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Jen's Journal
Jen's Journal


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Dear dedicated TIG Toronto members,
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

TIG Summer 2001 is almost over!! These past few months have been incredible. We have accomplished so MUCH together!!!
I am proud to be part of such a dynamic, talented, motivated team. Each person has a special something that I fully value and appreciate. The impact that we have had as a group of dedicated individuals and as an organization is beyond what we may know or realize at this point in time.

This Friday, from 12:00 - 5:00pm I want to spend some time reflecting on what everyone has learned, accomplished and realized so far at TIG! I want to hear your STORIES!!! I also think that it is a great opportunitity for us to talk about next steps and future goals.

Along the lines of future goals, I think that it is important for everyone to receive a formal letter of recognition (for resume purposes etc.) ESPECIALLY since we now have really great letterhead! This does not represent the end to people's involvement with TIG, but rather a MILESTONE in each of our personal and professional lives! It is definitely worth getting down on paper :)

Alongside with your letters, I need documention on how TIG has changed/affected your life. As of now, we only have funding to pay for Nordine and Derek as of September 1, 2001. I am talking to Career Edge about them sponsoring more $$$ but they need to hear WHY working at TIG is so unique, valueable, innovative, incredible for people's lives! We need 'testimonials' for the Sponsorship Packages and Grant Applications that we are developing so the time has come for each TIG member to TELL THEIR STORY!!!

What should this include?

1) how has TIG inspired you?
who/what was inspiring?
how did you act on that inspiration?

2) what did TIG inform you about that you wouldn't otherwise know about?
what have you learned??

3) what initiatives were you involved with while at TIG?
what were/are your goals?
what did you accomplish?

4) what is your vision for TIG?

5) what skills have you gained that you feel will help you succeed in the future?

6) what have your most memorable experiences been while at TIG?

7) how has TIG had an impact on your views and perspectives about the world?

8) how have you grown as a person since you first got involved with TIG?

9) who have you helped and what kind of impact do you think that you've had while working/volunteering at TIG?


*********************************************
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Please send your 'story' to both Derek and
I by Thursday so that we can encorporate
some of your feedback into your reference letter!
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Warmest regards,

Big hugs,

Jennifer :)

August 22, 2001 | 12:17 AM Comments  0 comments
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a big hug goes a long way!
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

this is will :)

he is a brilliant child that i met at the Human Issues conference in Silver Bay. He overhead someone say my name as I sat down for dinner and moments later, he said 'jennifer? do you want a chip?'

it was soo sweet! he came across the table to share his chips with me and i was fully impressed.

will is special. he's got great powers - you can tell just by looking at his eyes.

There was another kid that I met at the Human Issues conference who was about 8 years old. his name was David. We hung out by the fire and raced across an acre of grass!

i'm not sure why, but i notice that i am intuitively drawn to children. i love to play, laugh, dance and draw with them. it's a wonderful thing, to be trusted and loved by a child. this picture is a great reminder of that feeling of fulfillment and awe!

thanks for the hug :)

...tag - you're it!

August 10, 2001 | 7:52 PM Comments  0 comments
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Workshop NOTES!!
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

