Category Archives: Personal Stories

Three Stories from my Experience in Aboriginal Australia

These stories were originally published in Edges Magazine, Volume 4, #1, in 1991. The theme of the magazine issue was “The Fusion of Nature and Culture”. They are based on my experience with my family living and working with participatory … Continue reading

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Quick Update to “Contemporary Christmas Story 2021”

A healthy baby boy was born to the family on January 9, 2022. Donated baby clothes and equipment were delivered to the house before he arrived home from the hospital. Joy continues…..

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A Contemporary Christmas Story 2021

In these uncertain and dark times, I think we need a story of joy and hope.  Interestingly, it has resonance with the story of the Christmas season.  I tell this story with deep gratitude. It is shared without names, photos … Continue reading

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Facilitation, Education, and Transformation

Stories from my Experience Script of a presentation given on Zoom to a group of teachers and facilitators in China on June 29, 2021 Preparation I grew up on a farm in Iowa. I was a teacher from childhood – … Continue reading

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Fifty Years of Facilitation

September 1, 2020 marks 50 years since I first started working with ICA. At the end of this calendar year, I will be wrapping up my career, but not my vocation. I’m still working on what that looks like — … Continue reading

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Recognizing Unconsious Bias

I have a degree in Education and Anthropology, from the University of Iowa in 1970.  Not only did I study cultures for my Anthro major, but I was active in the university’s International Centre and was good friends with people … Continue reading

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A Summary of My Professional Pathway as a Facilitator

I am declaring 2020 as the last year of my career, but not of my vocation! This essay was written as a submission for IAF “Facilitator Emeritus” certification. It was limited to 1500 words, so there is a lot of … Continue reading

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Turning A Story of Challenges into a Story of Delightful Discoveries

On New Years Eve, 2017, I was celebrating the completed publication of Getting to the Bottom of ToP: The Foundations of the Methodologies of the Technology of Participation with a colleague. The last year of getting the book published was … Continue reading

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It’s Hard to Predict the Impact of a Facilitated Event

On October 20 this year, I attended the “Courage to Lead Award” event held by ICA Canada, the charitable organization that is  co-owner of ICA Associates, Inc. The award was to be given to a woman I didn’t know, Anne … Continue reading

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Remembering the MLK Weekend, April 6, 1968

MLK Weekend, April 6, 1968 49 years ago, I participated in a history- and life-changing event on the West Side of Chicago. I was 19 years old, in my second year at the University of Iowa, and traveled with my … Continue reading

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