Learning Parties
What is a Learning Party? Rather than paying big bucks to attend a conference where a bunch of talking heads tell you what to think, a learning party is an interactive, facilitated conversation among peers. And they really are a lot like parties! There is a very specific reason to gather and celebrate, but new friendships and conversations on the side can be just as meaningful. Learning parties are not an isolated event; they are situated among ongoing networks, conversations and resources, which means the learning and collaboration doesn’t end when the party is over, it continues through email, websites and local cohorts.
Possible Activities at a Learning Party include:
- Introduction to the topic by the facilitator(s)
- Guided Bible studies and exploration of research
- Break out sessions to discuss individual experiences, hopes, and dreams
- Guided sharing between groups
- Hands-on experience in the surrounding community
- Meal (or meals) around town for individual conversations and networking
- Brainstorm next actions and possibly a time to re:gather
- Development of local cohorts and sharing of existing resources and online community
- Inflatable out-door challenge games (hey, anything could happen!)
Examples of Learning Parties BIG
- Soularize is a USA based Learning Party hosted by TheOOZE.com.
- CultivateGathering is a Canadian Learning Party hosted by Resonate.ca. Saturday, August 19, 2006: click to sign up.
- suggest another
MEDIUM
- Church of the Apostles has hosted a number of Learning Parties, most recently: New Monasticism.
- The Church has Left the Building, was hosted by Mustard Seed Associates and continues to ripple.
- suggest another
SMALL
- We are developing an on-line learning party at Emerging Leaders Network. Watch for more info.
- suggest another
Dydimustk.com Learning Parties I am primarily interested in developing and facilitating learning parties on the small scale, where I feel the most collaboration can take place. Hosts would include individual congregations or groups of congregations interested in exploring missional, incarnational topics.
Learning Parties I am prepared to facilitate: