Monday, May 10, 2010

PTC Membership Overview

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.

Monday, April 5, 2010

April Gathering of The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

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!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

PTC planning potluck - 3/17

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

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Third Gathering of The Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

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!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

3rd Gathering of the Philadelphia Trainers' Collaborative

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!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

2nd Gathering of the PTC

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.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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

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!

Followers