Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

PTC Winter Line-Up 2012

2012-01-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gatherings are open to the public and cost only $5-10 (sliding scale). Light refreshments are provided.
All gatherings are held from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
To RSVP, please email: phillycollaborative@gmail.com

Interactive Curriculum Design
Wednesday, January 25th
Facilitator: Sara Narva
Location: PhilaPosh, 3001 Walnut St., 5th Floor (AFSCME DC 33 building)

A lab within a lab! Sara Narva will facilitate an interactive process for collaborative curriculum design around the topic of socio-economic class and classism to generate creative ideas for teaching this subject. Participants will simultaneously learn about collaborative design as well as offer suggestions for Sara's curriculum. Sara will provide goals, parameters and guiding questions. In small groups, participants will design interactive, creative lessons for young people to explore issues of growing up with different amounts of resource and privilege. Through this experience, you will discover ways to do this kind of collaborative design for yourself on other topics.

Designing and Evaluating Effective Trainings
Wednesday, February 22nd
Facilitator: Jill Feldstein
Location: PhilaPosh, 3001 Walnut St., 5th Floor (AFSCME DC 33 building)

Building off of our January gathering on collaborative curriculum design, in February we will explore three phases of developing trainings and workshops: planning, executing and evaluating. In February's gathering we will pick apart these pieces, playing with interactive activities to explore ways to:

1). Help you get clear on what you want your trainings to achieve;
2). Creatively design trainings that help you meet your goals; and
3). Evaluate if/how you achieved your goals, utilizing feedback from training participants and the planning team.

Stories for Change
Wednesday, March 28th
Facilitator: Mark Lyons
Location: PhilaPosh, 3001 Walnut St., 5th Floor (AFSCME DC 33 building)

Mark Lyons will lead a workshop on using stories to organize for social change. Sharing stories within a community helps people begin to trust each other, to reflect on their common experiences and honor their dreams and risks they have taken. When a community takes their stories to the streets or City Hall or the media, they have a voice; their stories give them power. We will learn how to frame a story about a specific issue, how to ask questions and do active listening that encourage people to tell vivid stories about their experience, and discuss the possibilities of doing storytelling in our own work. We will also review some basic tools for creating audio stories.

March PTC Gathering

2011-03-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

Cultivating Talent: Tools to Develop and Strengthen Individual Leadership
Wednesday, March 23
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Jill Feldstein and Cecilia Denning
Location: PhilaPosh, 3001 Walnut St., 5th Floor meeting room 3 (AFSCME DC 33 building) **Please note change of location.

Do you want your constituents, students, or staff members to step up and use more of their own talents and abilities? Do you want to inspire those around you into confidence and action? Through interactive activities, role plays, discussion and reflection, participants will explore how to:

create the optimal "growth environment" for different kinds of people
give clear feedback that acknowledges strengths and identifies specific areas of growth; and
create opportunities for individuals to learn and expand their skills.

To RSVP, please click here: http://tinyurl.com/PTCMar23

Facilitators:
Jill Feldstein is the Organizing Coordinator at the Women's Community Revitalization Project, where she runs affordable housing campaigns and supports others in developing skills to help lead those efforts. She likes to think and talk about how to make organizations - and the people that fuel them - better, stronger, and faster.

Cecilia Denning is a feminist activist; she is committed to the process of analyzing experiences and looking at them within the larger social context. Through her work with individuals, she encourages growth and understanding that results in a stronger sense of self and the ability to act in accordance with it.

January 2011 Gathering

2011-01-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Our first gathering of the new year is coming up on Jan. 26:

Developing Your Capacity to Co-Facilitate Diversity Dialogues
Wednesday, January 26
Facilitators: Tchet Dorman and Dr. Fatima Hafiz
Location: Temple University, Conwell Hall, 3rd Floor, Conference Room 3B, 1801 N. Broad Street

To RSVP, please follow this link: http://tinyurl.com/PTCJan26

Co-facilitating workshops, trainings or meetings can be quite challenging, especially if the program revolves around important social issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class or ability. Given the often contentious nature of social justice education programs, co-facilitation based on intergroup dialogue methodology can provide an innovative and effective approach to teaching, learning and facilitator development. Workshop participants will explore their co-facilitation assets and barriers through interactive exercises and dialogue.

