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.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
July 2010
The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative is a member-run group of community educators, organizers, teachers 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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
PTC member picnic
July 2010
Recent PTC Gatherings
Using Participatory Education in Organizing
Wednesday, April 24
Location: PhilaPosh, 3001 Walnut St., 5th Floor (AFSCME DC 33 building)
We are interested in how PTC can be a resource for organizing efforts happening in and around Philadelphia!
Are you using participatory and/or popular education approaches in your organizing and movement-building work? Would you like to be? Bring your examples, questions, ideas, and best practices. Share, discuss, and network with other organizers, community workers, and trainers.
We will use Open Space Technology - a discussion / sharing format that allows for the participants to focus on topics that they are most interested in - to explore the use of participatory and popular education in organizing work.
Facilitators: PTC members Susanna Gilbertson & Hillary Blecker will be facilitating introductions and setting up the Open Space.
Educating after Violence
Wednesday, May 22
Do you teach or facilitate in a setting where many of your students/participants have experienced trauma and violence? Do you want to learn more about the impact of violence on learning? This gathering will explore both the impact of violence on learning as well as provide educators with skills to use in these settings.
Susanna Gilbertson, MSW is an adjunct professor at Community College of Philadelphia and Harcum College. She also facilitates parenting groups for Educating Communities for Parenting. Susanna has created and facilitated interactive workshops on intimate partner violence, sexual health, and suicide prevention for youth, professional and community groups for over 13 years.
Interactive Spaces
Wednesday, June 26
A hot, stuffy room. No windows. Chairs in rows facing front... How does the use of space affect people's learning? How can playing with the use of space open up new possibilities for learners? In this gathering, we'll 1) look at how changing the layout of a space can change how participants interact, and 2) do some activities that intentionally get participants interacting with their environment as a way of opening up discussion about the power and politics of how space is used.
Jessica Levy works in the intersections of theater, education, and civic engagement. She has designed and implemented civic participation initiatives, arts-based community programs, and a variety of education, service, and advocacy events. She holds an M.A. in Applied Theater from CUNY and in Adult Education from the Univ. of Toronto.
PTC Partners
The Barbara Smith Community School, an initiative of the Bread & Roses Community Fund.
The Barbara Smith Community School offers workshops, seminars, and an annual retreat designed to improve the abilities of groups working to redistribute power and resources - especially those led by poor and working people; people of color; lesbian,gay, bisexual, and transgendered people; those with disabilities; and others working toward a more just society.
Links
Find the Philadelphia Trainers Collaborative on Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment