
doing immediately prior. Wed, 11/12/08 1:05 AM
4. Joined ICA in 1972
and spent the next 15 years as a staff member, so learnt ToP methods as part of my on-the-job training. Have used ToP methods
with a wide variety of clients in mnay varied situations - with community organisations, government agencies, large groups,
small groups .... both in Australia and in other countries such as Timor Leste. Enjoy seeing the transformation in people
and groups when use these methods. Tue, 11/11/08 9:08 PM
5. First experience
with ICA methods in 1971 in Caracas, Venezuela. It blew me away. Has influenced the rest of my life. Worked with the methods
and contributed to their ongoing development through the 70s in Caracas and later Houston, TX, then detached until arriving
in Zagreb during the Bosnian war. Realized the ICA methods were desperately needed for interethnic reconcilliation throughout
the Balkans, and so reconected with ICA, then headquartered in Brussels, and started up ICA-Zagreb, training facilitators
and facilitating inter-ethnic group planning in the region. Turned the Zagreb operation over to local leadership and moved
to Sarajevo, opening up ICA-Bosnia in 1995. Turned the Bosnia operation over to local leadership of Bospo, a local NGO, under
Slavica Bradvic-Hanusic, in 1997 and joined World Vision, where I developed their civil society programs throughout Bosnia
using ToP. Returned to the U.S. in 1999, and have been peripherally involved since then. Tue, 11/11/08
11:15 AM
6. My husband and I were on the staff of the ICA for 10 years in the 1970s. We spent
another 15 years founding and managing a nonprofit organization using ToP methods. We have been in private practice for 10
years. We work mostly with other struggling nonprofit organizations who need strategic planning and other planning assistance,
along with a few small cities and county agencies. We offer ToP courses (ca 4 per year) in our area in co-sponsorship with
a Volunteer Resource Center. We have many clients who keep returning and who keep referring us to other organizations. We
have a small group we are nurturing to carry on when and if we retire. What keeps us going is the feedback and phone calls
and E-mails we keep getting testifying to the value of these methods. One small city claims they have transformed their culture.
One RC diocesan planner who has taken courses with us claims that these methods can bring about "world peace" and
all parish planning now uses ToP methods. Tue, 11/11/08 9:07 AM
7. I
was in need of methods for helping groups talk and come to conclusions together. I heard about the Focused Conversation method
and checked into it. It works! That is what keeps me going. Mon, 11/10/08 6:29 PM
8.
I got into this work during my 'studies of the future' progeam in Houston, TX. There I was intoduced to futuring tools and
learned some facilitation skills but needed more to better handle the often intimidating content (things that haven't happened
yet(!)). I have used ToP tools in informal yet crucial conversations (and my aura pulls folks into disclosure with me that
invites creative/critical thinking) yet haven't connected to a firm/group wherein I can further develop the tools & techniques
I see a demand for; building my own service has been mostly fruitless owing to constraintrs and timing. The future keeps me
goiing -- I'd rather be pulled by the future than pushed by the past. Mon, 11/10/08 10:53 AM
9.
Since my college days I've been intrigued with what it takes to make places of human gathering, such as work, both humane
and productive. In my 40s I went back to college for a second graduate degree in Whole Systems Design (organization development
with a designerly twist). It's where I discovered ICA and its methods. I don't think I've transformed organizations, but I
have been able to create productive meetings and have one-on-one sessions with individuals that have helped them gain insight
and hope. What keeps me going? I'm energized by energy of others that I seem to be a catalyst for releasing.
Mon, 11/10/08 10:38 AM
10. Worked 16 years as staff member of Ecumenical Institute &
Institute of Cultural Affairs. Trained in and facilitated art form conversation, LENS, etc., processes, precursor to ToP.
Introduced to ToP by Marilyn and John Oyler in January 1992. Became ToP trainer and mentor. Organized public and internal
ToP courses in New Mexico during 1990s as part of a developing facilitation and planning practice. Continue my practice with
a wide variety of clients, mostly in New Mexico. Areas of practice include public participation in water infrastructure and
policy planning; strategic and operational planning for university faculty and IT departments/schools, professional trade
associations, state agencies, construction projects, private businesses, etc.; non-profit board planning; etc. What keeps
me going? I work with a variety of mutually supportive friends and colleagues, and complement ToP practices with other methodologies,
e.g., Open Space, World Cafe, Appreciative Inquiry, Lean Construction, etc. Mon, 11/10/08 10:23 AM
11. I became an independent consultant in 1994 when I realized that the peer advising training
I received as an undergrad in the early 70's was a marketable skill that I enjoyed using. I took my first ToP training in
1996 and soon after became a qualified trainer. I am now an internal Organization Development consultant in state government
and appreciate having the opportunity to use many of the ToP methods in my work. Mon, 11/10/08 7:12
AM
12. In 2002, we were trained by trainers from the US- Alisa Oyler and Kathleen Joyce through
a relationship with Mercy Corps. The training lasted approximately one month. We use ToP faciliation methods in all our program
activities, in all our community development work, primarily in rural communities. We most often use the Focused Conversation
method. We use this in our meetings with communities, training, in our questionnaires, and in our monitoring and evaluation.
We find that ToP methods are very useful for our communities as it gives them real opportunities to involve everyone in community
activities. Mon, 11/10/08 2:04 AM
13. I started with ICA doing CD work
in Spadina in 1972, doing it as a spiritual discipline. Have never stopped. ToP and facilitation have been on going result
of the work. Sun, 11/9/08 3:26 PM
14. As ICA staff. Many years of rewarding
work with colleagues and friends and great learnings about people and how we relate to each others Sun,
11/9/08 1:34 PM
15. I did the LENS and Town Meetings in the 70's, used the methods as a manager
in Phillips Petroleum Co and took the early ToP classes in Pheonix. Sun, 11/9/08 12:25 PM
16.
I engaged Kevin Balm to deliver facilitation skills training for coordinators of community environmental volunteers. I had
been facilitating for about 8 years prior to that and when I encountered the ToP Methods I became very enthusiastic about
their potential to make my practice more effective, rigorous, inclusive and consistent. My professional practice is now built
around ToP, while drawing on a wide range of other perspectives, methods and conceptual underpinnings. I recently became a
Certified ToP Facilitator, and I regularly train others in ToP methods and the higher levels of the ToP Facilitative Leadership
Program. The underlying wisdom and dynamics of the ToP Methods keep on delivering, and that keeps me going.
Sun, 11/9/08 2:57 AM
17. This is what "lights" me up in the world: healing conflicts
so that people can get back to being creative..being light. Life is the balance of light and dark, by teaching people how
to engage their conflicts and build vision, we are showing them how to sit with themselves and others, the good and the bad,
and create the change they want to see in the world both individually and as a whole. Recently I realized that one of the
greatest priviledges I have in my life is sitting at peoples feet as they process their lives, their pain. It is a blessing
more than anything to be able to do that. Recently with a colleague who was going through some depression and grief; I listened.
I acknowledged and shared my own stories. He later acknowledged this as a major turning point for him. Sat,
11/8/08 9:04 PM
18. En 2005, j'ai suivi la formation sur le TOP organisée par ICA Benin
avec le soutien de ICA Canada et depuis je collabore avec cette organisation en qualité de faciliatteur
Sat, 11/8/08 6:18 PM
19. I was part of the EI/OE/ICA team that developed these methods
in the early 1970s, long before TOPS (a way to certify our OE methods) was conceived by the Changemasters Guild in the early
80s, and ultimately became a "program," accredited by the IAF (also a spinoff of the Charngemasters, for any who
remember back that far.) My life's work has been informed and enriched by the OE methods (pre Tops). Without the action research
work to which I, my husband and many of our OE/ICA colleagues across the globe committed our lives, there would be no such
thing as TOPS. what has happened as a result: the first 8 HDPs were launched; two multinational food service organizations
transformed their marketing efforts to grow market share and profit; and national, state and local education agencies have
manifest measurable improvement in efficiency and efficacy measures. I am "kept going" by my lifelong commitment
to "make a difference." Sat, 11/8/08 2:39 PM
20. I got to
facilitation through a workshop on the European Role in the Israeli-Palestinian, where professional facilitation skills were
needed to ensure the communiciation between the conflict parties is effective, vision-led and action-oriented. As a result
of having a ToP facilitator leading the workshop I have discovered ToP answers many of the needed aspects, and that while
some modifications may be needed, this is a solid set of tools to work with. What keeps me going is the way I actually experience
and see that these participatory tools constructively affect the participants and their lives. In addition, I am interesting
in discovering the optimal modifications that can be done for the Israeli-Palestinian context specifically and for conflict-facilitation
in general. Sat, 11/8/08 10:43 AM
21. I started the ToP when I was in
the process of revitalising ICA in Cameroon. Sat, 11/8/08 10:34 AM
22.
1960's - Berkeley - Harlem - RS-1 - West Side - 30 years later - Communities of Practice - still catalyzing change
Sat, 11/8/08 4:32 AM
23. 1. Townmeetings in 1977 in Belgium, business consulting in the
1990s. 2. Results: Commitment, alignment, involvement, thoughtfulness. 3. The love of work, the need for income
Sat, 11/8/08 1:47 AM
24. a quick answer...the order was an important factor in the learning
process, ther esearch and the demonstration were also important dimenions Fri, 11/7/08 11:39 PM
25. I am part of the LA County Arts for All effort and co-lead a school district's arts integration
implementation effort. Fri, 11/7/08 9:21 PM
26. My first self-conscious
engagement as a "facilitator," in contrast to a pedagogue, was Town Meeting 76. I have been doing professional facilitation
ever since. This work now takes on many different shades. One dimension of this is facilitation of participatory monitoring
and evaluation exercises for various program around the world. Enabling people to deal with their real situations, and becoming
excited and energetic as they do, is one of those things that "keeps me going." Fri, 11/7/08
8:34 PM
27. Use top methods occassionally as an internal faciliator with various groups.
Fri, 11/7/08 8:29 PM
28. I saw the methods used when I was the manager of OD and T/D at
Lockheed SkunkWorks. I was impressed with how the methods helped the new leadership team form. Later as an independent consultant
I wanted to bring facilitation skills into the schools and looked for a reasonably priced, practical facilitation course that
could help increase the ability of those in the school system to work collaboratively and productively. Someone suggested
that I talk to Beret Griffith. When I did, I realized that she and the consultant who worked with us at Lockheed were talking
about the same methods. At that point I decided to take the courses and become a trainer in the methods.
Fri, 11/7/08 8:19 PM
29. I have a long-term interest in facilitating collective action,
took ICA workshops in the late 1990s and have been using the methods every since -- especially participatory strategic planning.
My work is mainly with small and mid-sized arts, cultural and community development groups in the U.S. The groups I work with
find these methods work well to engage boards & staffs in working together to create visions that are really co-owned.
The resulting plans and "alive" vs. on the shelf plans. Fri, 11/7/08 7:21 PM
30.
I attended a ToP programme conducted by Ann Epps. After that I was interested in the exploring more and started out by observing
workshops. Then in 2005, I met Joan Firkins who brought me into the ToP Faculty Australia where I continued to attend more
workshops. Around this time, I started to use the workshop and discussion method with clients and had good results. Since
then, I have been looking for opportunities to practice the method. What really keeps me going is the success my participants
have in developing greater clarity about what they want to do. Thu, 11/6/08 5:01 PM
31.
Associated with ICA for many years. Lived in Troy since 1980. Saw much need for civil dialogue toward problen solving and
used the talents and experience I has (along with husband Ken and other colleagues) to address issues. We see many interesting
and exciting things that have hapened over the years as a result of our activities. Thu, 11/6/08 7:10
AM
32. I have been a Restorative Justice Practioner for the past 15 years. I have found that
TOP works very well as it is in an inclusive process. I learned of the process from my then soon-to-be business partner about
the ToPS. I was trained at the Pittsburgh Leadership Academy. Our company, Strategic Circles Corporation specializes in restorative
solutions for business, government and community. The marriage fo the restorative philosophy and the inclusive methods of
ToP mesh very well. It works. That keeps me going Wed, 11/5/08 2:34 PM
33.
I got into TOP facilitation in the mid 90's helping organise courses for teachers with Ana Mari Urrutia and Eduard Cristensen.
This experience so enthused me that I trained in the methodology with them and then in 1999 attended the IToP ToT in Phoenix.
A very important experience. For several years thereafter I worked part time with ICA Chile in the PELP courses and other
activities. Pressure from my current job curtailed this facilitation and training work. I am hoping that an opportunity to
restart will present itself soon. Wed, 11/5/08 11:41 AM
34. I work within
City of Fremont's, CA, Human Services Department (HSD) in the Aging and Family Services Division. HSD received a grant from
the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to develop a community strategic plan for older adults in our area. The communities of
Fremont, NewarK and Union City are very diverse and there is no one majority population. Over 120 languages are spoken in
area schools. Many older adults in the area are unable to speak English. HSD was challenged in that we had to bring the multiple
ethnic communities together to develop an overall strategic plan. It was at this point that one of our staff stated that she
had participated in a facilitation that involved a "sticky wall." She was impressed by the consensus the facilitation
had produced. HSD staff took the Group Facilitation Training and hired Jane Stallman, a ToP facilitator. Consequently, we
conducted 14 foucus groups in 9 different languages and dialects, and two very large community dialouges. The methodology
was utilized by a core leadership team to develop a 5-year community strategic plan for older adults, which is currently being
implemented by our partnership with the Tri-City Elder Coalition called Pathways to Positive Aging with further funding provided
by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Since the initial facilitation, I have attended the MToP training and will be working
toward certification over the next year. HSD has utilized ToP techniques to develop a Community Ambassador Program for Seniors,
in which HSD partners with 7 other ethnic and faith communities to provide information and referral services through trained
volunteers who identify older adults in their communities in need of services and then link them to those services. HSD's
Youth and Family Services has utilized myself and another trained staff, Mary Anne Mendall, to lead their strategic planning
process. HSD continues to utilize ToP methodologies because it is effective. It works amazingly well within our diverse community
and has helped a variety of start-up nonprofits achieve success. What keeps us going is the fact that it works so well and
it generates excitement throughout the community. Tue, 11/4/08 11:07 AM
35.
Through passion for being a youth worker and wanting to see a global change for the better where more poeple get their voices
heard including those who are vulnerable or excluded Tue, 11/4/08 8:18 AM
36.
I learned ToP during my fellowship in the George Washington University. Prof. Stuart Umpleby took my to the ToP workshop organized
by ICA. It was fun and we started using ToP to perform strategic planing excersise with youth university teachers from Eastern
Europe. Also we develop a method that naturally extend ToP in the direction of decision making using Quality Improvement Priority
Matrix (see www.qipm.com) Mon, 11/3/08 10:15 PM
37. In early 1997, I
saw a great mentor facilitator, Jean Watts, at work in a community forum at a local university. I sensed that something VERY
DIFFERENT was producing the energy I saw unleashed in the room. Went up to her, and told her I didn't know what it was she
was doing, but I wanted to learn how to do it!! And that was the start of a life changing journey for me. I was a seasoned
health care operational executive, and knew much about the "mechanics" of running a large complex organization.
My second encounter with ToP was my attendance at a series of group planning sessions - hosted by an entity that had contracted
with Jean to conduct a strategic plan for development of a new collaborative focused on creating a Healthier City. I again
personally experienced the methods, and felt a connectedness to those in the room that I had not experienced in my other network
planning meetings. GFM classes were offered, at no charge, to the entire group if you were willing to volunteer to "facilitate"
other smaller community meetings to practice their skills, and move this community health effort forward. I took those classes
(my time invested was easily supported by my employer), and my facilitation journey began. My ICA mentor, Jean, enlisted me
as an intern in her work whenever I was available - and I became hooked on ICA methods! For me, this opened up fresh possibilities
of optimism for change in my chosen career sector (health care), and allowed me to embrace the diversity of ALL in this community!
I became the "go to" executive tapped by my CEO to help with collaborative internal agency efforts to improve internal
work processes & systems, as well as the agency's community relationships person. What happened as a result? My personal
scope & vision of myself broadened. I left my "safe" executive position after a CEO turnover at my agency, and
launched my personal business when I realized that ways to use my gifts could be multiplied outside the "corporate"
environment. What keeps me going is (1) the opportunity to periodically teach the methods (which further grounds my personal
practice & deeper sense of the methods), and (2) that in my professional practice, I can experience again & again
the sense of "being" - openness to the gifts of spirit and human possibility - and the "aha" moments when
diverse participants uncover their collective wisdom in reaching solid decisions about their activities and goals. Post Katrina
disaster, my professional practice has opened up intimate connectivity linkages with many diverse groups, across multiple
sectors, and in several different geographic communities. What keeps me going is the spiritual undergirding of the methods
(the way life is), and the ability to use my time on earth as a way to foster positive change in strengthening the human potential
to tackle & unravel the tough systemic challenges and issues that trouble many communities struggling to create a better
lives for their families, children and residents. Mon, 11/3/08 4:59 PM
38.
I'm not a facilitator, I the admin for the Exec. Dir. of our organization. I took the course to brush up on my skills so I
could facilitate one of our upcoming Advisory Council meetings. Mon, 11/3/08 4:32 PM
39.
38 years with ICA's, last 10 of which focused on Social Change Partnerships and Community Youth Development. Formed Partners
in Participation LLC in Jan 07. Only work now with people, groups I enjoy and /or have potential for social change--some paid,
some pro-bono. Mon, 11/3/08 3:14 PM
40. I got into this work through
community development work that attracted me to the academy in 1970. I have been on staff since 1971. Impact is great in terms
of what clients tell me about what has happened as a result of the facilitation and training I do. I keep going as a result
of the change I see and the challenge of finding new ways to solve new problems using methods I know work.
Mon, 11/3/08 10:22 AM
41. Brilliant process for non-profit organizations that are having
trouble with getting on the same planning page, and whose members are not working together cohesively. Mon,
11/3/08 8:25 AM
42. I got involved with ToP at the 2001 IToTToP at Phoenix, a wonderful experience
that helped me to become a facilitotor. As a consultant I use ToP every time I can. Mon, 11/3/08 7:58
AM
43. I met Susan fertig Dykes, took the course and experienced the power of the ToP methods.
Very soon I started to use them in my NGO, as a part of planning and group efforts. Mon, 11/3/08 5:38
AM
44. Went through the ICA Belgium Volunteer Programme, was a volunteer with ICA Zambia 1992-94,
employed by ICA Kenya 1995-1998 where I picked up facilitation and training experience, which I continued to develop after
moving to ICA:UK in 1998. I have seen people and organisations move on and develop as a result of my work, I have seen extraordinary
"aha" moments and seen a light in people's eyes which tells me they are in a new place, and equally I have seen
my efforts defeated in cases where internal and external forces conspire against the sort of being, thinking and doing that
ToP is based on. What keeps me going? The determination to hear more "ahas" and see more of those lights...
Mon, 11/3/08 1:36 AM
45. Took a course with Dorothea Jewell, then had her come and do
a strategic planning process in my organization. Became hooked with the methodology and the results it can produce. Have continued
taking courses, including the MToP. Still use the methods in combination with others and find it useful and productive.
Sun, 11/2/08 1:09 PM
46. Contingent awareness and shame have instilled some kind of moral
issue. People meeting people is a good thing, so facilitate the encounters. Sun, 11/2/08 12:23 PM
47. In 1977 as a teenager and a university student I first became involved with the ICA from
my interest with social change. I then worked 4 years full time with ICA in Adelaide, Perth, Oombulgurri for the Oombulgurri
Human Development Training School, and across Australia doing Community Meetings - around 100 early ToP before they were called
ToP - followed by a move to Louisiana as part of a team facilitating another round of 100 or so Town Meetings, Delta Pace
Human Development Training School, and participated in Chicago Academy 1980. I eventually completed my degree in Psychology,
with a focus on organisational psychology, and maintained involvement with ICA. I was a founding member of the Australasian
ToP Faculty and ToP Panchayat in 2005, and elected ICAA President in 2005. I worked with Kevin, Mark, and the South Australian
team to achieve lead or co-lead status as a ToP trainer of each of the six Australasian ToP Facilitative Leadership Program
Modules. I have fulfilled all of the Australasian requirements for ToP Certification and this may eventuate sometime in the
future. (Also see above for further details). Sun, 11/2/08 12:40 AM
48.
The ToP facilitation seed got planted in me during my year with the Maliwada project. Witnessing the impact of the consult
week on the population awakened me to the power of ToP 'facilitation'. However it wasn't until 6-7 years later when I returned
to India as part of the New Skills Training Institute for ICA Indian staff and as a memeber of ICA India's corporate services
team that facilitation became a regular part of what I do even today. What keeps me going today is the story of what happened
in Maliwada. People are switched on to their own inate power of effectiveness. Sat, 11/1/08 9:33 PM
49. I was trained by Kevin Balm while working at Environment Waikato, (catchment/ watershed
management agency). I used the methods in my work facilitating landcare groups. Then I became a contractor and used the methods
in my facilitation practice. I was encouraged to use them further through association with another colleague Michelle Rush,
when we collaborated on certain projects. Michelle then proposed we offer ToP training in NZ and we have worked with the ICA
Australia to make this happen. What keeps me going with the methods is that they work well in a range of situations.
Sat, 11/1/08 8:51 PM
50. In ICA 38 years. Being part of a global spirit community intending
to make a difference in the world and using methods for participation to make it possible for others to join in as well
Sat, 11/1/08 6:49 PM
51. I attended the ITOP cetification which was a spring board into
a career in Learning and Development. While I do not formally use the methods to conduct trainings, I do use the much of what
i learned in my practice. As a result of this and other experiences this year I was rated one of the top 40 learning and development
professionals under 40 by training magazine. Sat, 11/1/08 5:40 PM
52.
I learned about ICA in Belgium. As a result, I contacted ICA in Chicago and interned/volunteered there. What keeps me going
is: I enjoy speaking in public. Sat, 11/1/08 3:16 PM
53. I became a
part of ICA as a college student in the summer of 1965. After completing my degree, I returned and joined the staff in 1966
and worked as a volunteeer or paid staff member for the next 40 years. After being fired in Oct 2006, my husband and I and
6 other associates have formed Partners in Participation to continue offering ToP training and facilitation services. The
continued effectiveness of the ToP methods keeps me going! Sat, 11/1/08 12:02 PM
54.
Working out in Ladakh, N India. Saw traditional ways of 'doing development' weren't working and started looking for a better
way. Found ICA:UK and atended GFM in 1998. Realised that I often worked ina facilitative way when teaching and training (both
young and more mature students) and wanted to learn more. Went on to learn about NLP, other participatory approaches, mediation
and Solutions Focus (brilliant!) and use ORID as a basis for most everything. Still closely connected with ICA:UK and train
and do facilitation for them. Became a CPF in October 2007. What keeps me going? Support and sharing with ICA colleagues -
amazing how many colleagues are now friends! Feedback from participants after an event, seeing how together we can 'make a
difference'. Knowing I don't need to have all the answers - just brilliant questions. Sat, 11/1/08
11:59 AM
55. I was part of ICA volunteer staff when group facilitation methods were used in
establishing ICA's global human development projects and was part of HDP support staff in Japan and Korea. I took Facilitation
Methods I in 1986 and returned to take GFM in 2003. I was reminded of how useful the methods had been to me personally and
professionally over the years. Subsequently, I took Strategic Planning, and ToP Secrets of Implementation. I attended a ToP
Trainers Network meeting in January 2007, and enrolled in MToP in Minneapolis, finishing in January 2008. I am now a qualified
trainer, having worked locally in Seattle with mentors Gordon Harper and Dorothea Jewell. What keeps me going is the Pacific
Northwest Faciliatators and our ongoing pedagogy and marketing efforts. Sat, 11/1/08 10:15 AM
56. I initially chose to be trained in ToP in order to assist with the many non-profit organizations
I was involved with develop strategic plans. Sat, 11/1/08 7:49 AM
57.
I started with ICA in the late 60's and have been facilitating, in some way, since then. My 'breakthrough' was facilitating
a staff planning retreat in the early 70's. I saw a group come up with real wisdom and build real commitment. I used and saw
it repeatedly in community development work. People genuinely became empowered in the best sense of the term. Their participation
and engagement has changed those places and had enriched the quality of life. Sat, 11/1/08 7:01 AM
58. I heard Mathews speak in 1965. Sat, 11/1/08 6:49 AM
59.
When I got into this work of facilitation it was not call facilitation. My first work was with community groups in the US.
Asking their aopinions and working with them to develop community plans or to implement plans created by the communities.
In the early days it was energizing and frustrating - it was much later that I realized the only way to be sure of the consensus
is to wait and see what happens that represents to consensus. I remember my first workshop in a village in India it was in
a village called Nandapour in Parbhani district about 1977. It was a simple brainstorm of actions to do on a visit to the
nearby city to try to find support for community health and community income generating projects. The reason it stands out
in my memory is that I had not idea what to do. I had just arrived in India and was completely lost but here I was standing
in front of the room asking the questions. Later I was complemented since I seem so neutral and open to everyones ideas. So
I said that is not so hard when you do not have a clue what to do. Every day since I am reminded that my task with every group
is to return to that place adn that style. Sat, 11/1/08 5:40 AM
60.
Thanks to the methods. By using the skills from the ITOP I managed to establish the Organization am currently work with as
the Programme Coordinator and as the founder member of the organization Sat, 11/1/08 5:24 AM
61.
