Some random ‘facilitator’ thoughts from Tony Page:
“Those who attend meetings seem to value the opportunity to come together with like-minded souls, particularly when the topic is approached in an inclusive, co-creative, generative fashion.
I remember a remarkable conference at Warwick Uni. … and long before (1980s?) a branch meeting, deep in Sussex. There was a Sustainable Development Group and other special interests … and the vitality and inspiration in the Writers’ Group, … the joy of meeting and mulling on this craft.
Throughout the decades, an AMED session is most appreciated when it is ‘experiential’, as far from a ‘lecture’ as possible, drawing out direct experience from those present, with the encouragement of multiple viewpoints. It would be great to remember and celebrate all those happenings.
During our lifetime, Learning and Development activity has hugely increased, along with the number of professionals: trainers, coaches, facilitators ,etc. I used to consider the Institute of Training and Development a competitor of AMED, and was a member of both until ITD merged with IPD to spawn a vast CIPD that seems so lacking in soul.
With the world so chaotic these days, AMED still has a place, perhaps as a centre, through its values of both stability and inspiration. You can come here for solid expertise and experience, combined with good sense, energy and heart.”
He finishes with a caution and some wonderful questions:
“I’m not sure that writing and reading our thoughts will be enough to make the Vision 2020 sing, not without reaching out into the ecosystem somehow.
Which other species share this corner of the forest with us? How might we help one another? Who is AMED for? Who do we want to listen to and be influenced by? Who do we want to draw in, and who do we wish to influence with our voices?”
Bruce Nixon‘s early experiences of AMED seem to have given purpose and direction to his whole career. (You can read his whole story here: What AMED did for me):
“AMED in its glory days certainly played a major part in my becoming a writer, author and speaker – now an activist too! I have benefitted enormously from AMED. Times change. From being very large AMED, is now small. But I believe, potentially, there is a great future for AMED. The skills I learned through AMED are highly relevant in creating a better world, better politics, better democracy, a better Parliament and responding to the huge challenges humanity faces today. AMED should feel confident in the relevance of what we have to offer.”