follow-up is critical to any workshop! below is an e-mail sent to those who participated in my OST workshop, along with the summary notes from our time together!! ------ Dear Kathleen, Daniel, Geroge Mitch, Amanda, Ashley, Michaela, Susheela, Martin, Stephanie, Vanessa Mike, Vittoria, Nancy, Aurore and Anne-Cecille, Thank you all for attending the Open Space Technology Workshop on 'How to inspire, inform and involve youth locally and globally'!! Attached are the compiled notes from the fascinating discussions that took place, along with everyone's contact information!! (it took me a while to get everything together) To Discuss the event, click here: http://www.takingitglobal.org/action/event.html?eventid=293 If anyone wants to write an article about the event (or send me a quote to include in an article about it) fo the TIG webiste, please let me know!! Also, I am writing a letter of thanks to our facilitator Tracey Erin Smith and would be happy to include any feedback you may have for her! Thanks again for your enthusiasm, and dynamic contributins. I look forward to integrating what we learned together into future strategies for TakingITGlobal!! Warmest regards, Jennifer :) ------------- Open Space Technology: “How do we inspire, inform and involve youth locally and globally?!” De-Brief and Workshop Notes August 3, 2001
To read the event invitation, write a review, discuss what went on and give feedback: http://www.takingitglobal.org/action/event.html?eventid=293 Attendees Email: Jennifer Corriero jenergy@takingitglobal.org Tracey Erin Smith tracey@tracyerinsmith.com Kathleen Smale Casby info@spadinabus.com Daniel Nicolau tarpoon88@hotmail.com Geroge Molson george@takingitglobal.org Mitch Gold mgold@homeplanet.org Amanda Diletti Amanda@takingitglobal.org Ashley Banfield Ashley@takingitglobal.org Michaela Hornung donthavealife@hotmail.com Susheela N. sucheela@home.com Martin Kuplens-Ewart martin@takingitglobal.org Stephanie Lofranco gina_bambina_00@hotmail.com Vanessa Currie Vanessa@takingitglobal.org Mike Furdyk mike@takingitglobal.org Vittoria La Neve vittoria@takingitglobal.org Nancy La Neve divas2000@hotmail.com Aurore/Anne-Cecille Paoli anncess@aol.com

