As facilitators, we know how powerful a group discussion on ‘assumptions’ can be. In my experience, it helps groups/people to understand each other’s perspectives … and move through Sam Kaner’s “Groan Zone”. I like to shine a light on assumptions with an activity that is both fun and active. I use ‘Activity IX’ when groups begin to struggle … fall asleep … or when it simply ‘feels right’ to throw out there. By the way, it always works and the subsequent group discussion is entirely unpredictable … so ‘let go’ of where you think it might end up. Here it is … Activity IX …

A client of mine just sent me an email and wrote … “Some of the research on the history of Bell Post Hill seems to show how important the local churches were for meeting up with people and discussing community issues – we’ve kind of lost that ‘3rd place’ between work and home to catch up with our neighbours I suppose.” Without thinking too much I replied … “Maybe we have lost some of those “spaces” … and maybe that’s the space that Web 2.0 is re creating, in an  artificial and somehow very real kind of way!? At the …

There are many examples of “right brain” approaches to inspiring change in others. Whilst the use of visual art in the world of “change & sustainability” has started … I think we need plenty more of it. If you read A Whole New Mind by Dan Pink you’ll see why it should be core business for everyone. Castlemaine (in Victoria) is a leading community in finding solutions to climate change. The Mount Alexander Sustainability Group is a big part of this change … AND … Castlemaine is blessed with a healthy mix of artists, musicians and authors … all adept …

This 4 minute TED talk by Alisia Miller shines another light on the power of Web 2.0 (incl. Blogs and social networks). If you want to know what is really happening in the world … go beyond the industrialized media systems. This may also be true for education and learning. Alisia also communicates her ‘core message’ via the Visual pathway … far more powerful than words and bullet points. Geoff