Facilitators:
Tchet Dorman and Dr. Fatima Hafiz facilitate intergroup dialogues and training through Temple University’s Center for Social Justice and Multicultural Education in the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership. Tchet serves as the Center’s Director and formerly directed the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lebanon Valley College and Albright College. Fatima manages the training for the Center’s Intergroup Dialogue Facilitator Training Institute. She also serves as an assistant adjunct professor in teacher education at Temple University.

PTC October Gathering - 10/27

2010-10-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Strategies for Engaging the Whole Learner

Learn how to accommodate multiple learning styles in your trainings. Participants will leave with the theory & skills needed to ensure that their trainings are dynamic, engaging and will help all participants learn effectively. If you aspire to reach a larger diversity of learners, and to reach those learners' whole selves, join us!

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 27
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: PhilaPosh, 3001 Walnut St., 5th Floor (AFSCME DC 33 building)

Facilitators:

Sara Narva teaches at The Crefeld School in Philadelphia. She specializes in using the model of embodied education, which invites participants to bring their physical, emotional, personal and intellectual selves into the learning space, no matter what the content area.

Susanna Gilbertson has created and facilitated interactive workshops for a diverse group of participants including students, social service workers, and people living in homeless shelters/residential treatment programs on topics ranging from race to intimate partner violence. She has a passion for ensuring that participants' bodies, brains, and hearts are engaged during her trainings.

If you plan to join us, please RSVP by clicking the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/PTCoct27

Monthly gatherings are open to the public. Light refreshments are provided.
Cost (for non-members): $5-10 sliding scale. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

September 22 Gathering

2010-09-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Talking About Taboos

When the 'things we just don't talk about in public' come up in your workshop or classroom, how do you respond? Through interactive activities, participants will explore how to overcome the challenges of talking about taboos using simple strategies that can be implemented in any setting. We will discuss ways to talk about taboos without incorporating our own bias, how to answer difficult and value-based questions, and how to deal with challenging students.

Date: Wednesday, Sep. 22
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Bread & Roses Community Fund, 1500 Walnut St., 2nd floor

Facilitator: Justine Shuey
Justine is a Sexuality Educator with a Masters in Human Sexuality Education, currently pursuing a Masters of Public Health and Ph.D. in Human Sexuality. An Adjunct Professor at Middlesex County College, Justine has extensive experience in talking to varied audiences about taboo subjects through teaching and presenting workshops related to the often taboo topics of sex and sexuality.

If you plan to join us, please RSVP by clicking the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/PTCsep22

Monthly gatherings are open to the public. Light refreshments are provided.
Cost (for non-members): $5-10 sliding scale. No one will be turned away for inability to pay.

For more information on the Philly Trainers' Collaborative, email us at: phillycollaborative@gmail.com

PTC June Gathering

2010-06-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of leading trust falls and human knots? Looking for some more interactive group-building activities to use in your organizing? Want to challenge yourself to try out facilitating a teambuilding tool that's new to you?

The next gathering of the Philly Trainers' Collaborative will give you a chance to experience some fun and thought-provoking group-building activities. Then you'll have a chance to either discuss how to incorporate those activities into your work, or try out facilitating one that's new to you.

Note: Please wear comfortable clothes & shoes for standing and moving around.

Wednesday, June 23
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Project H.O.M.E. Community Room
1515 Fairmount Ave. - near the Broad Street Line, Fairmount Station

If you plan to join us, please RSVP by clicking the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/ptcjune23

Monthly gatherings are open to the public. Light refreshments are provided.
A $5-10 donation is requested to cover food and materials.

For more information on the Philly Trainers' Collaborative, email us at: phillycollaborative@gmail.com

Look forward to seeing you on June 23!

PTC Membership Overview

2010-05-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative (PTC) is a member-run group of community educators, organizers, and trainers who believe in and practice education to transform people and communities. The PTC aims to:

• Strengthen participatory education in Philadelphia and beyond
• Explore creative and participatory ways to present information and teach skills
• Connect people: Create communities that build and share skills & resources
• Learn together by teaching and doing

What does it mean to be a member?
PTC members plan, coordinate, and participate in monthly gatherings that are open to the public. These gatherings address topics of interest to the membership and the PTC community, in line with our goals (above). The format varies according to the interests and needs of the members, but could include:
• Presenting a training/workshop-in-development for group feedback
• Facilitating a workshop on a topic of interest
• Leading a group discussion to problem-solve shared challenges and concerns
• Hosting a guest trainer/educator to present a workshop

A calendar of events is developed each year, and each member signs up in a group of 2-3 to plan and facilitate one gathering. Members also meet for planning sessions (quarterly) and social activities outside of monthly PTC gatherings. Members receive support in planning, logistics, and publicity for events from PTC organizers. See below for membership expectations.