Event Planning (Ideas / Themes) – Kathleen Types of events - Breakfast sessions - Roundtable discussions - Lunch & Learns - Interactive workshops - Team building exercises (uses physical experiences to promote bonding) - Intense multi-day sessions (both regimented and fluid) - Parties (both fun clubbing and professional networking) - Virtual events (video conferencing, web casting & conference calls) Organization/Resources - determine target market - theme - how many people? - Food/drink - Venue - Long long? - Regimented session vs fluid intereaction - Promotion of event - Registrations/payment - Day of event – personnel, etc Value-add for participants - quality of speaker, topic, etc - collateral materials and take-aways - other attendees (networking) Follow-up - thank you note - receipts - more collateral material - discussion board - email groups Other issues - ice breakers @ beginning, better in small groups, or break large group into smaller to make it more meaningful and less time-consuming - influence of different cultures needs to be looked at, how their culture will affect their response to the event, or will it affect their attendance/participation, etc - interactive website idea – where people can list their interests and specifications and promoters can go to see what the audience wants and then coordinate activity to supply it - (which comes first, theme or venue, determined by event itself – can be either Getting Stuff Done When you are world’s apart (Jarra) 1) Effective international teams in design and strategy. Thoughts: - Brainstorming is easy enough (Idea Sharing!) - However actual implementation may be difficult. - Breaking Stuff Down doesn’t work. - Having continual interaction saves time and headaches. Solution: A system with which people can collaborate. (Multi-user design system) 2) Creating the virtual office. - Rules: Time Zone co-ordination. (taken into consideration) - Remote assistance feature. - Comments on design (similar to comment function in MSWord) > Task feature. 3) Task Feature Version 3 Assign Tasks > Multiple People. Old Tasks > Assign to New People. Comments > Comment on all tasks. Urgent > Color Change indicates urgency involved. Listing > List of tasks assigned (browse by task as opposed to browse. Alert Enhanced > Making alert system more comprehensive and efficient. The Arts (Vittoria) How do we inspire, inform and involve youth locally and globally through the arts?! BACKGROUND OF CHARACTERISTICS THAT ARE AFFILIATED WITH THE ARTS: MUSIC Lyrics - when people feel sad lyrics within a song motivate them positively -inspires you to *feel* happy -choices of music lead to different perspectives on life POETRY Spoken Word -the way you express it makes a difference ART -difference types of art appeal to different types of people -Ashley states she like to paint -Nancy states different colours used create different moods DRAMA -express yourself through movement and role playing -helps individuals focus -its enjoyable HOW DO YOU INFORM YOUTH ABOUT THE ARTS?: Promotion -media (newspaper, books, TV, technology, email) -showcasing art or your own work -hold an exhibit -physical space is important! -have a press conference -media comes and spreads the word INFORM YOUTH ABOUT THE ARTS LOCALLY?: -easier to inform -more people closer together INFORM YOUTH ABOUT THE ARTS GLOBALLY -if you inform globally try not to alienate certain people -example music: certain people get offended by certain themes -RESEARCH & STUDY THE CULTURE! -know who your target audience is COMMENT THEMES RE: ARTS -express yourself through movement / expression within poetry etc / need to be open-minded -self confidence / responsibility / respect / look / listen / you inform buy taking a risk to learn a new concept / people are afraid of change so help them overcome it Involve -word of mouth -through connections -give them an opportunity to view art in one place -employment within a field that you enjoy allows you to appreciate culture, art perspective (me) HOW DO YOU SECURE CONFIDENCE WITHIN THE PEOPLE YOU ARE INFORMING ABOUT YOUR INITIATIVE (IE. ARTS) -be ready for anyone and anything -to succeed you need to keep the theme focused -give them a voice -make them feel included -their participation is important Smooth Words (Mitch Gold) Shame in humanity  exploring the idea that society is living in shame  Words are a reflection of what we think  Awareness, Integrity, Humour, Love, Courage  If you receive just for yourself you will feel shame  If you receive for the purpose of sharing  If you receive for the purpose of sharing, you are satisfying your purpose on the planet How do you inspire people?  What does it mean to inspire?  Deep breath  Body movement  Tone of voice  How to use words  Connect energy through sound  Human vibration in same frequency  We can't help the planet without helping ourselves  Music  Affects feeling  Stimulates people  If you receive just for yourself, you will feel shame – if you receive for the purpose of sharing, you are satisfying your purpose on the planet Storytelling through Drumming  The drum carries the heartbeat of Mother Earth  My personal message is about the coming together of human kind  I am an official Peace Messenger of the United Nations  My drum carries spiritual energy  www.homeplanet.org  September 30 – Drumming session in New York Touch Points – getting into the community we serve (George)  Bottom up VS. Top down  Each one of use is a teacher and a learner we must aim to listen and receive equally in all of our touch points  The impact that TIG wishes to have is broad, but we may have to channel our efforts towards specific touch points to appeal to people with different, specific intentions  Having specific channels for people to get involved gives people clarity in what they are doing, but sometimes limits them from seeing the full breadth of what TIG can offer  How can we create touch points that are focused towards a specific issue, yet encourage people to branch out in new directions?  