|
|
|
|
International Institute For Global Leadership The second meeting of the IIGL Advisory Council meeting took place June 4-6, 2006 at Mountain Light Sanctuary near Asheville, North Carolina. USA. We had twenty council members from eight countries in attendance. They were: Bosnia
Canada
Côte d’Ivoire
Egypt
Nigeria
United Kingdom
Venezuela
USA
Many of our students wished to participate in the meeting but were denied US visas. This was a great disappointment to all of us. Getting Acquainted We began the meeting with a get acquainted session. We spent the first couple of hours going around the circle and giving each person an opportunity to introduce themselves and talk a little about their work, their interest and their involvement in IIGL.
Our get acquainted circle set the tone for the rest of the meeting by creating a sense of heart connectedness and camaraderie. This was further enhanced by the interactions that took place in small group conversations at meals, during breaks and in the evenings. There was a great deal of laughing and general sense of joyfulness which was a good reflection of the "heart centered" nature of what we are about. Format After getting acquainted and hearing reports, we began our deliberations and discussions. The format for our three day meeting roughly followed the following sequence:
In getting a clear picture of where we are now, program-wise, we heard reports from the directors of each of the language sections (French, Spanish & English) as they talked about the progress of the work in their section and their plans for the coming year. Each report was followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions. The directors reports were followed by in put from our students. We had written communications from several students who were unable to attend in person. If the student's mentor was present, we had the mentor read their student's input. Otherwise these were read by others so that those who were not present had had opportunity to be heard by the whole group. After these were shared, we heard personal reports from those students who were physically present including Roger Y (Côte d’Ivoire), Oluranti (Nigeria/USA), Colins Imoh (Nigeria) and Elisabeth Tepper (Venezuela). Each of these sections were followed by time for participants to ask questions. The combination of these reports and student feedback gave us a clear idea of what IIGL has accomplished during the past year and where we are today.
Part 2 - Where Do We Want To Be Two Years From Now? In these sessions - facilitated by Al Steele and Randa el Sharif - each of us were ask to take a few minutes to envision where we saw IIGL being two and a half years from now and to describe this in 'present tense' as if it were January 1st, 2009. We went around the circle and everyone had a chance to describe their vision of where we were at that time.
Part 3 - What will it take for us to get there. Once we had done this, we were then asked to describe what we thought it would take to get from where we are today to where we saw IIGL being at that time. We were asked to then choose the three most important things we thought it would take to get us from where we are to where we want to be in January 2009. This was a major brainstorming session with many ideas being shared. Having done the brainstorming and coming up with many ideas, we were then asked to put these ideas into different categories and then set priorities as to importance. Al then led is in a session for creating a time line with certain goals for the end of 2006, 2007 & 2008.
Based on this and the other information we received, we identified our areas of greatest need and established committees or identified the responsible person in each area of concern so that we would complete the meeting knowing that all areas were covered. One of the primary areas was that of mentorship. We decided that our next meeting would tentatively be in October of 2007. We are looking at three potential locations: Egypt, Nigeria & South Africa.
Feedback from attendees Sanford Danziger, Center for Purposeful Living It was such an inspiring time together. Each of us from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on service to others, and in the midst of such natural and human beauty. Lily, IIGL Mentoring committee chair It was truly a pleasure to meet each one of you and to share in the wonderful experience of community. Colins Imoh, The African Renaissance Network It was a joy meeting all of you in Person. It is a good feeling. Thank you for your love and support. Elisabeth Tepper, IIGL VP & Spanish Division director I've been writing personally to each one of you, thanking you for your participation, your time, and your energy. It's the second IIGL meeting I attend, and although the first one was "magical" in all the sense of the word, this one had a new type of magic, the energy of 20 people from different backgrounds, culture, professions, countries, religions, races... all came together to say: YES, it can be done. I've had the experience of being in working sessions and meetings in different types of environments... corporate, financial, holistic, very spiritual... and this has been the first time I participate in a 3 day meeting that flowed without personal agendas. Only ONE common agenda: IIGL in time. I have the feeling that when I say this... it seems as Utopia. But then, aren't we in the business of changing the world. I truly believe that this meeting was a symbol to what we want to achieve. We all committed to being there. So many new commitments were made to continue the work. Can you imagine our governments working as we did? Barefoot and with one only goal? Isn't that what we want? Michael, the spirit of IIGL. Even if he is slowly handing part of his work, he is and always will be the mastermind, the masterspirit. Corine, our eternal president... she is the masterheart of IIGL. The power in her words, the respect she embodies makes me believe this is worthwhile. Randa, our new president... her focus on our mission was fundamental to keep us on track. Roger, our new vice president... always expressing himself with power! Helen, our recording secretary... how could she keep track of all we were saying? Her commitment is leadership! Deb, our corresponding and financial secretary... can communication be put in better hands? can finance be managed with love? Deb shows it can. Al, a great contributor... his capacity to summarize and put into a few words all our thoughts was amazing. How can you translate ramble into words? Naomi, the linker, the mother... taking care of us. Were we happy when Naomi was around, we were sure to have a great meal made with love. Amr, youth and maturity... always challenging our status quo. Oluranti... working on his vision. Colins... was it 20 students from 10 different countries? Committment. Julie and Julia... bringing Spirit into work. Lily... she blends easily and lets her strength permeate all. The Williams family... only here for a short while, but with great optimism. Sanford... ready to listen and contribute. Robert... full of energy and resources. Gilian and Sherifa... a silent compensating presence. And most important of all, those present in each of their words... our students. When we hear or read your words, when we see the difference in your life that IIGL has brought about, we know we are OK, and that there is still a lot to do. Now, that I'm home I remember Michael's words... "things cool off". The truth is I feel overwhelmed with all the things I want to do. So, I better start one by one... Randa El Sharif – IIGL President It is difficult to follow such an amazing summary that Elisabeth wrote. As usual, Wow ! Elisabeth, so beautifully and eloquently put. And, including each and everyone in person. I think what Elisabeth wrote pretty much summarizes it – how the “We” was put into action this year. Each person had an important role, pieces of a puzzle, creating the big picture. What beauty. The challenge this year was exactly that, to bring together many individuals, from different backgrounds and create this common ground, common focus, this Oneness. I must say that we really did it J. We took IIGL to another level. It was an amazing exercise and a very rewarding experience. I so look forward to the achievements that will happen this coming year. It can only happen with all of us on board, with us All acting as One, for the welfare of IIGL and most importantly, the students. Let’s always keep our mission in focus J. I would like to thank the board for their faith in me as president of IIGL. I will do my utmost to live up to that responsibility. Once again, thank you Michael for offering the beautiful space for this year’s meeting. It is always so inspiring and invigorating. And thank you for sharing your dreams with us all. Thank you all for all your contributions and support, and most importantly your genuine love. Love, Joy and Peace, - Randa Julie Loosbrock, IIGL Mentoring committee Thank you to each and every one of you! As I read all the comments that have been made; the only think I can add is the gratitude I feel toward all of you for letting me share with you this experience. The commitment to the students and the needs of this world is being demonstrated by our actions. I am grateful to have a small part in this undertaking. Thank you! International Institute For Global Leadership Advisory Council Meeting Report - July 30, 2005 The first meeting of the IIGL Advisory Council meeting took place June 14-17, 2005 at Mountain Light Sanctuary near Asheville, North Carolina. USA. We had nine council members from four countries in attendance. They were:
The purpose of the Advisory Council is to offer counsel to the board and staff as we chart the course and development of the Institute. The purpose of this first meeting was be to become acquainted with one another, to assess and evaluate our progress to date and to discuss our future. During our three days of discussion we covered a broad range of topics. For the purposes of this report, our discussions and recommendations have been organized into eight categories. We see the ideas which came up at the meeting, and this report, as a foundation for ongoing discussion and development - not as something final and carved in stone. As you read this report, it may stimulate additional creative ideas as to how IIGL can be of greater service. If so, please share these with us. The Institute is a work in progress; a co-creative endeavor between staff, board, students and contributors. Where we are today is the result of many people contributing their ideas, energy and financial resources to a small seed idea which germinated in 2001. We will continue to grow and expand our service only to the extent that we do it together. Here is the report of our discussions, subject by subject. Communication We also discussed the need and feasibility for creating a communication system between specific groups within the Institute, such as students, student mentors & contributors. The creation of such systems would depend on an individual taking the leadership in creating this. Bringing students, mentors & contributors together regionally, nationally & internationally to meet one another and discuss their IIGL studies and the future of IIGL was also discussed and generally agreed upon as an excellent idea. Michael noted that this is one of the first things on his agenda once sufficient funding is available.
Educational Development A question was raised as to whether IIGL studies are ever complete. Is there ever a 'graduation?" It was explained that - as a work in progress - we are currently set up as an ongoing study program, developing each level of study as we go. Currently there is no 'end point." We discussed the pros and cons of this and finally decided that it should remain this way; that IIGL studies, like life, should be ongoing. However we also agreed that advanced levels of study should include more than simply reading and that a special emphasis should be placed on giving students an opportunity to put into practice what they have learned, both via internship programs, mentoring other students, community service projects, etc. While the studies may be ongoing, we did recognize a need for completion stages with appropriate recognition ceremonies were possible; something in addition to certificates of completion which are currently sent to students for each level completed. One idea which was proposed was some kind of recognition of advanced students on the website. We discussed the desirability of having advanced students involved in internship programs as a way of putting into practice the things they have learned from their IIGL studies. Two different kinds of programs were discussed. The first would be to assist students in finding internship positions with organizations related to their area of interest. This might be anything from businesses to NGO's to governmental organizations. The second would be developing an internship program specifically for IIGL. In this case the student would be working on projects devoted to advancing the work of the Institute. Student-to-student mentoring was also a topic of discussion and it was generally agreed that this would be an excellent way for more advanced students to assist newer students and 'give back' something of what they had received. We did not get into details as to how this might be structured. Additional ideas as to how this might work or leadership in developing such a program would be welcomed. Concerning community service projects, several ideas came up, including helping students develop grass root projects to serve their community, region, country or the world. It was recognized that many students are already doing this and were initially drawn to IIGL in order to gain more skills for better service. It was noted that developing such a project might be one of the study level choices and that IIGL could work with students in developing funding proposals and finding financial resources for their project. It was also discussed that a study level might include a service project on behalf of IIGL, in the areas of research, outreach, etc. Noting that some students were more business & entrepreneurial inclined, they could instead be assisted in developing a viable business plan/proposal for creating a new business. Last of all, we discussed the desirability of setting time limits on student's completion of reading assignments so that we have a method of trimming the rolls of those who are not following through with their studies in a timely manner. This is something we will discuss with students for their feedback.
Mentorship A financial contributor to the Institute, regardless of the amount of their contribution, may or may not choose to also be a mentor. Staff will be working with students and current sponsors in developing a set of guidelines related to mentorship. It was recognized and understood that some students have very fundamental needs related to continued education, health/medicine, personal crisis and sometimes even food. IIGL does not want to inhibit the free interchange between mentor and student or limit any financial help that a mentor may wish to freely offer their student. On the other hand, we do not want mentors to be taken advantage of for the generosity of their mentorship - especially by those who might enter IIGL studies primarily for this benefit. For this reason the staff are recommending that mentors not entertain any financial requests from students before they have completed at least Level Three studies and that any request for assistance be shared with the director of the program for monitoring and recommendation based on the students history, diligence, etc. The final decision, however, would be the mentor. As one way of addressing the above concern, it was suggested that, once resources are available, a special fund be established by IIGL to provide small grants to students who wish to undertake other types of training or to attend critical meetings & conferences which would further enhance their leadership skills and potential.
Financial Based on our experience to date, it was felt that individual contributors, businesses and family foundations were the best potential sources for a project like IIGL. It was also noted that the IIGL fund raising needs to be expanded to include advisory council members and especially current contributors and board members through a process of personal contact and solicitation. We also discussed the idea of developing a 'membership' program for the Institute but didn't go into greater detail as to the benefits and responsibilities of membership. The staff noted that the majority of our financial support comes from outside the USA. (Over the past 12 months (as of August 1st) we have received approximately $25,221 in contributions from 45 contributors. $8,633 of this has come from contributors in the USA and $16,588 has come from contributors from Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Philippines, Turkey & Venezuela. Outreach
One of the purposes of such publicity would be to further develop our individual financial contributor base and possibly expand our student body into new areas.
