meeting summary

Summary of Meeting held February 22, 2010
Thomas Kenworthy, Dorothy Gould, Donna Morelle, Lisa Beaulieu, Ryan Pearson and Rosemary Reilly-Chammat

Tom shared research on fostering collaboration and expanding learning communities to help guide our work. Literature on professional learning communities is related to our work in building town wide learning and especially useful since there is not a lot of research available about next steps following a world café process such as Cumberland’s event. Research including group collaboration, developing a learning community, sustaining a learning community and expanding a learning community was explored.

Using this information, the group discussed ways to use the data that we have already gathered to reconnect the larger group to the world café event and to move forward. The importance of keeping the work manageable was discussed. Therefore, an outcome of the larger group work would be the development of three mutual and manageable goals. This would help to manage “multiple initiatives syndrome” and to measure our success with evidence of progress.

Methods to frame and share the world café information was also considered. We could use the charts to create storyboards that visually depict how the conversation evolved at the world café. We also discussed the 3C’s: Communicate, Collaborate and Cooperate along with the Cumberland is ready theme. Information on the town’s assets would also be shared as a foundation for conversation. Donna will request the word document from Carol so that we can create themes to facilitate discussion. Stewardship was also discussed as a theme. For example, restrictions on building and fields came about because open access led to damage. Changing the norms around use also means talking about contributors, caretakers, and consumers of resources. (I know, three more C’s, I couldn’t resist.) Tom shared the first chapter from The Art of Possibility which could be used as an ice breaking activity.

Transition, including the role of the steering team, should be an ongoing topic for discussion with the steering team.

Lisa shared information about communications. There are three tiers of communication including: working group, larger group that participated in the world café and the community at large. We need to address all three groups with various communications beginning with the website. Tom shared information from the Providence School Department on their three methods for all communication including, print, person, and digital media. It is important for us to explore other alternatives to web based communication especially for residents without access to a computer.

Lisa is looking for a “partner in crime” to work with her on communications. This person would help to provide ongoing feedback as communications and marketing efforts take shape.

The next meeting will take place on March 9, 2010 from 6:30-8:00 pm and the larger group meeting is scheduled for Monday March 29th at the Hayden Library. Thanks to Ryan for making the arrangements.

Respectfully Submitted,
Rosemary Reilly-Chammat