Think Tank Pilot

Here's a few recollections from the event. Cheryl has more complete team reports.

25 ICA colleagues met in Chicago April 27-28 to discuss 3 arenas: the ICA-USA's networks, potential research programs, and global connectedness. The program is part of the 2007 Year of Discernment, culminating in the Living Legacy event this October.

At our think tank meeting, we shared experiences, perspectives, and read papers on the three discussion topics. Duncan Holmes, President of ICA Associates, Canada, designed and facilitated the event's procedures.

The network group tackled nodes and virtual communities. Team member Brady Melton led a spontaneous workshop on how to brand ICA. We laughed and squirmed at comparing consumer brands to participatory and spirit methods. Terry Bergdall commented that perhaps the word "brand" is a synonym for the more familiar concept of "story".

Ellen Howie, part of the planning team, led us on a field trip to the Lincoln Park Conservatory and elicited poems using Other World images.

We opened with the song "Winds of Change" and a brief talk on the 2006 organizational assessment that resulted in a major reoganization. A few insights that got heads nodding:

Our past identity always out trumped the present story. The old WHY was a domineering bully to new initiatives.
The WHAT of the basic business model for operations, markets, and resources was outdated.
The HOW of decision-making and involvement was ineffective. Our comprehensive coordination had eroded into
somewhat unconnected projects.

One model was shared that looked at the potential foundation of a revitalized ICA-USA as training through networks. The model showed great management could create a demonstration organization. Collaborative research was key to keeping programs and systems vibrant.

ICA International's Executive Director Lambert Okrah shared that the success of the meeting gave him great confidence that ICA-USA is in good hands.

Throughout the event, some Board members, staff and participants agreed that we value our history of diverse and varied perspectives. Diversity of thought is a gift within our community of networks. Many of us believe that the ICA-USA is an organization with values worth sharing.

Cheryl Zaleski, ICA's newest staff member just two days on the job, said she couldn't wait to begin recruiting constituents to the October Living Legacy.
"What's important to me is that we put our hearts as well as our heads into the event."

-- ICA-USA