How can we create touch points that encourage listening to new ideas and promoting free thought?  How can we have structure in our own organization and still allow new people to have a great impact on our organization?  Providing Focus  How do we balance focus with creativity?  People are less likely to get engaged in something if they're not sure where it's going.  Projects without focus are generally less successful  Too much focus can prevent people from seeing new opportunities  The "individual" organization  Part of the point of TIG is to have people define what "IT" is for them, will having touch points in a very specific area allow people to still create their own experience?  After getting people involved in specific projects tell them that all of our projects come from the imagination of TIG members. This will encourage them to come up with their own ideas for projects  Tell people that TIG is an organization all about them and their ideas.  Tell people that the TIG "process" involves listening to the ideas of young people. Artistic Expression (Amanda) Jen – Send Jarra’s Show case submissions  How do you express yourself/inspiration? And how can TIG use it. -Schools - We need to get into the schools. If we spend this time right now working on the global gallery and creating a solid expandable foundation, then we can “attack” the art programs in the school come October; globally and locally. - Have the contests worked into the curriculum within the schools. (high schools, Art Schools) An assignment would be themed under a contest and the submissions are guaranteed  - In turn the submissions become an exhibit in the gallery for the school. “Co-branding” the schools within TIG. -Forced Expression - Feel if there wasn’t a force pushing you to do something it would never get done. That could be turned around to say that without inspiration of some sort there wouldn’t be anything created. - People get their inspirations from observation, experiences, actions, feelings to give a few examples. We need to harness those inspirations and somehow redirect them to the mass of people and give them the inspiration necessary. -Relationships. - Create relationships with our members. An example – a contest to submit photos on a theme or what have you and they submissions could initially become our stock photos that we would be able to use on the site. (free photos = happy members with exposure) -Push for Submissions ADDITIONS TO THE GALLERY EXPANSION: -Theme for exhibit or contest: Watch a play/movie/dance and create something on how that made you feel (painting, drawing etc.) -Photography, Performance Art, Written (poetry, short stories, essays etc) -Music – how will we be able to process the music to the Net. Have an MP3 sent in, a WAV, a tape recording sent in? Ancient African Civilization (Nordine) Misconceptions in History • Africans ate each other – Cannibalism • Unintelligent • Over-sexed people • Invented nothing • Inferior History – African history goes beyond slavery • Math – calculations, formulas, calendars…etc • Writing – Africans developed writing systems. • Architecture – the great pyramids example : Giza • Astronomy - Sirus B discovered by the Dogon tribe • Art / Dance – cravings, dancing, drawings • Music – drums, and other instruments – Africa is the birth place of music – eg: drums influenced every type of music. • Medicine - Imhotep (The African multigenius man) was the first physician in history. Inspire • Research • Books, video clips, • Word-of-Mouth • Internet: A medium that allow people to perpetuate discussion on an equal level. Inform • Seminars • Discussion Forums • Debates – in schools! • Question: How can we inform people about History and cultures Involve • Members can write booklets on the topics that the media has misconceived and provide it to schools. • “Did you know” – members throughout the world can do a feature article on the TIG website • Article about Slavery (Vanessa) • New education program implemented in schools Conclusions - Imperative to understand other cultures - You have to know every culture before working with them - Writers create ‘heros’ in their own image twisted facts. - The truth will bring people together - Whom ever is in power has control over the truth - Thus, writers, media, some historians, hide the true facts about the history of the Ancient Africa. Extra Notes/Questions • How can we inform people about HISTORY & cultures? • How do you reach racist people or people are very narrow minded like the Klu Klux Klan? • The after effects of slavery are still here – It’s imperative to know your past in order to excel in the future. • Malcom X – was not a racist – just like Martin Luther King - believed in justice and equality for black people - Anthropology- the first bones were discovered in the southern part of Africa • Sudan – slavery - women - kids - rap - sex slaves • How can you get involved? – members and youth • Sharing the Truth – is the main theme • Past – regions in Africa were rich in resources. - diamonds and gold - had dynasties/powerful kingdoms – Persions, Syrians, Romans took against over many regions in Africa- example: Egypt Media (Aurore Paoli) Inspire: Stories like newspaper People works in