Got the training through involvement with AARP - use various techniques in work I do with AARP and NRTA. It's been rewarding
and enriching so I keep doing it 8-) Thu, 10/30/08 9:57 AM
62. I have
a PhD in clinical psychology and during my grad work was pursued to join a training institute for od consultants. Since then
(1983) I have done some clinical work but for the past 15 years have done executive coaching, leadership development, organizational
consultation, and career consultation. As a psychologist I need ce credits and one year I came upon the ToP training and it
looked like a great investment and a win in many ways. Thu, 10/30/08 9:54 AM
63.
Back in the mid-1990's, I was a "policy analyst" who found out that giving people answers to questions wasn't nearly
as useful as helping them ask and answer powerful questions. Growing into the role as a facilitator and organizational development
consultant was natural in my field of complex problem solving...because engaging many stakeholders, taking ideas from many
sources, and understanding another person's perspective were constantly feeding back to me as THE WAY to address complex problems.
This is what keeps me going: knowing through years of experience that right now constructive futures can be built through
full, engaged participation. Tue, 10/28/08 12:56 PM
64. Involved in
experimenting with what is now ORID and the Consensus Workshop Process in the sixties prior to packaging these methods as
ToP while on the faculty of EI and ICA. Just continued using them after they were packaged. They work; they change the lives
of individuals and the experience they have while in a group. Tue, 10/28/08 10:35 AM
65.
I am a supervisor and organizational partner with other education and training programs in the Bering Strait Region of Alaska.
I use the TOP participation method mainly for consensus building workshops - I've done about 20 sessions throughout the region
in small communities and with inter-agency partners. Mon, 10/27/08 2:23 PM
66.
We were introduced to the ToP methodology when Jane Stallman from Center for Strategic Facilitation came to Fremont to work
with two divisions of the Human Services Department: Aging and Family Services (AFS) and the Family Resource Center (FRC).
We liked the model so much a number of us have taken Facilitation Training and Strategic Planning. Two HS staff have also
gone through advanced training and are seeking accreditation. Mon, 10/27/08 1:27 PM
67.
I was looking for a method that had high participation and got clear results. I learned from Linda and Milan Hamilton two
years ago. Since then, the ToP methods have been a very useful part of my practice. Mon, 10/27/08
12:19 PM
68. As a consultant with a Robert Wood Johnson initiative. I worked with the initiative
to help national sites develop effective programs for youth with drug abuse problems. Mon, 10/27/08
10:54 AM
69. As a student in Belgium, I came to know about ToP and back home I have been applying
it through training and community development activities. I feel ToP can help transforming people's life and we have demonstrated
with many examples that it is a very useful approach of human and organisational transformation. Sat,
10/25/08 9:15 PM
70. I saw a consultant do a focused conversation and I wanted to learn more.
Sat, 10/25/08 7:42 PM
71. Till the end of last year I was living and working using ToP
both for facilitating and teaching ToP in TimorLeste Since then I have been in Australia undergoing cancer treatment and currently
am not well enough to work. I am hoping to recover and to offer my services to the various regional teams teaching and facilitating
around Australia, I have been a member of ICA since l971 and have been involved in the first GA re ToP and all manner of development
work, revisions snd reworkings of the methods and have been to sll the working meertings in Australia that have produced our
6 module course on ToP which is now being taught across Australia. Sat, 10/25/08 5:46 PM
72.
Participated in ICA activities in 1986. Took ToP as a research subject6 as organizatioanl behavior change methodology. Entered
an agreement with ICA USA(phoenix) to use ToP in new training product6 development. Sat, 10/25/08
2:00 AM
73. Localization and re-development of ToP methods to make ToP as part of our new product
'Roundtable Leadership' training program. As a result, client organization gets improvement in its corporate culture and team
becomes more collaborative. This kind of observable organizational behavior change keeps me continueing working in this field.
Sat, 10/25/08 12:19 AM
74. I was a teacher. Went back to school to get a counseling credential.
Missed the kids. Started volunteering in a shelter for runaway teens 21 years ago and have been the Program Manager/counselor
for the last 20 years. Thu, 10/23/08 11:52 AM
75. I was first trained
as part of the national Community Youth Development initiative with ICA as a partner national organization (John Oyler to
be specific). Several of my collegues and I were "fast tracked" to learn the methods and then to teach them to our
local groups of youth and adults working in communities. That was back in 1994-7. In 1997 we began our regional CYD teams
(youth and adults) and each session (2 per year) trained the group in one method. We repeated this over the years and taught
a method at each meeting. The group turned over enough that there were always new folks for the method. I also found the methods
very useful in my work as the director of a network - where we were always bringing folks together. The methods have become
very common to me and I use them in lots of ways both professionally and personally. I have done over 20 ToP GFM courses and
probably trained at least 75 people over the years. This is in addition to the approximately 240 people that went through
the CYD trainings/meetings semi annually. These methods meld very nicely with my personality and the way I do business. I
work much better in a group than alone - these methods have made my work so much more productive and fulfilling.
Thu, 10/23/08 11:10 AM
76. I was trained by J.Adams thorugh Adams & Adams consulting.
I've been training for about 7 years. I am now the local point contact/registrar. I love the methods and use them in my consulting
practice (coupled with my experience from master Degree program in OD and other methodologies I have learned). NOTE: I am
filling out information about my practice below, but need to be sure to clarify my income, practices, planning and caoching
are not driven or created from TOP. It's an integration of all I know and do, and often I will nto use the methods, or will
modify them greatly with other methids. Therefore it's not truly TOP related work, my work incorporates TOP, but is not guided
or directed by TOP methodology. Other things I use to couple with TOP: coaching methodoligies , capacity building, professional
development, AI, etc. etc. Also, the options under the questions are not really the answers I would give, but my responses
are not listed in the choices. For example: income - related to consulting beyond TOP TOP related income - combination of
two very large long term clients as well as several small clients, and the TOP tranings. Volume of facilitation - I facilitate
a variety of groups (some one time, some ongoing). An average of 8-15 days full days facilitating a month.
Thu, 10/23/08 10:55 AM
77. I was trained by ICA Taiwan 6 years ago and have been a full
time facilitator since then. I use not only ToP but also other methods on my work. Mainly I do facilitation program for different
organization, including enterprise, non-for-profit organization and government agency in Asia. I also do facilitation skill
training and leadership training. When I am not busy, I translate books related to facilitation from English to Chinese. My
company "Open Quest Facilitation Technology" has published our translated books on Appreciate Inquiry, Open Space
Technology and Participatory Decision Making. Next one will be The Art of Focused Conversation. I feel my work is full of
creativity, challenge and fun. It's my favorite way to make contribution to the world. I really enjoy it.
Thu, 10/23/08 8:17 AM
78. I came to know of the ToP methods as a result of attending a
ToP methods training in Singapore and also getting to know several ToP facilitators through the IAF certification process.
Later when I was residing in Australia, I took the Facilitative Leadership Programme offered by ToP Faculty Australia and
has been using the methods in all the work I do. What keeps me going is the discovery of how people can be motivated to be
more open in sharing. I find it exciting to experience how ToP methods can create safe and supported environments for various
types of people and groups to work via consensus. Thu, 10/23/08 8:05 AM
79.
I facilitate meetings at my work and have been able to use the ToPs method on a couple of community boards which I serve.
I feel there is not better method to build concensus and make sure everyone is included in the process. This is the most elegant
facilitation method I have learned and often use these methods first. Particularly in strategic plannin processes.
Thu, 10/23/08 5:47 AM
80. 1997 started working with ICA Taiwan. Worked with Larry, Dick
& Gail in facilitation projects. Joined IAF 1999. Served as IAF Asia rep 2003-05. Certified by IAF 2002 (CPF) and assessor
2004. Formed a company in 2002 til now. Incorperate multiple facilitation methods besides ICA methods. What keeps me going
is the capacity to enable real change. Wed, 10/22/08 9:01 PM
81. I was
a pastor in Omaha Nebraska and the Omaha House made me aware of the methods, including their background and intent. We found
the methods the the approach very enabling to our vocational intent and the practical situation and wanted to share these,
as well as be better trained so took an assignment to Berlin. Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
82.
started when i was in non-profits then started a buisness where top is our core process. love to be a part of great change
- love to watch it, hear the converstions, learn from it all Wed, 10/22/08 2:12 PM
83.
Back in the early to mid 80's I went through some very intense personal development trainings which sparked me to want to
work in the field of training. That led me to working with groups and facilitation. I love working with groups to help them
accomplish their goals. Five years ago I started my own business in training and facilitation, my niche is in the government
and non-profit sectors but do some work in private industry. A couple of years ago I was introduced to the ToP Methods and
they fit totally with my own personal philosophy of profound respect and inclusive participation and after completing the
TFM I began using the methods immediately. I am always inspired by what a group of people can accomplish when they are working
together effectively and my work allows me to feel I am contributing positively to the world. Each group that I work with
which is trying to do something positive I contribute a little piece to their success that is what keeps me going and loving
what I do. Wed, 10/22/08 11:20 AM
84. I got into this work while working
with ICA in Egypt. What keeps me going is the belief that a new type of politics is needed in the world, one that is more
transparent and participatory, which respects our different integrities while building on our commonality as human beings
sharing this planet together. Wed, 10/22/08 10:54 AM
85. 10+ years ago,
while working in Phoenix, we hired a staff member who introduced my arts commission to the work of ICA, with which she'd previously
been involved. We were so impressed and had such great results using the ToP facilitation methods internally and in community
conversations that we began to require each program director on the staff, and new hires, to go through the training so that
we acted as a ToP cadre. We used it as a key element of our strategic planning for years. Wed, 10/22/08
9:51 AM
86. I became a ToP facilitator and trainer during the 90s, but do not now have either
facilitation work or any working relationship with the profession. I stay in touch with several active members of the TTN
and loosely follow the fortunes of the TTN in relationship to the ICA USA. My experience grounded me in the nonprofit sector,
which remains my main market for creative services that include writing, editing and desktop publishing.
Wed, 10/22/08 9:21 AM
87. In 1988, I was at the weekly cajun dancing session at the Maple
Leaf Bar here in New Orleans. At the break, I started listening to a woman talk about her work and I think, that's what I
want to do! It was Carol Fleischman talking about facilitation. Soon after, I took my first ICA training from Carol F. and
Jim Wiegel, immensely enriching my journey in community work . It was fun, natural, and fed me personally. All the concepts,
values, methods have been a longtime support to me professionally - as a facilitator, trainer and university professor. Just
this week, I introduced a class of social work graduate students to the basic workshop method. They loved it! Even ten years
ago, we struggled to get folks to recognize the need for facilitators. Here in New Orleans, and I suspect in other places,
that is changing and there is a strong call for these skills. These days I am deeply involved in creating a Citizen Participation
Process in New Orleans and continue to depend upon the training provided by ToP. We have a wonderful network of facilitators
here. Carol Fleischman continues to be a mentor to me and a good, good friend. Wed, 10/22/08 8:49
AM
88. I was 20 yrs. old, I was doing my practice of Agriculture Techinician in Sol d Septiembre
(my home town), a half hour from Santiago in Chile, Soutj America. I was in Caño Negro, Venezuela in the Human Development
School; I got back to the Human Devlopment Project of Sol de Septiembre and worked there for 2 year as part of the Auxiliary
Team, I was in charge of the Social part. Then, in the 80¨s I was asigned to Richgrove, California, I went to the Global
Academy in Chicago, then to Peru, and since I got marry with a Guatemalan I am living in Guatemala. Am not working anymore
with the ICA Guatemala, instead last year and this year I has been working with ICA Chile. I am still doing training on TOP
, because I still seing the life transformation in the people, as the firt time I encountered the ICA and I known more this
kind of methodologhy than other ones, and I can own some money, because in the past I has being worked as volunteer, and I
did´nt got any benefit for my sustainabilty. Wed, 10/22/08 8:17 AM
89.
My first GFM training was as a guest of Heifer Project International. I was impressed but did not apply ToP except once with
my staff when I first returned. 6 months later through DELTA capacity building training through WI Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, we were trained in ToP GFM and they used the ToP process on all our conference calls and quarterly 2 day meetings.
We were so impressed with ToP not only as a way to assist our progression in our work in community, but chose to apply ToP
as a part of our primary prevention of domestic violence intervenion tool. To get to the beginning of violence is like finding
the beginning of a circle. To espect all voices and include all in a participatory consensus based decisionmaking process
is essential in our daily interactions at work, at school, in community and in our homes for the beginnings of peace. We are
doing 2 ToP GFM trainings a year and a PSP training a year. Over 40 Tribal employees trained and 5 departments applying ToP
in some capacity. We have incorporated ToP processes into our Discovery Dating healthy relationship development process. We
use ToP in the classroom with teens, women's groups, restorative justice circles, and of course meetings after meetings. Thanks
to you all for bringing ToP to us, and your ongoing creativity to expand its applications locally and abroad.