Who can become a member?
Anyone can become a member of the PTC. In addition to shaping the PTC, members benefit from having more frequent contact and interaction with other members, meaning more opportunities to deepen relationships, learn from fellow educators, and explore and brainstorm ideas.

How do I become a member?
If you’re interested in becoming a member, we encourage you to join us for one or two gatherings to decide if PTC membership is for you. You are also welcome to talk to PTC organizers about your interest and ask any questions you might have.

Since members run the PTC, we've set some basic membership expectations to help us work together effectively. PTC members are expected to:
• Attend a minimum of 6 gatherings per year (year starts with date of membership)
• Plan and facilitate 1 gathering per year with 1-2 other members
• Make a membership contribution* of $20-60 (sliding scale)
• Attend a minimum of quarterly membership meetings (Aug., Dec., and 2 other times per year)
• Help get the word out about the PTC
As a new member, you will receive a brief orientation from a current PTC member so you can learn more about how the PTC operates and ask any questions.

*The membership contribution is intended to help with costs of venue, food, supplies, and honoraria. No one will be turned away due to inability to make a contribution.

Contacting the PTC:
Have questions about membership or about the PTC in general? Ready to become a member? Contact: phillycollaborative@gmail.com. Also join us on Facebook.

April Gathering of The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

2010-04-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Trainers, educators, organizers, collaborators:

Join the PTC for our first Spring gathering. Good people, good discussion, and some good snacks.

Among the topics raised at our last gathering were two that we can address (based on the interests of those attending) for this next gathering:

- What are challenges, strategies, and best practices for working with a co-facilitator or facilitation team?
- How do I engage diverse communities in my training/education/ organizing work?

Or bring your own hot topic related to participatory education, organizing, and training. Groups will form according to interest.

When: Wednesday, April 14, 2010

6:30pm-8:30pm

Where: Studio 34

4522 Baltimore Ave. - 45th and Baltimore, next to Fiesta Pizza
Public transit: Take the 34 Trolley (Green Line)
If steps are a challenge for you, please let us know in advance.

Refreshments will be provided.
There is a suggested $5-10 donation per gathering to cover costs.

Note: Space is limited to 25 participants. Please RSVP to ensure a spot.

To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please contact: phillycollaborative@gmail.com. Newcomers are welcome.

Look forward to seeing you there!

PTC planning potluck - 3/17

2010-02-24T17:28:00.000-08:00

Friends,

Although we had set a next gathering date at our February PTC convergence, we've decided to tap some of your enthusiasm and vision and hold, instead, a planning potluck for the Collaborative on Wednesday, March 17.

Who should come: All those interested in talking about what the Collaborative could be - and how to make it truly function as a collaborative of educators and trainers. Meet and eat with some great folks, and let's share our ideas!

Where: Hillary's place

When: 3/17 @ 6:30 p.m.

If interested, please RSVP to phillycollaborative@gmail.com for further details. It's St. Patty's Day, so green food is encouraged.

AND - We WILL be having the 4th gathering of the PTC just around the corner in April, so mark your calendars: Wed., 4/14 @ 6:30 p.m. Location TBA.

Thanks for your interest in the Collaborative, and hope to see you at a less snowy time.

-Jess, Hillary, and Susan

Third Gathering of The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

2010-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative is a newly-forming group of community educators, organizers, and trainers who believe in and practice education to transform people and communities. Through regular gatherings, we strive to create a space for educators to gain skills, share ideas, brainstorm, and try out new approaches.

You bring up topics you'd like to discuss with other educators & trainers - ANY topics that relate to participatory education, organizing, and training. Groups will form according to interest.

Some of the questions/interests we've heard of at previous gatherings:
*Grappling with issues of oppression as a trainer vis-a-vis your audience
*Implementing project-based learning at a program site
*Brainstorming about a new workshop you're developing
*Involving the faith community in your organizing work

We'll also share some more ever-popular ice-breakers, so bring your best!

When: Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Bread and Roses, 1500 Walnut Street, 3rd floor conference room

Refreshments will be provided.

There is a suggested $5-10 donation per gathering to cover costs.

Note: Space is limited to 25 participants. Please RSVP to ensure a spot.

To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please contact: phillycollaborative@gmail.com. Or find us on Facebook. Newcomers are welcome!