media News Advertising TV Radio Newspaper/Magazines Inform: Communication Connect people, globally. Different topics Internet Expression Personal Radio/TV Involve: By Us…. Yourself By Media… Itself Different trends Different languages…. Lifestyle How do we use it? Use PR. Television shows Radio People in TV Feed back. Youth article Youth should have say Web Design Inspire, Involve, & Inform with WEB DESIGN Inspire Music, feelings, people, newsgroups Seeing others designs Easier to type than talk (con)Design is depressing -over active imagination -hard translate what I see behind my eyes -people are growing up younger and younger, they want to be presented with an idea and have a CHOICE. Teachers don’t try to understand, don’t want things to be pushed on. People aren’t active in school, opportunities are needed for what people like and are interested in. Need an outlet to contribute -FLASH, bringing all type of multimedia together. i.e music and images. Involve -all you need is a computer and a connection -mix/clash GREYMATTER vs. TIG -people want to share -do things that others do… -collaborative?? -how can we merge… -can we offer interphys event planning? Sports - Hockey, baseball, swimming, gymnastics, golf, soccer, riding, skating, football, track and field, tennis inspire - media o watching sports on tv (ie. Tennis match) o reading about inspirational athlete o radio/newspaper/magazine/word of mouth stories of an athlete o bring a friend to your sports game o family members - OLYMPICS o Brings countries together o Nationality o All meet together o Sense of pride o Interest viewers (have chance to learn/play sport) Inform - media o watching sports on tv (ie. Tennis match) o reading about inspirational athlete o radio/newspaper/magazine/word of mouth stories of an athlete o bring a friend to your sports game o family members - events - sports stores o equipment o sales person - lessons - practice Involve - get friends/family involved - confidence o believe in yourself and help friends believe in themselves - get people to come - team spirit - sense of belonging - media - programs involing athletes around the world (other than Olympic level participants) Some Ideas… - link TIG site to another web site that informs people about sports (different ones, equipment, skills, etc) - One the TIG website…”Athletes Corner” o Athletes share stories o Feature athlete of the week/month Sharing Yourself (derek) Past-> experiences, people you laugh, play, & harmonise with Present-> situation Future-> hopes/dreams Barriers to Sharing Yourself FEAR. What is the fear? Fear that someone will steal your idea, or that you will feel silly? How can we eliminate the fear? --> being judgement & criticism free helps. Show interest in what others have to say. How many people can you share with before your time is se stretched that all communications become short and meaningless? 2 Reactions To Sharing Yourself--> YES! Exactly!, or NO! Too much info! How much is too much info? Under-privileged youth around the world (Vanessa) • Lack of access to resources and technology • We can learn from these youth, share knowledge, perspective, history, tools and resources • Share knowledge of laws, culture, social structure • Utilize their local knowledge • Global Youth Advisory Team as a tool to build local centers • Provide education, skills training and technology training • Design local projects, through GAT, that youth can do in their communities • Use GAT to build relationships with government, non-profits, corporations to provide access to services and resources for youth • Need to give youth something tangible after an inspirational workshop, for example a manual, an online chat forum formed around the workshop, follow-up • Give youth a free pass to an internet lab; form partnerships with labs or companies who can provide access (YMCA) • Develop new programs to target these youth • Do we even need to use technology? Is it relevant in their lives? Is it the best medium? • Technology is only a tool • Develop manuals in local languages to involve youth • Have youth representatives in schools; Speaking Circuit • Provide posters with contact information for interesting issues, internet resources • Use local radio stations to promote speaking circuit • Have a computer van that travels to different communities • Need sustainable training and sustainable communities • What information do these youth need? Provide this. • Solaria- radio transmitted programs that relate to local need received through wireless radio transmitters, for example farming practices, health • Meet local needs! Music (Sushella) INSPIRE - lyrics  relating to experiences - things coming together - expands knowledge - enriches spirit - keeps people grounded/happy - inspired to learn/express self through music - images accompanying music [music videos] - different perceptions/interpretations - provoke you to act in a positive/negative way - rethinking opinions/tastes - opens your mind to diff. types of music - connections to other people - means of communication/higher self/ “magical moments” - encourages creativity INFORM - messages conveyed through music/rhythms - live shows/recitals/festivals/fundraisers/television - informing through lyrics - educational/story telling/increased awareness - historical purposes  history of music = history of world - researching cultures/history - enjoyment/sharing - POP MUSIC o Pop  popular  mainstream  makes money o Fabrication o Harmless? o Images in videos more damaging than lyrics? o Violence, frivolous sexual activity. o Exploitation - Possible lack of respect INVOLVE - “Drumming for Peace” o monthly event o people involved all over the world o connecting to each other and planet through drumming - express ideas through music  communication of vitues o thinking outside the box - political movements [punk music/scene etc.] - school programs o donating musical instruments etc. - learning about how things/people work together Dance (Stephanie) Inspire: - Watching television - Going to Dance Residals - Going to clubs - Media > stories about Famous Dancers - Chorography Inform: - Word of mouth - Lessons - Different Cultures - With friends - Training - Technique Involve: - Residals - Lessons - Music - School Dances - Television Shows > Electric Circus - Atmosphere Using Technology as a facilitator for the environmental and pop culture movements – (Daniel) Why Change?  