Wed, 10/22/08 8:01 AM
90. A colleague suggested I attend the TOP Facilitation Training
in DC in the spring of 2004, as we do a lot of facilitation at MSH. Wed, 10/22/08 7:26 AM
91.
I participated in consults in Ivy City, USA; Shantumbu, Zambia; Conacaste, Guatemala; Woburn Lawn, Jamaica. I also visited
Cano Negro, Venezuela, and Kreuzberg Ost, Germany. Since then I have been using and teaching ToP methods in my classes and
with visiting scholars. See www.gwu.edu/~umpleby/ptp.html. Wed, 10/22/08 7:01 AM
92.
A chance reading of Roger Harrison's review of Laura Spencer's book in OD journal, followed by a series of fascinating conversations,
hopscchotching from Laura to Ruth to Eunice and Sherwood, attendance at IAF since the Alexandria meeting in ???1994, a workshop
for our organization on strategic planning by the Shanklands, taking the basic courses myself, trying things out in Mali,
then everywhere, staying in touch Wed, 10/22/08 6:42 AM
93. Facilitation
has been an important element in the work I have done throughout my career as both an educator and mental health practioner.
When I took the GFM, I felt like I had come home. I loved the fact that the methods were not only highly participatory, they
honored and respected the participants. I took the PSP shortly thereafter and used the methods in my work with my clients.
I began the Trainers Journey and ultimately became a mentor trainer who took others on the trainers journey as I have taught
the ToP courses over the last 14 years. I have worked with a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors
and facilitated them to achieve the results they declared they sought from the creation of consensus on a challenging issue
to the development of strategic and action plans. Seeing my businesses, institutional and community clients' amazement with
the outcomes they have created by using the ToP processes combined with their satisfaction with the results that lead them
become more productive, effective and inclusive has been very gratifying. Wed, 10/22/08 6:34 AM
94. I put my business and facilitation services on hold 3 years ago and am now a knowledge &
learning program manager in a Microsoft group that does not value group facilitation methods so my practice has declined to
almost nothing except when i use it for my volunteer and personal work. Wed, 10/22/08 6:28 AM
95. I took a course in 1968 that was very helpful in understanding my life...am now involved in
helping put on courses in Brooklyn NY...wanting to make a difference without burning up. Wed, 10/22/08
6:09 AM
96. I moved into facillitation from teaching workshops about 20+ years ago. I particiapted
in training in conflict resolution at Harvard and the Univeristy of Missouri School of Law. I expanded my work to include
group conflict resolution and teaching the same. I began facilitating advisory groups and took the TOP methods training courses
( almost all of them) along with the mastery course. I continue to facilitatie strategic planning, project planning, conflict
resolution of two parties and work groups. I keep doing the work because I love it. Wed, 10/22/08
6:07 AM
97. Worked with ICA in various roles and several countries, 1968 - 2006. From 1992-2006
headed up ICA work in NC, applying ToP methods to neighborhood revitalization and organization capacity building. Since 2006
have "focused and fomalized," applying ToP methods to planning and designing "green" schemes with organizations,
cities, counties, design professionals and neighborhoods. People need to think in an integrated manner and ToP methods work
well to do that. Groups can "scheme" better with methodology that allows for both rational and intuitive thinking.
As a Human Ecologist, ToP methods help guide people's thinking combining the natural and human systems.
Wed, 10/22/08 5:51 AM
98. The first serious facilitation work that I did was in the Chicago
metropolitain area in the early 1980s when I adapted the LENS method for strategic planning with about 40 suburban municipal
governments and public sector agencies (e.g., library and school districts, etc). I did this through an official relationship
with the Department of Continuing Education at Harper Community College. In 1984, I moved to Kenya where I worked in a partnership
between the Swedish Cooperative Centre (SCC) and the ICA to do participatory planning events with members of local co-ops.
Eventually, I was directed employed by SCC as the regional coordinator the "Cooperative Members Participation Programme"
in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. This work in Chicago coincided with developments in ICA that saw the transition from the old
LENS processes into what we now call ToP. I began doing freelance consulting work in 1992 which included a lot of organizational
development and conference facilitation. While built on the principles of ToP, this facilitation rarely looked like ToP events.
In 2000, I returned to Chicago when I became a member of the ToP Training Network. This is a relationship that I have maintained
to the present. While I make a living as a consultant and a professional facilitator, only a fraction of the work, however,
is under the label as "ToP". Wed, 10/22/08 4:09 AM
99. Through
ICA Japan's project work. Using planning and Leadership Training at the community. Wed, 10/22/08 3:25
AM
100. In 1977 as a teenager and a university student I first became involved with the ICA
from my interest with social change. I then worked 4 years full time with ICA in Adelaide, Perth, Oombulgurri for the Oombulgurri
Human Development Training School, and across Australia doing Community Meetings - around 100 early ToP before they were called
ToP - followed by a move to Louisiana as part of a team facilitating another round of 100 or so Town Meetings, Delta Pace
Human Development Training School, and participated in Chicago Academy 1980. I eventually completed my degree in Psychology,
with a focus on organisational psychology, and maintained involvement with ICA. I was a founding member of the Australasian
ToP Faculty and ToP Panchayat in 2005, and ICAA President 2005 - 2007. I worked with Kevin, Mark, and the South Australian
team to achieve lead or co-lead status as a ToP trainer of each of the six Australasian ToP Facilitative Leadership Program
Modules. Sun, 10/12/08 6:20 PM
101. 5 years ago, I came into contact
with TOP facilitation when I participated in a conversation conducted by a trained TOP facilitator, Tamyra Freeman. Tamyra
did not tell us what method was being used as the focus was about the topic being discussed. But being a developing facilitator,
I was struck by the flow of conversation and later, I became friends with the Tamyra and I asked her how she learned facilitation
and she referred me to ICA. I became curious and decided to pursue certificaiton in TOP methods. I got in touch with Ann &
John Epps. I obtained my certification as a TOP trainer in GFM in Aug 2007. What keeps me engaged in TOP methods is the simplicity
and complexity of the methods. WHen I first experienced the method, it looks very simple. Yet, when I start to use it as a
facilitator, I start to see the subtle nuances of the method. I've also felt I learnt the spirit of facilitation through using
the methods. I'm starting to see the multi-layers of each method and there is still so much to learn that I find I learn something
new each time I use the method and each time I observe different TOP facilitators use the methods. There is alot of versatility
and depth in the TOP methods that I enjoy learning more about it. The TOP community is also something that keeps me going.
Being connected with TOP facilitators in Asia and other parts of the world enables me to feel it's more than just methods
but also being part of a social change movement. Sat, 10/11/08 12:58 AM
102.
5 years ago, I came into contact with TOP facilitation when I participated in a conversation conducted by a trained TOP facilitator,
Tamyra Freeman. Tamyra did not tell us what method was being used as the focus was about the topic being discussed. But being
a developing facilitator, I was struck by the flow of conversation and later, I became friends with the Tamyra and I asked
her how she learned facilitation and she referred me to ICA. I became curious and decided to pursue certificaiton in TOP methods.
I got in touch with Ann & John Epps and the rest is history. Sat, 10/11/08 12:53 AM
103.
By shear luck I bumped into John Oyler doing this work at a conference in Chicago in 1994. Instantly I was intrigued by what
I saw unfolding, as where several other of my colleagues. We, and a national organization, connected with ICA and developed
a 'fast track' to get us trained and on board. From that the real Fast Track was born. Fri, 10/10/08
6:33 AM
104. Head of Environment Africa (Malawi). I have a passion for people and issues here
are about gross poverty which leads to over dependency on natural resources. Environment Africa HQ in Zimbabwe has expanded
into this region and being my origin it was a natural thing to do. Communication keeps me on the go as sometimes I am in the
remote areas. Fri, 10/10/08 2:25 AM
105. since 1966
Thu, 10/9/08 10:51 PM
106. since 1966 Thu, 10/9/08 10:51 PM
107. As a long time ICA staff member, I was exposed to the basic methods in 5th City and worked
to refine and develop them during summer programs. I was honored to spend a year with my wife, Judy and Joe and Marilyn Crocker
doing Village Development consults and refining that version of ToP strategic planning. For the past 15 years, facilitating
and ToP training have been my primary work, for the past 2 years as an independent professional. I have worked with over 177
different groups during that time. I continue to be warmed and fascinated by the commitment of people to full participation
and to the light that comes in their eyes as they experience ToP methods helping to give form and shape to what they intend.
Thu, 10/9/08 10:10 PM
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8. What significant shifts, trends and changes are you noticing in the people and
groups you are working with? Describe the group and the change you see
1. Following orders is current norm inspite of efforts to plan participatively Wed,
11/12/08 10:28 AM
2. People who thought they didn't like the use of facilitation are discovering
they didn't realize it was in use in situations where they were participating, and they now see the usefulness.
Tue, 11/11/08 11:22 AM
3. I think I have given a couple of examples in another answer.
Culture transformation is one; getting results is another; organizational learning a third. Tue, 11/11/08
9:13 AM
4. Challenges: Increasing workloads has reduced interest in participative processes;
participative processes are seen as an overused tactic; participative processes are seen as suspect in the minds of some.
In these views participative processes are seen as having been misused to avoid responsibilty and have proven themselves of
limited value when addressing difficult topics that may impose unpleasant consequences on some participants or stakeholders.
Mon, 11/10/08 6:15 PM
5. Sometimes they want to usef acilitation merely because others
do -- strong control forces are present often. Too often groups want faciltation for something that they don't share a vision
about...so, in my mind, what's the use of 'fixing' when more is needed. Too many groups don't budget or understand that these
meetings and steps require more TIME than they want to give attention. Mon, 11/10/08 11:01 AM
6.
Communities become more active and involved after our training. After our community mobilization using ToP methods,
communities begin to see how their participation can lead to success and start activities, for example collecting funds to
implement a specific project. We can prioritize community problems using ToP methods and then the community can make decisions
about how to address the problems and issues. We train communities to create local institutions/organizations to support their
work over time. Mon, 11/10/08 2:21 AM
7. Cultural shift towards respect for
other individuals, toward teamwork, toward belief in unlimited human potential. Sun, 11/9/08 3:30 PM
8. Many trainees report successful results in their facilitation experiences. A recent Boeing face
to face facilitation of an otherwise virtual team resulted in enthusiastic resolve to find more ways to connect on an individual
and small group basis. Sun, 11/9/08 1:43 PM
9. Some facilitation burnout
and cynicism from poor past experiences; has to be overcome by performance (show them, don't tell them)
Sun, 11/9/08 3:04 AM
10. The changes are mostly cognitive and behavioral-organizational, namely
having a new joint strategy and an organizational structure to take them forward. I see less changes (compared to work with
other group facilitation methods) which are emotional or attitudinal. The groups I usually work with are of young Israeli
professionals. Sat, 11/8/08 10:45 AM
11. They want to go in depth, but at
a MUCH faster pace at an affordable price. Sat, 11/8/08 7:26 AM
12. Participation
and involvement is an assumption, not a choice. the issue is how to structure this. Without structure, involvement and participation
remain tough routes to increased ownership and better decisions Sat, 11/8/08 7:19 AM
13.
This approach really encourages all voices to be heard and included and opens peoples eyes to the power in building
consensus. I always hear positive, encouraging feedback after leading sessions with the TOPs method. I find the system to
be a very natural progression as well. Fri, 11/7/08 9:29 PM
14. -Complex
collaborations that recognize that no one party can address the challenges and issues -Organizations are sending multiple
people to trainings and looking for immediate application of methods by their staff -Participants and organizations increasingly
recognize the value of coaching and help with design as they learn how to use these methods Fri, 11/7/08
8:47 PM
15. From hostile and confrontational to collaborative, from hopeless and cynical to
positive and willingness to try. Many efforts have been picked up by others to implement with the sincere belief that it was
their idae. Thu, 11/6/08 7:16 AM
16. I notice that there is still a tendency
to do things FOR people rather than WITH them, whether it be clients, workers, etc. Wed, 11/5/08 2:35 PM
17. They are always impressed by the short term results of using the methodology. I have a friend
working in training and consulting in the food production business who does all of his training (Detecting problems, building
teams etc. from operative to management level) using TOP methodology (not teaching it). He finds it very successful
Wed, 11/5/08 11:41 AM
18. Communities and agencies that previously rarely interacted
are working together to improve the lives of older adults and their families. Tue, 11/4/08 11:12 AM
19. Confidence from people who do not usually consider themselves leaders. Tue,
11/4/08 8:20 AM
20. Participants realize that they possess - within their own collaborative
group - the ability to be successful at their goals, once clearly articulated, shared & re-visited regularly via application
of ToP inclusive participation methods Mon, 11/3/08 5:22 PM
21. The groups
our organization works with are focusing more on partnerships and collaborative approaches to working out differences.
