Parker J. Palmer in Vermont: Three Events on April 30-May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010 - School Leader Luncheon: “Schools That Work: In Whom Do We Trust"
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the International Commons at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT
Principals and superintendents from Vermont and New Hampshire join with Parker Palmer for lunch and conversation. After a brief talk on what we know about the role of trust in helping schools (and all institutions) pursue their missions more effectively, we will have an open dialogue on such topics as the nature of trust, the elements that go into it, what school leaders can do to nurture it, and how and why it creates better educational outcomes.
Cost for the luncheon is $50
Register online through the Champlain Valley Educator Development Center
Space is limited, so register now. Priority will be given to Vermont and New Hampshire residents
Friday, April 30, 2010 - Free public address: “Finding True North: Reclaiming Integrity and Courage in Professional and Public Life.”
7:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT.
In every line of work--from skilled craft to education to business, from health care to religion to public service--the best people sign on because they have a passion to serve some high purpose. But those people often learn that the primary obstacle to their mission is the institution that houses their work. We pay a great price for this--from the demoralization that leads 50% of teachers to quit the field within the first five years, to the fact that consumers, students, patients, parishioners and citizens are often not well-served. The changes we need in our institutions will come only as we find ways to reclaim integrity and courage in our professional and public lives, becoming agents of creative change. Naming some of those ways and exploring what they require of us is the focus of this lecture and discussion. More information about Dr. Palmer's work on this topic can be found at the website of the Center for Courage & Renewal.
This event is free and pre-registration is not required.
Saturday, May 1, 2010 - Day-long Retreat: “A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life.”
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at All Souls Interfaith Gathering in Shelburne, VT.
This retreat, based on Parker J. Palmer's book of the same title, offers an opportunity to gather in a "Circle of Trust" and explore ways to rejoin soul and role in our work and in our lives. To welcome the inner teacher—the most important teacher any of us has—the day will include solitary and silent reflection times as well as small- and large-group dialogues and explorations of poems and stories from various wisdom traditions. The day will give us a chance to make progress on our own inner journeys and to learn more about creating settings that welcome the soul at home, in the workplace, and in the larger world.
Cost for the retreat is $200/Vermont teachers pay $125
Register online through the Champlain Valley Educator Development Center
Space is limited, so register now. Priority will be given to Vermont and New Hampshire residents. Lunch will be provided, and all participants are invited to stay for dinner from 5-6. (Please indicate when you register whether you intend to stay for dinner.)
Last Updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010