Affiliate Institutes Language based institutes - We felt there is a real need for IIGL studies to be available in Spanish, French and Arabic. Elizabeth Tepper (Venezuela) has agreed to take responsibility for developing a Spanish Speaking IIGL affiliate. Roger Yomba Ngué (Côte d’Ivoire) is considering what he can do toward creating a French speaking IIGL affiliate. Michael Lightweaver agreed to create a step by step outline for developing affiliate institutes. Randa El Sharif said that most of the IIGL books have not been translated into Arabic, but she will speak to a publisher about this upon her return to Egypt. It was also noted that even if a student is reading in English, something like an Arabic institute, with an Arabic speaking director, might be good so that assessments and communications could be in Arabic. Geographically based institutes - We discussed the case of Africa which does not share a common language and yet shares a common colonial history, many common challenges and to a large extent, a common sense of identity. In a case such as this, an African Institute may be something to work toward and could serve as the model for other such Institutes around the world. We also discussed how to implement the IIGL idea in targeted communities in the USA with youth who might not normally be exposed to the ideas found the IIGL curriculum.
Organizational Development There was a definite consensus that it would be good to have more meetings of those involved with IIGL at all levels. As mentioned previously, it was the consensus that we should drop the word "sponsor" and use the word "partner." Partners would include contributors and students. A contributor could then choose whether he or she would also like to be a mentor.
Vision / Intention In conceptualizing our collective intention, the group created a 'Mind Map/Mandala' of IIGL to give visual presence to our vision and intention.
Summary
But the best summary of what took place is given in the excerpts below by two of those who attended; Deb Rosen (USA/WI) and Elisabeth Tepper (Venezuela): From Deb..... "Over the past several years, I have been involved in many team/group efforts both as a participant and as a facilitator. None felt as powerful and as meaningful as attending this meeting. This first IIGL Advisory Council meeting was more then I could have ever imagined. I have asked myself, "what was the most meaningful part of the meeting?" I would say, feeling the energy change from IIGL being "Michael's' project" to it becoming a "team project." I express gratitude to the people who attended because I know it will be something we always remember and always cherish. It was truly an example of group harmony, not only inside the meeting space but also outside as we recognized each other as family members and friends. I know this feeling of group harmony and kinship extends to all the people involved in IIGL as students, contributors and energetic supports across the planet.
From Elisabeth.... A week has gone by and I’ve tried to write down some of the things I lived during the days we were together. I'm writing, not in a specific order, but what has come to my heart! For one, getting to know each one of you was a great thing. Going to Asheville, to this meetings felt like something I had to do. From the beginning, when Michael posted the invitation, I knew I’d go, so the Universe conspired with me to get there. I had to! I have learned that once we decide on something, things happen, as if by magic to conjure all the tools we need to proceed. One of the things said during our reunions was what Randa asked us… “we must receive unconditionally.” Did this ring a bell? I think it hit at the core of everything we were working on during the three (initially intended to be two) days. We were the most heterogeneous and homogeneous group I’ve ever met with. We were from different countries (US, Egypt, Ivory Coast/Cameroon, and Venezuela), we all professed different religions (Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhist), we even spoke different languages and English. But we all want the same thing … equal opportunities, freedom, safety, education, peace, love, and spirituality for everyone on this beautiful planet. I understood that war comes from not accepting others as they are, expecting others to be, feel and seem as we do, even to the extent of killing anything that is different from us. I understood peace is recognizing our similarities and war is focusing on our differences. I couldn't help but think this is the way (barefoot and all) that the new-world governments will be ruled – in consensus, and everyone stepping up to the responsibility they voluntarily assume. There is a piece of leadership for everyone. I committed to take the IIGL to Spanish. This means lots of things, and now it is still time to create a plan. I’ve been having ideas, ideas and ideas … so many, that I don’t know where to start. So what I’m doing is jotting them down, and then I’ll come back to you. For one thing… I made a list of the all the people I think could help us. To my surprise, I ended with a list of over 100 people. ‘Well,’ I thought, ‘someone’s going to help.’ Then I realized I’ve never done a thing like this and I got nervous. There you have it: What we did and were are. The next step - where we go from here - is up to each of us....... Michael
|
|