Mon, 11/3/08 4:33 PM
22. Lack of organizational depth and staff capacity has limited
implementation of plans; board overestimated the amount of work it was willing to assume Mon, 11/3/08 8:30
AM
23. People ask to upper levels to track and get done the plans, people feels that their input
is very important and want to adopt participantive culture Mon, 11/3/08 8:04 AM
24.
1. Towards teamwork 2. Towards partnership working 3. Increasing involvement of users/clients 4. Changing away from
outputs to outcomes Mon, 11/3/08 3:36 AM
25. people are paying attention
to the need for process as well as products. The issue of the means as well as the ends are being considered. Though time
is a challenge, people recognize the need for taking the time to put processes in place as well as mechanisms for evaluation.
the commitment is to staying the course, recognizing that systems transformation is a journey Sun, 11/2/08
1:16 PM
26. Recognition of other conflict parties. Cognitive shifts are obtained, but reality
is a strong counterforce. Sun, 11/2/08 12:26 PM
27. ToP seems to be evolving
beyond ICA, as in my recent experience ICA continues to have a religious base or value system where 'one right culture' 'one
right way to do and be' 'one right style' is valued and 'righteous to impose' if necessary, while ToP is more secular and
values diversity. This raises the potential for conflict with ICA International. becomes the implement
Sun, 11/2/08 12:42 AM
28. The group in mind are senior managers/leders from diverse businesses
withina family owned group of companies in India. The stated sense is that ToP methods is their route to excellence as a world
class organisation. Another group is a conventional consulting/training company in Bangkok who feel facilitation methods in
general (ToP in particular) will be their competitive advantage. Sat, 11/1/08 9:51 PM
29.
Deeper reflection generates more shared insights and understandings, space to talk about feelings leads to more appreciation
of each other, methods leave people with a greater sense of unity and diversity Sat, 11/1/08 8:58 PM
30. In general, the education community is not very comfortable with an open, participatory process.
In recent years with the political mandates of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), districts have been even more closed. It was hoped
that with the arrival of the Governor's Grant of Funds for the Arts, the ToPs method would be the perfect method to bring
about multi-faceted change. In my experience, this has not been the case. My singular success has been with a high achieving
district that has also been blessed with a wealth of funds and community resources, artistic and otherwise. The group is intrinsically
motivated, well respected, and representational of the community. Sat, 11/1/08 7:53 PM
31.
Mixing TOP methods with others (AI, dialogue, OST, world cafe, etc). Seem to respond most honestly and creatively with
more openness, flexibility and self-organization Sat, 11/1/08 6:55 PM
32. People
and group are more enthusiastic. Sat, 11/1/08 3:19 PM
33. In strategic planning,
groups express hope about their ability to accomplish the implementation. Trainees are choosing to become certified ToP facilitators.They
are practicing and trying the methods in their work. Sat, 11/1/08 12:47 PM
34.
Better understanding, often surprised expected arguments didn't happen, delighted at how much is achieved in a short
time,into action Sat, 11/1/08 12:02 PM
35. When working with my ICA colleagues,
I see lots of participation, affirmation, progression towards keeping a faciliation and training practice alive in the Seattle
area. Sat, 11/1/08 10:22 AM
36. More coesive team units, as all feel they
have a voice in the process Sat, 11/1/08 7:53 AM
37. We are seeing more "in-house"
facilitators. Many are in HR Training or OD departments. They are called upon to facilitate a wide variety of meetings throughout
the organization. Sat, 11/1/08 7:08 AM
38. the combination of individual
change along with group process seems to be increasing so I am getting more requests to coach with the leadership of the team
or organization on how they can follow through on the changes that were begun in the facilitated session or asked to beign
with coaching and then flow into a group facilitated process Sat, 11/1/08 5:46 AM
39.
Staff cope well with the community members during planning sessions. Our approach is also accepted by the local government.
Out of different sessions, training conducted deliver something such as a group established, CBO and NGO to carry on whatever
we have been discussing or training. Sat, 11/1/08 5:33 AM
40. I don't really
market myself as a facilitator but see the need for facilitation in business consultation, team and leadership development
and coaching increasing as the stakes get higher and resources decrease. Thu, 10/30/08 9:57 AM
41.
More willingness to engage the many types of internal and stakaeholder groups in plannnig and implementation processes.
For example, more leaders are actively seeking the participation of "line level" staff than a decade ago.
Tue, 10/28/08 1:03 PM
42. Huricane Recovery Groups -Preference for participatory interactive
meetings and modes of decision making of all kinds Conflict Resolution Facilitators - preference for synergistic, consensus,
developmental processes Collaboratives - appreciation for using and participating in development of conceptual frameworks
Tue, 10/28/08 10:50 AM
43. At first, there is often what seems like animousity or sometimes
tension between participants. Then as soon as the grouping takes place, everyone seems to become more together and happy after
the session because their ideas were heard and acknowledged equally. Mon, 10/27/08 2:29 PM
44.
This model brings people to the table and keeps them engaged. I love the model. Mon, 10/27/08 1:32
PM
45. People are expecting to participate vs being passive and enjoy the new level of leadership
that this brings Mon, 10/27/08 9:31 AM
46. People have hope even during conflict.
ToP has encouraged them to bring a hope in their life. Many participants were able to transform their society after attending
ToP training. Sat, 10/25/08 9:31 PM
47. People are able to look at whole
systems rather than just bandaid solutions that deal with symptoms Sat, 10/25/08 7:49 PM
48.
In Timor Leste the prodUction of An actual strategic plan is exciting and follow up calls usually show that implementaton
of the plan is wel under way Sat, 10/25/08 5:46 PM
49. Create collaborative
corporate culture Sat, 10/25/08 2:03 AM
50. Team members collaborative patterns
become more transparent and consistent. The conversation between them are more focused and effective. Sat,
10/25/08 12:32 AM
51. Programs within our agency seek support on an annual basis to do strategic
planning for the year. Thu, 10/23/08 12:02 PM
52. More participatory work
with line staff and those participating. It is harder to get those that didn't participate to understand the value and make
the "shift". Thu, 10/23/08 11:16 AM
53. More and more organisations
are looking for silver bullet answers and are reluctant to make time to be reflective. Thu, 10/23/08 8:10
AM
54. Incorperating Positive focus, using Appreciative Inquiry with ToP methods.
Wed, 10/22/08 9:06 PM
55. They appreciate one another more, they work from what is rather
than what should have been, they listen and support one another Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
56.
A definite move to less hierarchical structures and decision making. Greater desire for maximizing participation and
ownership. Wed, 10/22/08 11:27 AM
57. They are becoming more aware about
how consensus really works. They are aware that they are being heard and they tell us how they thought that we were just starting
to do the same old thing that they have done so many times, but they trust us so they permit us to go forward after they express
that fear. Once we finish the process, they come up to us and tell us how they can see the movement that happened and that
it was different. They go with a sense of accopmlishment and purpose. Wed, 10/22/08 9:53 AM
58.
n/a Wed, 10/22/08 9:24 AM
59. People are aware that they got more tolerant,
listen to each other, integration in the group, getting consensus rapidy, got a profunidty in the dialogues of specif themes,
trusting their thoughts, apreaciation of the diefferences among the group (differences backgrouds of educations and capacities.
Wed, 10/22/08 8:27 AM
60. Americans are somewhat familiar with group facilitation methods.
Some former Soviet Union people get very excited by the more participatory approach to management. Wed,
10/22/08 7:15 AM
61. more focused, more together Wed, 10/22/08 6:45 AM
62. More concern with how to change the larger motifs of life..from consumption to engaged in compassion/loving
neighbor. Wed, 10/22/08 6:13 AM
63. More focus on what can be done versus
focus on the problems. Wed, 10/22/08 6:12 AM
64. See above
Wed, 10/22/08 5:58 AM
65. Participation in the abstract is assumed; many people, however, have
very vague understandings about ways to make it happen. Wed, 10/22/08 4:13 AM
66.
Willingness to use facilitation, clients asking for more facilitation especially after they have experienced it and
notice the effect it had on people. Sat, 10/11/08 1:03 AM
67. Clients are
looking for participation and flexibility in approaches, and are hoping for rapid, immediate change. They are also looking
for content expertise embedded in a facilitative approach. Fri, 10/10/08 6:39 AM
68.
Small group work becoming the norm. Fri, 10/10/08 5:10 AM
69. General
attitude in participation has improved as they see the results of a protracted method that encompasses all view points.
Fri, 10/10/08 2:43 AM
70. More of an interest in participation as significant engagement
in mission, less interest in "input" into decisions Growing interest to take on "big" issues
Thu, 10/9/08 10:14 PM
|
|
|
In addition to the methods in the survey, what additional ToP (or other) methods
are central to your work?
1. My statements are in referrence to two groups I work with frequently. Wed,
11/12/08 10:28 AM
2. Wave analysis, also using SWOT in participatory planning
Wed, 11/12/08 1:13 AM
3. Note: I have used all these methods extensively and effectively in
the past, and they have contributed tremendously to the organizations I was working with. In my current situation there are
only sporadic opportunities to use the methods, except for the Focused Conversation which can be used invisibly.
Tue, 11/11/08 11:26 AM
4. Trends (Wave) for helping groups to assess trends in their
field. Strategic Planning implementation and evaluation process is critical to keeping plans on track.
Tue, 11/11/08 10:01 AM
5. PRA PCA LQAS All interactive methods (brainstorming, small group work,
role playing, simulations of business models, presentations, demonstrations, discussions, etc.) We use these methods in our
trainings. These methods are requested by international organizations and they like these methods. We use these methods in
our communities. First, for community mobilization. These methods help us to involve communities in our activities and ensure
good results. Second, for community training, which results in community development. Mon, 11/10/08 2:33
AM
6. Imaginal education, Social Process, Life methods, spirit methods, frameworking, data gathering,
documentation, SATW interviews, etc. etc. Sun, 11/9/08 3:32 PM
7. Wave analysis
(like Historical Scan helps to frame facilitation tasks); Force Field and Nominal Group variations of the Workshop Method
are important adjuncts to assist tailoring to different needs and to provide variety in practice; numerous variations in data
gathering (brainstorming ) and processing (including voting variations) also allow tailoring to different needs and provide
variety in practice. Sun, 11/9/08 3:09 AM
8. The OE/ICA/EI spirit methods,
that are imbued in the Top methods (for those who really understand what they are all about) are central to my work. I worry
that the newly minted "trainees" in Tops can ever deliver the spirit substance that birthed these methods, and so
i continue to remain somewhat "suspect" about what you all are attempting to "clone."
Sat, 11/8/08 2:50 PM
9. the bit of the top methods all my work is centered around is the notion
that the past is approved and the future is open Sat, 11/8/08 7:21 AM
10. In
regards to the TOPs Strategic Planning model, I haven't been trained in this, but have developed strategic planning sessions
based on the Focused Conversation, Consensus Workshop and Action Planning methods. I have had a lot of success
with using these methods to lead orgs in strategic planning. Fri, 11/7/08 9:34 PM
11.
- Image Shift for analysis - Social Process Analysis - The Wave .... Fri, 11/7/08 8:49 PM
12.
WAVE ANALYSIS and WORLD CAFE has been used and clients have reported that they enjoyed the level of conversations present.
Thu, 11/6/08 5:09 PM
13. Event planning has been important and used 1-2 times a year.
Tue, 11/4/08 11:14 AM
14. Guided Dialogue -- when the group does not want to reach a
specific decision, but to uncover the impact of their particular focus on the community the group serves, or re-establish
the common bonds & prevailing wisdom among the group participants Mon, 11/3/08 5:28 PM
15.
Conciliation process; Model merging; Mon, 11/3/08 10:27 AM
16. I don't
always know what is ToP and what isn't, but I use a variety of different techniques and tools to enhance the central methods
above Mon, 11/3/08 3:36 AM
17. wave analysis - checking current reality designing
a participatory event - assists in working collaboratively with my clients to develop any event Sun, 11/2/08
1:20 PM
18. We link the stages of the Conversation method, workshop method and variations such
as Force Field method and Nominal Group techniquethe with the principles and functions of participatory process as dynamics
underlying all good facilitation methodology whatever its name or school of thought. The charting method is used regularly
in training events. The 'H' technique I use for reviews, evaluations, and often at the interpretive level. Transpositions
of the Social Process triangles get used in diagnostic situations. Sat, 11/1/08 10:03 PM
19.
I am aware of the underlying dynamics that can help me diagnose where a group is at and what they need to do next. I
also use a range of other methods in my work Sat, 11/1/08 9:01 PM
20. TOP
fundamentals ingrained in me - so they get woven into everything even though not in formal programs Sat,
11/1/08 6:58 PM
21. I am not using other ToP methods Sat, 11/1/08 10:24 AM
22. We have developed an approach to facilitating conciliation using a variety of ToP methods.
We have refined many of the process. We have used ToP methods in combination with other approaches such as scenario based
strategy planning and appreciative inquiry. Sat, 11/1/08 7:13 AM
23. Negotiation
Skills/Methods and Participatory Facilitation Methods. These are also important method when working in the low community.
