Participants' take on ChangeCamp
Thanks to everyone who responded to our feedback request. These are all the comments received. Clearly ChangeCamp resonated with people, which is a reflection on the community itself. ChangeCamp simply provides a space for the community to gather, and helps untap the collective energy waiting to be used.
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I certainly enjoyed the day and the format. It was perfect....for what it was. It was as it should be. I think the important thing now is to have the self identified leaders of each group start the process of gathering those interested and taking action. Thanks for the opportunity to participate.
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ChangeCamp was absolutely worth attending. I like the unconference format.
Some thoughts..
- have a predetermined process that addresses when suggested topics are similar
- remind facilitators to guide and contribute to the conversation, instead of dominating the conversation or using a seminar format
- remind participants not to debate or argue with the ideas suggested
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Unfortunately I couldn't stay long but what I saw looked great. Via some conversations I had, I am now thinking about how to make an idea of mine into a reality in the fall.
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It was worth going to listen to ideas and get to know people. I had to leave early so I wasn't able to fully experience the day (with action).
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Worth it: being able to connect with others in the community, listen to voiced concerns/desires/needs
Liked: how the attendees set the agenda
Disliked: session groups I was involved in were only 2 or 3 people - may have been better to reduce # of sessions and increase numbers within group slightly
Changes: narrow the overall topic in future camps (understandable since first one)
Liked: how the attendees set the agenda
Disliked: session groups I was involved in were only 2 or 3 people - may have been better to reduce # of sessions and increase numbers within group slightly
Changes: narrow the overall topic in future camps (understandable since first one)
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I appreciate: opportunity to meet/exchange views with others motivated to improve our community. It's great to see that there are good numbers across the demographic range interested in pursuing this goal. Plusses: flexibility/open opportunities to broach ideas/share and develop them with others in a fixed and reasonable time frame and your facilitation, great organization, energy. No minuses!
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Change Camp provided me with insight into the needs of our community and the people who want to help make it better. The only issue is found with the format is that there were some issues when it came to organization during the talks but that was a group responsibility. Apart from this the day went very well and I enjoyed it a lot.=====
I thought it was well organized...glad I went=====
The cross polination between different citizens from different backgrounds from around the city with one common goal...to look for ideas to make positive change in our community. It was an incubator for ideas and growth! GREAT JOB! Let's do it again!=====
As a member of City Council, I found the opportunity to hear from and dialogue with so many diverse individuals, a unique experience. I liked the unconference format very much and found the style free flowing and open which contributed to excellent discussion. Thanks to Gerry and all the organizers.
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The principles and practice of inclusiveness, seeking common ground and permitting the participants to set and control the agenda are important to me and ChangeCamp demonstrated that. Age, gender, political affiliations and other factors did not interfer with goal setting, strategization and problem solving. Bravo! =====
Change Camp was worth going to for networking, getting a base of supporters, knowing that you are not alone in your quest for change, and to work together to get things in motion. I wish that the list you recommended us to go over in our discussions was available written for each group so that we didn't miss any points.
I kind of felt that action may not happen for a lot of these topics.
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Hi Gerry: Thanks for the opportunity to participate. There were many interesting aspects divulged, and it became very clear that the community needs more interaction....effective discussion...and ideas/concepts from a wide audience. The "Unconference Format" was an effective way to work. Another day was needed to complete discussions and prepare action items.
Posted by Gerry Kirk