We thank Bread and Roses for the use of their space!

3rd Gathering of the Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

2010-01-07T17:57:00.001-08:00

Join us for our 3rd gathering! This time, you bring up topics you'd like to discuss with other educators & trainers - ANY topics that relate to participatory education, organizing, and training. Groups will form according to interest.

Some of the questions/interests we've heard of at previous gatherings:
*Grappling with issues of oppression as a trainer vis-a-vis your audience
*Implementing project-based learning at a program site
*Brainstorming about a new workshop you're developing
*Involving the faith community in your organizing work

We'll also get into some more ever-popular icebreakers, so bring your best!

2nd Gathering of the PTC

2009-11-24T18:22:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Gathering of the Philly Trainers' Collaborative is coming up on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

At our first gathering, we had many wonderful trainers and educators sharing ice breakers and brainstorming ideas for this collaborative. For the second gathering, we will continue seeing trainers/educators in action and learning from each other.

This time around, we'll be workshopping parts of trainings that participants bring to the gathering, and will give meaningful feedback to the presenting trainers/educators about:
-ideas for making the educational experience more participatory/engaging
-style, content, and format
-challenges and how to address issues of oppression

Those not presenting will have the chance to:
-observe a fellow trainer/educator in action
-participate in and learn from their educational style, and
-engage in thought-provoking discussion that may give you insight and ideas for your own work.

If you'd like to step up and workshop part of a training (20-40 minute piece), let us know by Friday, 12/4. Email: phillycollaborative@gmail.com.

First Gathering: How many trainers does it take to break the ice?

2009-09-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

Come find out at the First Gathering of The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative!

At our first gathering, we will be experiencing, sharing, talking about and unleashing the full potential of icebreakers!

What are they?
How do we use them?
What can we do with them?

We will also be meeting and mingling and finding out more about what you would like to gain from the Collaborative.

When:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
6pm-8pm

Where:
The William Way Community Center, The Community Room
1315 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Refreshments will be provided.
There is a suggested $5-10 donation per gathering to cover food and space costs.
To RSVP, or if you have any questions, please email phillycollaborative@gmail.com, or RSVP for the event via Facebook.

Please let us know if you have an icebreaker you'd like to teach or share!

What is the Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative?

2009-09-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative is:

A newly forming group of community educators, organizers, and trainers who believe in and practice education to transform people and communities.

Our goals:

To create a space to gain skills, share ideas, brainstorm, and try out new approaches
To build community among people who use education as a vehicle for social change
To examine how to use community education to confront power dynamics and institutionalized forms of oppression

What we care about:

Strengthening participatory education in Philadelphia and beyond

We believe in the potential of well-designed participatory community education that happens in neighborhood centers, churches, living rooms, meeting rooms, after-school programs and in any setting where people come together!

Exploring creative and participatory ways to present information and teach skills

We want to integrate experiential learning, arts-based approaches, hands-on training, popular education, and interactive methods into our work.

Connecting people: Creating communities that build and share skills & resources

We strive to create a welcoming and open space that encourages the kind of community-building we are trying to foster through our educational work. We also want to provide support to the many educators who often work in isolation with little support and little formal training.

Learning together by teaching and doing

We believe that the best learning comes when we are teaching others, modeling what we are teaching, and bringing our whole selves to our work.

How we operate:

Regular, participatory, and reflective gatherings
Based on participant feedback, lead facilitator(s) will pick a topic and develop a loose structure for the next gathering
Participants at each gathering can bring ideas to discuss and activities to facilitate, share, or try out
Operating as a collborative, we will rotate lead facilitators from one gathering to the next
Refreshments will be provided
Suggested $5-10 donation per gathering to cover food and space costs

A little about the organizers:

Hillary Blecker recently moved back to Philly to reconnect to her roots, making herself the third generation of Sisterly Love dwellers in her family. Hillary has designed and facilitated safety and health workshops in English and Spanish in a range of settings from farms to meatpacking plants to day labor centers.

Susan Kim is a recent transplant from the Midwest, Chicago to be specific, where she designed and facilitated trainings on cultural and linguistic competence for health care providers in a variety of settings including hospitals, medical schools, and community health centers.

Jessica Levy has lived in the Philadelphia area for over 7 years and has a long-standing interest in the intersections of art (especially performing arts) and education. She has done community organizing & education around immigrant rights, LGBTQ, & civil liberties issues, designed and facilitated civic engagement and youth programs, and taught ESL.