.

National Conferences - At its national conference every two years, AYP gives members an opportunity to hear renowned speakers, network with colleagues, visit vendor exhibits, hear inspiring music and words from Y professionals and celebrate the YMCA profession.

Chapter Presentations - Chapters hold regular meetings which usually include a presentation that promotes professional growth. Topics are as diverse as career "plateauing," dressing for success, communications skills and job-hunting skills. For information about the next presentation sponsored by your chapter, go to your chapter's page.


 
What are Learning Circles? How do they differ from other ways of learning?

A learning circle is a group of people who explore, study, and meet to discuss, reflect, and learn in ways that enrich their professional lives. Circles are flexible, peer-directed learning experiences in which every group member is both teacher and learner. Circles are guided by facilitators, not instructors, and these facilitators are not expected to be subject experts. Circles meet periodically to explore subjects, of their own choosing, which are relevant to their professional and ethical concerns (emotional intelligence, leadership theories, the role of spirituality in leadership, diversity in the workplace, etc.).

Why would the YMCA want to be involved in this program? How does AYP figure in?

AYP and the YMCA of the USA have a shared commitment to the ongoing development and enrichment of YMCA leaders:

One of the goals of AYP’s current strategic vision is the “design and implementation of a professional development and life-long learning system.”

A key goal of Y-USA is to “develop effective leadership for all levels of the YMCA movement.” Learning circles offer a way to provide ongoing learning and development opportunities to YMCA leaders.

Learning circles are an innovative way to help unlock the leadership potential in the movement. Both AYP and Y-USA believe that this program offers Y leaders a unique opportunity to study, learn, and grow.

How will this program work? What is the specific plan for the YMCA/AYP Circle program?

Circle composition: Learning circles consist of approximately six to eight members. All participants must be members of AYP. No two members of a circle may work for the same association, and members may have varying levels of responsibility and tenure in the Y.

Lifecycle: The suggested life cycle for these circles is two years. Members are expected to make a commitment for the entire two years.

Key events and meetings: The required three-day orientation and launch event is held approximately every 12 to 18 months, and it is attended by members of new circles from across the country. The next launch event will take place Nov. 18 – 20, 2008 in Chicago. (The cost for this event is $100.)  Subsequently, circles will independently schedule their meetings. Circle members will meet at least twice in each calendar year for a total of three full days per year of time spent on a learning agenda.


How are learning circles formed? Learning circles can be formed in one of three ways:

• A group of peers may decide to form a circle: If you are interested and are able to pull together a group of six to eight peers, your circle will be assigned a facilitator (if you have a smaller group, the Learning Circle Steering Committee will attempt to group you with other individuals).
• A facilitator may identify and invite individuals to join a circle: New facilitators are encouraged to help recruit members.
• Individuals may self-identify and apply to participate: In this case, the Learning Circle Steering Committee will make every effort to group interested individuals geographically, but it is possible some may not be able to be accommodated due to geographic challenges.

What do participants say about learning circles?
"I want to enthusiastically send my support for the learning circle program - not just for myself but for my staff...once a YMCA staffer reaches a certain level, it is hard to come up with learning experiences for their personal growth and development. YMCA learning circles provide leadership development experience, as well as an outlet for building networks for YMCA professionals. Being a 19-year veteran of the YMCA, as a CEO of an independent (with my closest neighbor YMCA one and a half hours away), the professional network is key for me. It provides a venue to throw out ideas, chase new principles and hone my own leadership skills. This fills a void for me that is hard to put into words." (Participant at 2007 launch)

How can I get involved?

To register for the November 18 - 20, 2008 learning circle launch, go to Http://forward.ymca.net/?learningcircles
If you have any questions, please contact Soukie Chanhdara, Leadership Development Specialist at YMCA of the USA.
soukie.chanhdara@ymca.net or 800-872-9622, x-8784

YMCA Learning Circles....
connect, grow, lead

LEARNING CIRCLE FAQs
What is a learning circle?
A learning circle is a small group of people who choose to meet together to pursue self-directed learning. Each circle has a facilitator, selects its own topic of study, decides how to pursue that topic (reading materials, interviewing others, field trips, etc.), meets regularly, and connects and grows within the context of shared experiences.

Why would I want to join a circle?
A circle can provide a number of benefits to members. For many, an opportunity to pursue learning in an unstructured environment, focused on a subject you select, is a compelling reason. Additionally, the circle becomes a safe place for Y peers to share concerns, discuss issues, and support each other. Often the circle meetings provide a little time-out from the daily demands of your work, allowing you time to reflect, re-focus, and renew.

Are there ground rules for circle membership?
      No two people from the same association can be in one circle
      A total of six to eight members is optimum
      You must have the sign-off of your CEO and manager
      AYP membership

What do learning circles do?
Most learning circles meet for a full day, often gathering mid-afternoon one day and dispersing the next afternoon. This allows for a substantial amount of time for circle members to meet and discuss their topics, share meals, and get to know one another and explore ideas on a deeper level than a usual one- or two-hour meeting would allow.

What commitment would I have to make if I join a circle?
All circle members are expected to attend a two-day training event and launch. Following that, your commitment is for two years. In that time, your circle must meet at least twice a year, for a total of at least three days per year. Many circles choose to continue meeting after the two-year commitment.

How often do circles meet?
At least twice a year for two years, but many circles meet more often. Each circle sets its own schedules and agendas.

Where do circles meet?
After the launch, each circle selects its own meeting places, based on where members are located geographically.

Who should be in a circle?
Anyone who is interested in lifelong learning, engaging deeply with ideas and thoughts in an unstructured environment, and is journeying on a career path would enjoy the circle experience.

How does a learning circle get formed?
There are three ways in which a circle may be created:
A group of six to eight peers may decide to form a circle
A facilitator may identify and invite individuals to join a circle
Individuals may self-identify and apply to participate

What happens at the learning circle launch?
there may be as many as 10 new learning circles being launched at one time. For this large group, there are discussions and learning experiences to orient all new circle members and facilitators to the learning circle process.

You will also meet a number of times at the launch with your individual circle members, and your group will be given ample time to get to know each other, discuss your goals and hopes for the circle, determine your topic of study and establish future meeting times and locations.

How can I find other people to participate with me?
Your AYP chapter is a great resource - talk to other members to see if they're interested. You probably have friends and contacts in other associations that may be interested. If you need help from Y-USA in identifying other potential members, contact Soukie Chanhdara at soukie.chanhdara@ymca.net or 800-872-9622, x-8784

What expenses are involved?
The 2008 launch registration is $100, which includes the training, lodging, meals, and shuttle transportation to and from O'Hare Airport in Chicago. Your only expense for this event is your airfare.

Expenses for ongoing meetings could include travel, meals, and lodging, but our members and facilitators work hard to keep those costs to a minimum.

What do the facilitators do?
The facilitators' role is to support and guide the circle in its pursuit of knowledge and connection, and to aid the circle in planning and decision-making. The facilitator is not a teacher or a content expert.

YMCA Learning Circles....connect, grow, lead

updated kec october 14 2008