Page 27 - 2024_Mag_91-2

Personal Reflection/Anecdote

photos to document their chapters’ activities.
Becky: I thought I had a very clear understanding of the goals of
the network before beginning. I attended the training and asked
questions. I thought I knew how it would go down. I knew we were a
pilot program and followed the plan for the first meeting as presented
in our training.

3. How did the network evolve over the course
of the 4 weeks?
Janis: We saw that each participant had a different skill set. As
opposed to being expert teacher leaders of this network, we were
indeed facilitators. Over the weeks, we took advantage of other
participants’ expertise. Several members led sessions. We became
more conversant, getting to know each other over the weeks. We
were inspired to take and share photos, which we did regularly on
our Facebook group.

Becky: I thought I had a clear understanding of the model, and then
we got into it with all the members. WOW! What I expected and
what we got was quite different. As a group, we came up with themes
and skills for each session. Different members stepped up to the
plate to present on the weekly skills and themes. Members shared
pictures that went along with the themes and skills during the week
on the private Facebook group. Members were also engaged when
commenting on shared pictures between sessions. A myriad of ideas
came out for additional skills and themes. Sessions were fantastic.
Comments were kind and helpful. All members participated and
discussed 4–6 photos they selected to meet the theme of that session.
Time was taken to teach the next skill. I loved how EVERYONE
participated, and everyone took ownership over the learning of the
entire group. I think we all learned something. It was amazing!

4. Are you satisfied with the Visionary Network
model used in the pilot? Would you change
anything? Would you facilitate a group again?
Would you participate in a group without being
a facilitator?
Janis: I am very satisfied with the model. I think the synchronous
format added value. Because we were able to meet live, we engaged
with each other in a way that we would not have if we had just shared
photos online. Also, I would love to participate in a group related to
a topic of interest or one where I felt I could grow—as a facilitator
or as a participant.
I like the idea that people opt in. I think the groups could benefit
from having a suggested skill level or general level of expertise.

Collegial Exchange · 25