It helps to facilitate community members when wish to plan for their development you let them led them self. When there is
a contradiction situation you can apply negotiation method by abritiating and let them judge the solution or put purnishmen
to solve the issue Sat, 11/1/08 5:55 AM
24. What is a ToP method? I use the
Wave process extensively. Open Space, Dialogue processes, Image change as an organizational and team change process.
Sat, 11/1/08 5:50 AM
25. Implementation Methods: The keys to success in each of the stages
of implementation are something I use on a weekly basis with leaders to help provide practical, tangible action. I have found
the implementation model and keys to be very helpful in having conversations with leaders. Tue, 10/28/08
1:06 PM
26. Spiral Dynamics Conceptual Framework and Emergence Group Technologies - use as assessment
tool,to discern current reality, or the "present health/unhealth" or the organization prior to implementation process
after completing vision, contradictions, and strategic directions and/ to analyse where change and/or transformation can or
will occur immediately or easily. Use to distinquish facilitative leadership from all other forms of leadership. Integrate
with top concilitation process in training conflict resolution specialists and facilitators of various Diversity Trainings.
Use Gregorc's Mind Style Instrument to resolve conflicts, create an atmosphere or environment of appreciation for each individual's
differences and natural ways of participating as an individual or while in a group or designing a meeting, conference, workshop,
or training event of any kind. Tue, 10/28/08 11:05 AM
27. Open Space Technology;
World Cafe; Appreciative Inquiry Mon, 10/27/08 9:32 AM
28. Interactive Interview
Linking ToP to other participatory tools Sat, 10/25/08 9:35 PM
29. The methods
help groups get results and help me look good as a facilitator Sat, 10/25/08 7:52 PM
30.
The new Australan course Facilitation Methods and Foundational Wisdom. Sat, 10/25/08 5:46 PM
31. cybernetics and communicatics are key theories and contents in localization and redeveloping
of ToP into our 'roundtable leadership' training program. Sat, 10/25/08 2:07 AM
32.
AI, World Cafe, Situational Leadership, Graphic Facilitation, Future Search, many many models form the Pepperdine MSOD
program (debriefing processes, coaching processes, group dynamics work, succession planning, etc. etc.) - all of it contributes
to my success Thu, 10/23/08 11:01 AM
33. Wave Analysis is currently being
used to help a client develop an appreciation of the context on how they are going through a change Thu,
10/23/08 8:12 AM
34. Image Change theory and process, to think about what message to send and
how to assist a change process to take place. Personal Life timeline--in coaching to reflect on mental models and assumptions
Wed, 10/22/08 9:09 PM
35. Open Space Occasionallly used Others more infrequent
Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
36. - Scenario Planning, adds realism to future expectation - Trends
Analysis, important as a context for PSP Wed, 10/22/08 11:02 AM
37. A main
use is the ORID process and the use of the book "The Art of Focused Conversation" in my supervisory/coaching role.
Wed, 10/22/08 10:00 AM
38. Withe the Top methods we are able to deliver what people have
always been hoping for, but never got. Their voices heard, their ideas included and their value affirmed. Their projects are
much richer because they did follow these methods to develop them. Wed, 10/22/08 9:56 AM
39.
n/a Wed, 10/22/08 9:25 AM
40. beginning to add Dynamic Facilitation
Wed, 10/22/08 8:58 AM
41. I have just read Leadership Made Simple by Ed Oakley and Doug
Krug, Enlightened Leadership Publications, 2006. It suggests a five step approach to facilitating a meeting: 1. What is already
working? 2. What is the cause of the success? What makes it work? 3. What is our objective? What are we trying to accomplish?
4. What are the benefits of accomplishing our objective? What is the value for the company? What will it do for you personally?
5. What can we do more, better, or differently to move closer to our objective? Some features of this approach are the following:
1. The focus is on the future (how to move forward) rather than the past (what went wrong). 2.
Problems are not addressed explicitly, because people become defensive and do not want to be blamed for what went wrong.
Problems are dealt with implicitly by the gap between what is succeeding and what the objectives are. 3. The
claim is that sharing successes energizes and motivates the group. Also, sharing successes enables people to learn from each
other. 4. A key claim is that “the answers are in the room.” Focusing on problems rather than
successes means that successful practices are not widely known. Focusing on successes, and why they were successful, enables
people to make use of readily available knowledge. 5. The visual display method is not described but is
probably just making lists on flip charts of what people say. While reading the book, I wondered how using cards and a sticky
wall would fit with the questions. One advantage of using cards is that more people get their ideas “on the board.”
Just asking people to speak up leads to some people dominating the conversation. The next time I do a Participatory Planning
exercise, I think I will use this set of questions as an experiment. Wed, 10/22/08 7:20 AM
42.
Goal Directed Project Management Wed, 10/22/08 6:36 AM
43. other world-
using a language that pushes the depth of life Wed, 10/22/08 6:16 AM
44. Use
of Logic models. this is requried by many grants and funders. I use the top methods to plan logic models with stakeholder
groups Wed, 10/22/08 6:14 AM
45. WAVE analysis - helps determine a group's
current position in their ongoing work PDM - Participatory Design Module - a combination of ToP methods that allow a neighborhoods
to build a proactive, comprehensive plan for the revitalization of their community. Wed, 10/22/08 6:02
AM
46. I see ToP as a general underlying methodology that contributes to all of my facilitation
work. However, with the exeption of "focused converstion," I rarely do anything remotely like the prescribe approaches
found in ToP manuals. Everything is an adaption that incorporates many things I've learned outside of ToP. I rarely use ToP
as a branded methodology in the way the above questions seems to assume. Wed, 10/22/08 4:19 AM
47.
Life Chart - i find it particularly useful for my coaching work with executive clients. Sat, 10/11/08
1:05 AM
48. Curriculum and program development approaches are coming up more and more with groups
-- 3 in the last year. Thu, 10/9/08 10:16 PM
|
|
|
One challenge I am facing in my practice is:
1. I do it so occassionally I am very rusty Wed, 11/12/08 10:31 AM
2.
people who question the question sequence in ORID Wed, 11/12/08 1:18 AM
3.
Everyone has some facilitation experience; it is not always the best and may not always fit the situation as well as
ToP would do. Tue, 11/11/08 11:29 AM
4. Getting more people trained as trainers
in this market Tue, 11/11/08 10:08 AM
5. Cash Flow Tue,
11/11/08 10:04 AM
6. Dealing with large groups - more than 50 Mon, 11/10/08
6:44 PM
7. managing mutliple competing demands for my time, focus and energy
Mon, 11/10/08 6:32 PM
8. finding work (yet I'm in school). I want to work with a facilitation
team. Mon, 11/10/08 11:15 AM
9. being internal Mon, 11/10/08
7:22 AM
10. participants are not familiar with the concept of participatory approaches
Mon, 11/10/08 2:47 AM
11. Too much work for our staff, bringing new staff on board at
a high level. Sun, 11/9/08 3:38 PM
12. I find there are very few colleagues
I totally "trust" to take on my clients and give them what they have received from me. This has nothing to do with
my ego, but i have little confidence in the so-called Tops trained folk. They don't seem to deliver the high quality we (the
creators of the methods) demanded. Sat, 11/8/08 3:01 PM
13. inter-cultural
dialogue; ToP is probably too Western and individualistic. How can it be modified to enable a non-western form of participation,
and how can a mixed group (western-eastern) participate together with the same method? Sat, 11/8/08 11:18
AM
14. physical exhaustion Sat, 11/8/08 7:23 AM
15.
I could probably use more tools to add to my "bag of tricks." Fri, 11/7/08 10:03 PM
16. over working, how to find space and time to be Fri, 11/7/08 9:07 PM
17.
sustaining change Fri, 11/7/08 8:40 PM
18. stuck organizations
Fri, 11/7/08 7:30 PM
19. working with a short time limit with clients who are "reluctant"
to spend too much time clarifying the issues Thu, 11/6/08 5:21 PM
20. Recognition
of facilitation as a valuable resource - we have been so transparent that people don't recognize facilitation when they see
it. Thu, 11/6/08 7:26 AM
21. Marketing, Marketing, Marketing
Wed, 11/5/08 2:36 PM
22. Lack of practice Wed, 11/5/08 11:42 AM
23. Having the time to do more facilitation Tue, 11/4/08 11:19 AM
24.
brining people up to speed with enough depth to deliver the methods well Tue, 11/4/08 8:24 AM
25. People are quite sceptical about ToP Mon, 11/3/08 10:28 PM
26.
How to do strategic FOLLOW-UP, FOLLOW-UP after a client event that is meaningful to both me & client. On this same
level is Pricing the facilitation consulting product & a fee structure which allows me to stay engaged with a group in
a supportive role after planning to produce sustained change Mon, 11/3/08 7:12 PM
27.
Biggest challenge was my boss tends to take over meetings and he did it at the meeting I was facilitating, but I did
manage to gently get us back on track. Mon, 11/3/08 4:35 PM
28. scheduling
participants Mon, 11/3/08 8:35 AM
29. Get concrete result at the specified
schedule Mon, 11/3/08 8:13 AM
30. dealing with though clients/participants
Mon, 11/3/08 5:44 AM
31. Participation (we ask, you decide) vs Consultation (we ask but
we decide) debate Mon, 11/3/08 3:49 AM
32. how can I make the process work
with a dysfunctional team in a broken organization? Sun, 11/2/08 10:47 PM
33. continual
improvement of skills Sun, 11/2/08 1:27 PM
34. high politics ad security
logic is dominant Sun, 11/2/08 12:34 PM
35. In situations where I am facilitating
alone to operate as if I have access to another colleagues eyes and hears and thinking. Sat, 11/1/08 10:34
PM
36. Honouring Maori perspectives in an authentic way Sat, 11/1/08 9:09
PM
37. Enabling others to focus more on the group - it's needs and decisions - and less on their
own skill, validation Sat, 11/1/08 7:03 PM
38. Recruiting new participants
in our training programs Sat, 11/1/08 12:59 PM
39. time for reading and thinking
Sat, 11/1/08 12:08 PM
40. too many priorities take away my attention from doing more
facilitation Sat, 11/1/08 11:00 AM
41. Remember to utilize the ToP methods
when facilitating a group...aditional advance preparation Sat, 11/1/08 7:57 AM
42.
Making the personal connection with the individuals Sat, 11/1/08 7:22 AM
43.
BUREACRACY INPUSHING THINGS MOVING Sat, 11/1/08 6:24 AM
44. You asked
about succession - I do not think that is the issue but comprehensively developing other facilitators is very difficult -
the methods are the easy part but the spirit and ethic of service is much harder Sat, 11/1/08 5:59 AM
45. people who resist participatory activities Thu, 10/30/08 10:05 AM
46.
Time management, self care and balance! Taking the time to reflect, share and learn in community with others
Tue, 10/28/08 1:13 PM
47. time spent training co-facilitators Tue,
10/28/08 11:36 AM
48. Narrowing down the focus questions with clients Mon,
10/27/08 2:42 PM
49. We did an action planning workshop and it was good start but I don't know
how to get everyon moving forward now. Mon, 10/27/08 1:40 PM
50. People (Faciltitation
traning participants) teach others to form group, but they destroy the group. Sat, 10/25/08 9:43 PM
51. economic reality for those needing to learn methods Sat, 10/25/08 8:02 PM
52. difficult to be accepted in chinese traditioanl authoritarian culture
Sat, 10/25/08 2:14 AM
53. The tranditional culture in China is authoratarian style, takes long
time to convince people to try. Sat, 10/25/08 1:06 AM
54. getting more people
trained from my agency Thu, 10/23/08 12:07 PM
55. Going out on my own and
having to "sell" what I do. Thu, 10/23/08 11:26 AM
56. political
leadership issues Thu, 10/23/08 11:07 AM
57. creativity of particular design
for every new program Thu, 10/23/08 8:45 AM
58. How to have others use this
approach more frequently and fully Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
59. where the economy
is going Wed, 10/22/08 11:37 AM
60. how to deal with those who are self-centred
and unreflectively hungry for power and recognition Wed, 10/22/08 11:15 AM
61.
I can only take the process to a limited level, I need more exposure with the planning methods and beyond,
Wed, 10/22/08 10:07 AM
62. The ICA Guatemala is not being moved in the last years. So,
I need to get more in my own Wed, 10/22/08 8:52 AM
63. Americans do not seem
to be very interested Wed, 10/22/08 7:29 AM
64. getting attention and time
from senior leaders Wed, 10/22/08 6:52 AM
65. my employer does not value
group participation Wed, 10/22/08 6:44 AM
66. cost Wed,
10/22/08 6:25 AM
67. people who need and want facilitation cannot afford it or think they cannot
afford it Wed, 10/22/08 6:21 AM
68. Marketing at the regional level
Wed, 10/22/08 6:11 AM
69. Declining willingness for international development projects
to engage consultants from abroad (while this is a concern for me and my work it is not necessarily an issue for those projects!).
Wed, 10/22/08 5:22 AM
70. finding equally competent facilitators within my location
Sat, 10/11/08 1:16 AM
71. Explaining ToP Trategic Planning to a new client in a way that
they undertand it - lots of new language Fri, 10/10/08 6:51 AM
72. creativity,
being able to adapt the system for varied scenarios Fri, 10/10/08 3:14 AM
73. How
to get at the deep motivation and alignment of individuals in the group so they hang together to make something happen
Thu, 10/9/08 10:23 PM
What other challenges do you see for ToP as a whole? 1.
Maintaining currency with hi-tech methods coming forward Wed, 11/12/08 10:31 AM
2.
workshop method a bit 'clunky' for some and some people have difficulty designing focus questions to suit their situation
Wed, 11/12/08 1:18 AM
3. Name recognition needed. Tue, 11/11/08
11:29 AM
4. marketing our products Tue, 11/11/08 10:08 AM
5.
Communicating the value. Simplifying for communicating our message Tue, 11/11/08 10:04 AM
6.
Looking at how to use the methods when the time given is not sufficient as described in the method Mon,
11/10/08 6:44 PM
7. incorporating deeper dialogue into our processes that seem to me to be too
busy with posting and clustering Mon, 11/10/08 6:32 PM
8. Publishing
successes. Mon, 11/10/08 11:15 AM
9. working with the ICA
Mon, 11/10/08 7:22 AM
10. sometimes it's really difficult to use the Consensus Workshop
method in our conditions- for example, we may not have a surface available to use a sticky wall or other materials, or may
not have tables and chairs for participants (in poor and remote communities). Mon, 11/10/08 2:47 AM
11. sharing ToP around the world. Facilitators, are, by and large a single horse pony.
Sun, 11/9/08 3:38 PM
12. How to avoid the "lock step" process mind-set that
does great disservice, How to ground new facilitators in the "spirit" depths of our methods Sat,
11/8/08 3:01 PM
13. addressing national and international conflicts Sat,
11/8/08 11:18 AM
14. serious financial crisis in community, US and world Fri,
11/7/08 9:07 PM
15. Being inclusive and the courage to incorporate alternative processes
Thu, 11/6/08 5:21 PM
16. How to continue to financially support facilitation and traing
in facilitation in the economic climate that we are in and going to be in for a while./ Thu, 11/6/08
7:26 AM
17. Being able to sell the process so that people will buy into the time commitment
Wed, 11/5/08 2:36 PM
18. In Chile facilitation in small and medium companies, schools
etc is not seen as necessary and/or too expensive. Wed, 11/5/08 11:42 AM
19.
Getting the work out and include more diverse populations in the facilitation training. Tue, 11/4/08
11:19 AM
20. it can be somewhat middle class Tue, 11/4/08 8:24 AM
21. Publicizing its BRAND, & being acknowledged as a critical, foundational method in the facilitation
field Mon, 11/3/08 7:12 PM
22. Making ToP-centered services available
and/or affordable for communities and community-based organizations Mon, 11/3/08 3:41 PM
23.
Introduce a culture of participation Mon, 11/3/08 8:13 AM
24. limited
to "we" groups? Mon, 11/3/08 3:49 AM
25. sometimes the pieces
get too complicated -- there is elegance and power in simplicity Sun, 11/2/08 10:47 PM
26.
conitnued advancement of the methods - staying current Sun, 11/2/08 1:27 PM
27.
deal with identity based conflict Sun, 11/2/08 12:34 PM
28. I am concerned
about the prospect of ICA International becoming the vehicle for ToP international Sun, 11/2/08 12:43
AM
29. to focus on how that which integrates the various ToP methods is aligned with innate
human effectiveness Sat, 11/1/08 10:34 PM
30. Working in appropriate
ways for local contexts - adaptability and flexibility Sat, 11/1/08 9:09 PM
31.
Developing ToP as a presence or brand that is sought after Sat, 11/1/08 12:59 PM
32.
slowing economy Sat, 11/1/08 12:08 PM
33. keeping up with technology
- young people are not enthralled with our low tech teaching methods Sat, 11/1/08 11:00 AM
34.
Facilitators and trainers who know and can almost instinctively apply ToP methods Sat, 11/1/08 7:22
AM
35. It has not evolved over the years. Sat, 11/1/08 7:03 AM
36.
STILL NEW METHODOLOGY IN OUR SOCIETY Sat, 11/1/08 6:24 AM
37. Deternining
how integration with other methods will deepen or grow top and which will block its uniqueness Sat,
11/1/08 5:59 AM
38. How to use the kernel of the methods and not get hung up in doing it perfectly
or even completely. I do a lot of customizing to suit the needs of the group and culture. Tue, 10/28/08
1:13 PM
39. Adding authentic and real depth to its processes Tue, 10/28/08
11:36 AM
40. ToP is not growing, repeating the same few tools Sat, 10/25/08
9:43 PM
41. a weak USA ICA National Office that is not doing national marketing
Sat, 10/25/08 8:02 PM
42. the original ToP is very difficult to be accepted in corporate
world. Sat, 10/25/08 1:06 AM
43. Convincing folks that this is the way
to go. Thu, 10/23/08 11:26 AM
44. reputation as an agency, reputation
of methods as not business practical Thu, 10/23/08 11:07 AM
45. blending
them with other methods to adapt to different situation Thu, 10/23/08 8:45 AM
46.
letting people know what it offers and how and why it works Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
47.
Allowing new ideas in and keeping updated for changing newer generations Wed, 10/22/08 11:37 AM
48. how to be more sensitive to conflicts within the community and how to overcome hidden agendas
within the group Wed, 10/22/08 11:15 AM
49. training enough people to
meet the needs Wed, 10/22/08 10:07 AM
50. How I get the investment I
need it to go with confident into the market. Fees Wed, 10/22/08 8:52 AM
51.
The book, Leadership Made Simple, emphasizes a more positive approach. Wed, 10/22/08 7:29 AM
52.
getting people not be discouraged as they practice Wed, 10/22/08 6:52 AM
53.
and an opportunity - virtual group facilitation (i.e. MS Live Meeting) Wed, 10/22/08 6:44 AM
54.
growing/marketing-putting name out there..advertising Wed, 10/22/08 6:25 AM
55.
to market methods as a the facilitative way of working Wed, 10/22/08 6:21 AM
56.
Publicizing applications of ToP Wed, 10/22/08 6:11 AM
57. Institutional
relationships with ICA. Wed, 10/22/08 5:22 AM
58. copyright issue
Sat, 10/11/08 1:16 AM
59. The language - not accessible Fri, 10/10/08
6:51 AM
60. How to learn from our "customers" and share that learning so we can evolve
a ToP 2.0 Thu, 10/9/08 10:23 PM
GOOD EXAMPLES OF REALISTIC, LASTING SUCCESS WITH TOP AND FACILITATION 1.
Work Program development The Strategfic Plan provided a road map that has lasted 4 years Wed, 11/12/08
10:33 AM
2. Timor Aid - an East Timor NGO - ICA Australia teams trained several staff in ToP
methods and the CEO uses the methods with other groups also Tue, 11/11/08 9:25 PM
3.
Slavica Bradvic: In her first GFM (which I taught in Bosnia) she caught the vision of ToP and has never let go of it. She
inspires others. Tue, 11/11/08 11:31 AM
4. PERC San Bernardino County-all
trainers are trained in ToP methods and use them throughout County Departments Tue, 11/11/08 10:12
AM
5. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; sent 4 people through all our
ToP Courses. Facilitated organizational strategy Tue, 11/11/08 10:11 AM
6.
Menningitis Vaccine Project of PATH, an international NGO; used as an example in the Change Handbook by Peggy Holman
Mon, 11/10/08 6:34 PM
7. n.a. Mon, 11/10/08 11:16 AM
8.
Valencia Integrated Water & Wastewater Master Plan; part of a CDM-led team to conduct a county-wide master plan
Mon, 11/10/08 10:38 AM
9. An international NGO Mon, 11/10/08 2:51
AM
10. Toronto United Way. full training of facilitator and CD workers throughout Toronto
Sun, 11/9/08 3:40 PM
11. Culver City High School, we developed a mission statement, strategic
plan and action plans. Then the school leadership stepped up and included the entire faculty in the implementation of the
action plans. Sat, 11/8/08 12:35 AM
12. CalSAC - communicated and followed
strategic plan more than any group I have worked with Fri, 11/7/08 9:10 PM
13.
Agency in Vietnam, Highly energised by the participative approach of workshop method and talked about to another consultant
Thu, 11/6/08 5:26 PM
14. Collaborative of ICA, RPI and Osgood Neigorhood Association Produced
an Alley Improvement Guide and "Up Your Alley" project that has bee picked up and replicated.
Thu, 11/6/08 7:30 AM
15. PELP programme, Chile. Programme for Training Participative Leaders.
Leadership training for mixed groups of handicapped and non handicapped youth. Wed, 11/5/08 11:42
AM
16. City of Fremont's Human Services Department. ToP methodology has been utilized to develop
strategic plans for many of its divisions. It been used successfully to expand our partnerships to include multiple ethnic
and faith groups in delivering needed services to people who had previously been significantly underserved in our community.
Tue, 11/4/08 11:24 AM
17. Broadheath plan it yourself day Tue,
11/4/08 8:24 AM
18. Fifteen 25-35 year old schorals at GWU + distant group of appr. 200 people
Mon, 11/3/08 10:31 PM
19. Holy Cross Neighborhood Assn in New Orleans, LA lower 9th Ward
- integrating ToP methods into re-vitalizing a U.S. community post-disaster using inclusive participation in community revisioning
with urban planners; celebrating of minor successes in every association meeting & eventual collaboration with national
entities (HGTV; Clinton-Bush Fund; Global Green; Brad Pitt; etc.) to rebuild community resiliency & affordable homes post-disaster
in an historic neighborhood Mon, 11/3/08 7:13 PM
20. The City of Scottsdale
has a core of 12+ ToP-trained facilitators whose task is to deliver Participatory Strategic Planninng with every department
of the city and assist with ongoing monitoring and implementation Mon, 11/3/08 4:00 PM
21.
small community foundation that has been having its "first year" for 15 years Mon, 11/3/08
8:38 AM
22. Cooperativa Coban, Realized the importance of participation and how it helps to
become an organization excellence oriented Mon, 11/3/08 8:18 AM
23.
Working with World Vision Bosnia and Herzegovina and using ToP methods for facilitation of community development workshops
Mon, 11/3/08 5:47 AM
24. A small diaspora organisation has adopted ToP and its principles
to make it more representative of its members and to play a more facilitative role in enabling and supporting members to take
their own initiatives forward Mon, 11/3/08 3:49 AM
25. Las Virgenes
VAPA Task Force: independence of team members who are highly valued by their district, enjoy thinking creatively in a participatory
setting. when I set up a solid process they ran with it. Sun, 11/2/08 10:52 PM
26.
VOCSA, see dialogue lab Sun, 11/2/08 12:35 PM
27. The GMR group of companies
in India where ToP methods are slowly but steadily being established as the tool for group collaboration, discussion, problem
solving and decision making. Sat, 11/1/08 10:51 PM
28. Enviroschools
facilitators all learn that reflection is a very valuable part of learning, and they experience deep reflection using the
focussed conversation when we train them (even though they don't know that this is the method we are using). This gives them
a commitment to facilitating deeper reflection when they work in the 500 schools that are part of this NZ programme.
Sat, 11/1/08 9:11 PM
29. American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has used ToP 3 times
(each about 10 years apart). The first planning was to establish the association, then to deal with incredible growth and
recently to deal with the need for transition to new leadership. Each time the organization was prepared to meet their challenges
and willing to gather the insights and perspectives of their whole membership. Sat, 11/1/08 1:05 PM
30. a 40 year old state association participated in an action planning process to organize for
a very successful state conference Sat, 11/1/08 11:06 AM
31. TWV BY
USING THESE METHODS THEY MANAGED TO REACH MANY COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND WORK WITH THEM TO PLAN FOR THEIR DEVELPMENT
Sat, 11/1/08 6:31 AM
32. Sophia, Corning - We have both facilitated processes within the
organization and trained internal facilitators that have continued using the processes Sat, 11/1/08
6:11 AM
33. state wide retired teacher associations - use tools in their local areas to develop
membership Thu, 10/30/08 10:06 AM
34. Healthy New Orleans - a partnership
of 80 orgainzations related to physical, mental, and economic health Tue, 10/28/08 11:47 AM
35.
The villages of Savoonga, Shishmaref and Teller Alaska, that helped the college determine what courses were important in their
village. Mon, 10/27/08 2:46 PM
36. Jane Stallman, Center for Strategic
Facilitation Mon, 10/27/08 1:43 PM
37. Downtrodden community: changing
their life Sat, 10/25/08 9:51 PM
38. First 5 Placer uses the Foc. Conversation
for grant review & in every aspect of their work Sat, 10/25/08 8:05 PM
39.
Various Timor Leste - I believe ToP can and has begun to contribute to the develpment of this new country
Sat, 10/25/08 5:46 PM
40. too complicated to share examples because ToP is only part (25%
or less) in our work. Sat, 10/25/08 2:16 AM
41. too complicated to describe
such examples because we combine ToP as only part of our work with clients Sat, 10/25/08 1:11 AM
42. South Bay Community Services - a youth agency in Chula Vista, CA. They were one of the first
groups to start with our CYD teams and have since evolved into a group that actively involves youth and the participatory
methods in their work. Erika Johnson has been the leader with the full support of her boss Mauricio Torre. His participaton
and support was crucial. Thu, 10/23/08 11:31 AM
43. an international
charity operating in more than 40 countries, exciting and practical vision Thu, 10/23/08 8:56 AM
44. Ozanam Industries, First strategic Plan, enabled teamwork across the organisation
Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
45. Fairly new community group in Denver which is engaging a wide
range of neighborhood groups, business and the city in improving one of the main Boulevards in Denver. The City is intrigued
by the process we are using and the model it can be Wed, 10/22/08 11:41 AM
46.
the "core group": almost selfless commitment to their cause and capacity to overcome internal contradictions - so
far. Wed, 10/22/08 11:18 AM
47. Indigenous Groups in the West Side of
Guatemala: One of the organizer did not believed that these youth can gieve ideas, then, the youths were so proud to be at
front, reflextings on their Action plans, using the ORID and plan again the next month Wed, 10/22/08
8:58 AM
48. see www.gwu.edu/~umpleby/ptp.html Wed, 10/22/08 7:31 AM
49. a 30 year old African training institute that followed the strategic planning process and
achieved financial autonomy Wed, 10/22/08 6:54 AM
50. 2005 DHHS - IHS
- SFC I used most of the ToP methods to help them develop their strategic plan Wed, 10/22/08 6:48
AM
51. GROOTS NYC Wed, 10/22/08 6:26 AM
52.
state health department Wed, 10/22/08 6:22 AM
53. Southwest Central
Durham (SWCD) Quality of Life Project working with the Duke Office of Community Affairs - see their website
Wed, 10/22/08 6:14 AM
54. Participatory monitoring and evaluation of community projects
in Serbia and Republic of Georgia. Again, these are based on ToP principles but are not ToP branded Wed,
10/22/08 5:25 AM
55. Environment Africa in facilitating management retreats to share and learn
from activities being implemented Fri, 10/10/08 3:19 AM
56. Core Group
of the Facilitators for Peace effort. They have held together for 5 years, evolving a significant project from nothing, and
are an inspiration to be around Thu, 10/9/08 10:25 PM
I am willing to provide more information: 1.
John Telford<thetelfords@gmail.com> Tue, 11/11/08 9:25 PM
2. susan@gmdtech.com
Tue, 11/11/08 11:31 AM
3. participationworks@dslextreme.com Tue,
11/11/08 10:12 AM
4. e-mail or phone 916-806-6407 Tue, 11/11/08 10:11
AM
7. marilyncrocker@juno.com Sat, 11/8/08 3:04 PM
8.
inez@gramercypartners.biz and inezbush@ccusd.org Sat, 11/8/08 12:35 AM
9.
You have all of my contact information - Jane Stallman Fri, 11/7/08 9:10 PM
10.
cynthia@fastreklearning.com Thu, 11/6/08 5:26 PM
11. icatroy@verizon.net
or 518-273-6797 Thu, 11/6/08 7:30 AM
12. email nblackburn@gmail.com
Wed, 11/5/08 11:42 AM
13. rgrimm@ci.fremont.ca.us Tue, 11/4/08
11:24 AM
14. amelia@ica-uk.org.uk Tue, 11/4/08 8:24 AM
16.
ewirvin@bellsouth.net Mon, 11/3/08 7:13 PM
19. jdudding@ica-uk.org.uk
Mon, 11/3/08 3:49 AM
20. celenaturney@hotmail.com Sun, 11/2/08
10:52 PM
23. marilynoyler@cox.net Sat, 11/1/08 1:05 PM
24.
WRITE A LETTER TO EDDA B.MARIKI P.O.BOX 13903 DAR ES SALAAM TANZANIA; TEL: 255 22 2122848 MOB: 0713 333664
Sat, 11/1/08 6:31 AM
26. dsalesky@kawerak.org Mon, 10/27/08 2:46
PM
27. tatwa@ica-nepal.org Sat, 10/25/08 9:51 PM
28.
call me at home 530-426-3424 Sat, 10/25/08 8:05 PM
29. email - cborovic@gmail.com
Sat, 10/25/08 5:46 PM
31. vthompson@centerforhumanservices.org Thu,
10/23/08 12:08 PM
32. Probably best to set up a call or e-mail: nancyfast1@aol.com
Thu, 10/23/08 11:31 AM
34. haithamarar@palnet.com Thu, 10/23/08
12:22 AM
35. email or phone +61 2 9896 3839 Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
36. by email <ahbadawi@yahoo.com> Wed, 10/22/08 11:18 AM
38.
joaquinaruz@yahoo.com.mx Wed, 10/22/08 8:58 AM
39. umpleby@gwu.edu
Wed, 10/22/08 7:31 AM
43. by e-mail at cwgb@socket.net or phone at 636-932-4432 or cell
at 314-803-5461 Wed, 10/22/08 6:22 AM
44. greenschemes@bellsouth.net
Wed, 10/22/08 6:14 AM
46. gugule2@yahoo.com Fri, 10/10/08 3:19
AM
What support or assistance do you most need? 1.
Need a corporate group to work with in developing a mission Wed, 11/12/08 10:38 AM
2.
collegial network to tap into; strong brand with international presence and up to date web information to reinforce sense
we are part of something 'bigger' that is significant. Wed, 11/12/08 1:32 AM
3.
Marketing system that fills courses and makes it more financially viable for trainers Tue, 11/11/08
12:53 PM
4. See above "How do we help?" Tue, 11/11/08 11:37
AM
5. Success examples and benefits data. Marketing and communication simplifying and clarifying
value of ToP methods for those brain types who don't value process. How we will communicate with the millenium cohort.
Tue, 11/11/08 10:30 AM
6. My boss Mon, 11/10/08 6:39 PM
7.
Meeting others that want to do the same. Mon, 11/10/08 11:25 AM
8. the
last stage in the PSP process is the weakest. Mon, 11/10/08 7:53 AM
9.
We need new training on ToP, visits from training facilitators from the ICA network who are familiar with new ToP methodologies.
We would like to have more up-to-date training in ToP. Mon, 11/10/08 3:00 AM
10.
An update on how you are promoting (and in what form) the "methods" I helped to develop and field test -- in short,
to assess whether this organization is Sat, 11/8/08 3:35 PM
11. I would
love to partake in more, deeper training, but as a consultant the school district probably wouldn't cover the cost so my hands
are tied right now. Areas to address in future workshops: advocacy, empathy, implementing change and checks and balances One
might say that the future is in the hands of our teachers and if our teachers were skilled in this approach and would implement
it, the output would be more leaders and collaborators in the next generations. Sat, 11/8/08 1:03
AM
12. I think that the preconference for Japan was very valueable to me personally - one getting
to work with Jim and Kathy AND the stimulation of the conversations around a topic that is important to me. Figuring out how
to have these conversations that matter would be a gift Fri, 11/7/08 9:40 PM
13.
- in-person idea exchange gatherings with other practitioners - updates on tools, tips and trainings Fri,
11/7/08 7:39 PM
14. Keep me in the loop of the developments. Thu, 11/6/08
5:40 PM
15. Recognition of and sharing of work that people have done in local communities, especially
in the USA Thu, 11/6/08 7:36 AM
16. I think that it is very important
that we all begin the process of understanding poverty culture and doing something to change it. Wed,
11/5/08 2:42 PM
17. Contact for information and advice when needed. The current Group is very
interesting to "lurk" on!! It keeps me connected. Wed, 11/5/08 11:42 AM
18.
Further training Tue, 11/4/08 11:28 AM
19. Research support
Mon, 11/3/08 10:45 PM
20. I appreciate being on the e-mail list, should the need arise
for brush-up training. Mon, 11/3/08 4:37 PM
21. Networking and have
contact with organizations at Latin America to use ToP Mon, 11/3/08 8:24 AM
22.
I gain a huge amount from wotrking with others in all the above Mon, 11/3/08 4:01 AM
23.
an opportunity to assist in ToPs facilitated meetings having a mentor buddy how to make a more lucrative living doing this
work Sun, 11/2/08 11:09 PM
24. unsure at this point
Sun, 11/2/08 1:34 PM
25. please keep me informed Sun, 11/2/08
12:40 PM
26. leverage the richness of learning and development within ToP that has taken place
these last 20 years of dispersion. Sat, 11/1/08 11:13 PM
27. I have
found the Australian ICA is a strong and supportive network and also appreciate having others visit us from further afield.
Sat, 11/1/08 9:15 PM
28. Support in developing marketing tools and stories of excellence
Sat, 11/1/08 1:16 PM
29. sharing on listserves, support of colleagues,
Sat, 11/1/08 12:13 PM
30. A national training network that would be a wiki-based job bank
of facilitation opportunities around the country and the world. Sat, 11/1/08 11:19 AM
31.
Occasional email reminders to use ToP. Perhaps some interest success stories or "Best Prectices".
Sat, 11/1/08 8:02 AM
32. READING MATERIALS, DIATANCE LEARNING COURSES, REFRESHER COURSES,TOOL
KITS AND ANY OTHER SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE IS ENCOURAGED Sat, 11/1/08 6:44 AM
33.
Integrating and drivign research. Sat, 11/1/08 6:17 AM
34. I can provide
ideas and experience from the field (on the ground) as a practioner here in the US. Our organization is attempting to address
complex problem solving, global citizenry, sustainability and other important challenges and our "findings" may
have some value to you. Tue, 10/28/08 1:25 PM
35. Working with others
interested in adding depth and breadth to the ToP curriculum Tue, 10/28/08 12:29 PM
36.
I think Kawerak, Inc. could provide some more training to all the new employees that might use these methods in their everyday
work. Mon, 10/27/08 2:57 PM
37. Certifying facilitators worldwide
Sat, 10/25/08 10:02 PM
38. I think those of us in the ToP network should write a book
- each of us with a chapter that we can use for our own PR and marketing of ToP Sat, 10/25/08 8:11
PM
39. If ICA could really become inclusively supporting our work in China.We got excluded from
initial development team for the ICA 2008 Japan conference. Sat, 10/25/08 2:23 AM
40.
If ICA could really become inclusively supporting our work in China. We got excluded from initial development team for the
ICA 2008 Japan conference! :-( Sat, 10/25/08 1:21 AM
41. The ToP network
of trainers is very helpful. The local group near me is always ready to support me and I know where to go when I need them.
Thu, 10/23/08 11:36 AM
42. Sharing on vision, issues and directions. Sharing of how people
have moved ToP into work on national, and international issues, esp on social justice, human rights, ecological living, and
what some of the encouraging or discouraging results have been Wed, 10/22/08 4:45 PM
43.
marketing Wed, 10/22/08 11:50 AM
44. Good friends and working partners.
Wed, 10/22/08 11:25 AM
45. How to do a good marketting, dealing with all kind of clients,
and how we can operte in Guatemala 4 people who have certification. Meanwhile ICA Guatemala is not funtion but still being
legal here. The 4 of us do not have resourses to take the responsability to resolve the management situation og ICAG.
Wed, 10/22/08 9:13 AM
46. stay in touch Wed, 10/22/08 6:57 AM
47. Please thank Gordon Harper for me as he has been a great colleague over the years and keeps
me informed of ICA and ToP. Wed, 10/22/08 6:56 AM
48. Questionnaires,
friends, newsletters and a revitalized ICA USA! Would like to see a positive strategy that helps build the Institute's ToP
support system...they need to become believers rather than hanger-oners. Wed, 10/22/08 6:36 AM
49. Tips from others who are successful in this work Wed, 10/22/08 6:27
AM
50. Help with regional marketing Wed, 10/22/08 6:20 AM
51.
Remain abreast of this dialogue. Wed, 10/22/08 5:32 AM
52. Connecting
with people globally who have similar interests Sat, 10/11/08 1:21 AM
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