Technology changes the ability for people to share ideas faster with more people  Technology gives people the ability to harness power  Technology give the individual power How Do you get people involved with technology?  Showcase what people have done with it  Tap into the most prominent, active issues out there - with existing movement  Channel that energy, make it efficient, give it concrete outlets Appeal to Pop Culture  Music, Dancing, art  Provide people to enjoy it on a personalized basis  Give people control, ownership over the experience that they are having Youth Action Groups  Allowed people to get involved in day for work  Extended support network / coordination of people  Forum for people to do things together / exchange ideas  Provide a collaborative environment for people to do things together and exchange ideas  Excite people who are passionate about something  Bring like-minded individuals together  Provide ways for people to share money and resources Dreams and Dreaming (Martin Kuplens-Ewart) “Actual” dreaming: |-> imposing outside interpretations on dreams can be toxic |_ |-> better: write out the dream on paper, then brainstorm using free-associative techniques around each word. However: despite all imagination/exploration, you can never *know* what your dreams mean. -> it is, however, important to try to glean as much as you can from them in order to know how to lead your life. Often, dreams and the contents thereof act to compensate for things lacking in your own life, eg: doing exciting things when you’re a middle-management guy in real life. Dream hopping: Entering other people’s dreams and interacting with them - Amanda related her experience with this: a friend entered her dream one night, then described her dream to her the next morning – without speaking to her in the time between the dream and his describing her dream – apparently very freaky. Encouraging Dreaming: Opportunities may seem tiny or insignificant to us but are HUGE to other people, eg: posting articles or artwork. People dream a lot, but don’t know how to harness the energy and potential thereof. We should give them tools to make the most of their dreams. The key things to keep in mind, however are to maintain a non-critical approach – supportive all the way, and to keep positive and have faith in the individual. GROUPS of established members should work together to inspire new/other members – each person takes two or so new people under their wings, showing them how to take advantage of the opportunities, and guiding them on their journey. Action items: - discuss the following with the GAT] o how can we welcome new members [by creating such “welcoming groups”?] o how can we maintain the current level of excitement about each new member [once we reach 10000 or whatever] Connect like-minded organizations to enhance common goals (Jen) …this discussion was cut short and evolved into the ‘Cultural Expressions’ discussion…the few things we did discuss relate to the YMCA partnership: • if we use their space, will people have to be a YMCA member to access the lab? Is it okay if we require that they sign up as TIG members? • Can we paint the walls? • What do the drop-in hours need to be? • Can we take some of the BuyBuddy Furniture? How can we use technology + the Internet specifically to grow and involve our community of your people from 89 countries (Mike) Viral Marketing - word of mouth - referral contest - Involve volunteers – (very important) - Updates! Tell your friends… - Interaction (good) - Community of people who are appreciated. - Every year it’s the same! With TakingITGlobal it’s different. - Speaking at schools! - Document/Guide to TIG - Event Movement (nancy) …make it what you want (basically movement was any movement physically, or even mentally) Inspire: Inspire others to become athletic To become productive To make a difference Individuality Examples Participating (hands-on experiences) Inform: More movement creates idea Creates energy (4 example in a work environment) Creates Confidence Involve: Become a inspirational speaker and have the ppl become inspired to become Involved. Use media to your advantage to get more ppl aware. Although ppl are aware of different activities, there are still many who lack movement in their lives. (sorry jen, its not that long cause it wasn’t that interesting, so no one came. I even thought it was bad) Music (Anne-Cecille) Techno, Rock, Italian’s music, Hip-Hop, Trance, Rap, Tribal, Reggae, Jazz, House, Disco, Swing, Pop…….. Inspire: -different feelings that music gives, different kinds of music & different feelings (feelings of peace) -dance – a feeling of movement -rhythm – -joy – happiness -way of thinking -move & think Inform: -TV – clips & shows -Radio - lifestyle of different cultures -tell the people -send – MP’s via E-mail