Hosting Conversations about Questions that Matter
Introductions
There are people gathering here in the World Cafe community from literally all over the world, and it is so exciting!!! I really want to meet everyone, and I know I'm not alone. Would you please tell us a little about yourself here, just as an introduction, so we can start to learn about each other? Where do you live? How did you learn about the World Cafe? What are your interests and passions?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Tags: community, introductions, stories
Replies to This Conversation
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World Cafe is one of the most energetic and effective methods I have used to generate cross-pollination of ideas among colleagues, even when they are competitors. Because the questions we pose have a pointed but neutral construction, they invite the best practices of all who participate and all learn what they can from each other without divulging trade secrets and professional strategies.
I found World Cafe by searching Amazon.com and soon found other colleagues with whom to read it in a book club. In fact, during our first meetings, I used the model without them know it. They loved the speed at which we moved from questions to pragmatic recommendations, and the individual outcomes that resulted from group-think. The level of collaboration and critical thinking increased progressively during our "club".
Since that time we incorporated World Cafe in our IWU classrooms, in executive coaching forums, and with groups of leaders who were addressing critical issues relative to economic changes in the Midwest. Most never read the book, but they can duplicate the processes. It is that natural and comfortable. We haven't learned if we can't reproduce what we know.
A native of Illinois, I served in the Armed Forces for ten years, as a pastor for seventeen, community business development and entrepreneur while engaged in other salaried positions. My education includes four degrees, three of which are post-baccalaureate. Business experiences in thirty two countries and in all states except Oregon give me a different worldview and perspective. My purpose is to help other people recognize and reach their potential. I joined the forum to learn from you and share with you. I am looking for mentors and mentees with whom to raise the bar of personal and professional excellence.
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Permalink Reply by John Inman on -
Dennis, what a fascinating background. You certainly are doing work that is important. As I am in Oregon too bad you have not worked here. I feel left out. LOL I would love to share ideas and experiences and explore how to better transform our communities through TWC process. Welcome to our community.
John
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Hi Amy,
I'm a seminarian just about to start my second year of school. My interest in the World Cafe and my interest in Unitarian Universalist ministry are wholly entwined. Part and parcel of being UU is finding scripture amongst all the wisdom literature in the world--ancient and modern. Along with this is the validity of each person's quest for truth and meaning and the ever-evolving answers she or he finds...or creates. The moment I serendipitously stumble across the World Cafe, I realized that it was a way of doing just these things-- in real time! Co-evolved wisdom, I am convinced, will be the religion of the future and co-evolving meaning will be its essential form of "observance."
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Permalink Reply by juanita brown on -
Hi Ean,
I grew up in the UU tradition---and I'm very touched at how you are seeing TWC contribute to collective wisdom in the UU tradition. I'd love to learn more about what you are experimenting with.
With warmest regards,
Juanita
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Permalink Reply by John Inman
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Ean I look forward to learning from you and I really appreciate the concept of co-evolved wisdom, very powerful.
John
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Greetings, I'm Labelledominique, happy to be joining all of you like minded, spiritually focused people here in this community. I'm a musician, teacher, lover of beauty and all good things in life.
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Permalink Reply by John Inman
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LaBelle welcome to TWC community. I look forward to your insights and thoughts.
John
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Hi Amy, hello everyone.
My name is Reilly. I'm a graphic recorder based in Toronto and Mexico City. I was introduced to TWC and to the world of graphic work by my friend and mentor Carlos Mota while living in Mexico. I'm also an educator and an artist, and I'm very excited to see what possibilities emerge within this community.
Mucho gusto.
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Permalink Reply by John Inman
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Reilly, I am always amazed at those of you who have the ability to graphically record. Wonderful contribution to the work of conversation. I look forward to your conversation.
John
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