Trainers Conference 2019: "52 cards of Limitless Learning"

It was said at the conference that this is a new product, there is a website with some basic information here: https://imaginocity.co.uk/product/cognitize-card-game/ where you can find a video from Scott Leiper explaining the concept. This is the company's first product. I agree I can see how these could be of value in Girlguiding learning as well as a host of other learning environments. The website states the cards are out of stock but I suspect they are not yet available. Depending on the price which doesn't appear to be available yet I would consider buying the product. The description is given as below.
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COGNITIZE is a people development focused card game that creates limitless opportunities for players to transfer their learning into cohesive action.

Boost the retention of learning of one person by sharing it with others so that they too can benefit.

COGNITIZE can be used for multiple learning opportunities. Maybe it’s a continuation of the discussions outside a learning event with your team or a colleague. Perhaps it’s a tool for a team away day, or even some quick-fire fun to boost learning. Whatever your choice the possibilities and opportunities are limitless.

EACH CARD HAS…

A LEARN to stretch your own or others development.

A SHARE opportunity to development someone else.

A GROW personal development video bonus boost that further enhances the card theme.

A REPEAT cycle to encourage players to share learning forward multiple times.

The cards are broken down into six categories of which Connect, Ignite, Engage, Enable, Empower, having nine cards and the Joker category having seven.

Trainers Support Groups

Travelled to Cricklade to attend the annual tri county trainers support group. We were a small select group with all 3 counties represented including 2 prospective trainers. The date provided us with the opportunity to share the output from the National Trainers Conference with some leaders who hadn't attended, and to hear how those who had been there, felt about it. We covered a lot of ground including:

• Mentoring training
•  Programme Training a year on
•  Impact of local by-laws on Training
•  Safe Space Training
•  Start-up Kit which can be ordered by trainers to show at trainings order here: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/making-guiding-happen/running-your-unit/starting-a-new-unit/unit-start-up-kit/
•  Inclusive unit timeline cards which are being revised.

I was most impressed by Wiltshire North's new training booklet which they have launched in the last 3 weeks. It's an A5 paper booklet with spaces for leaders to record their trainings attended, e-learning counts, and the inside cover gives the points value for each type of training. Points mean badges. Fabulous idea and been really well received by Leaders who are distraught that not everyone has been issued with one yet. There is no e-version (yet), this is the 3rd county I have seen this approach and for the cost of a badge run it seems to be proving effective in encouraging leaders to get to trainings.

First time I cooked my own steak at the table!  

Participation on a Plate revised

We've waited a while for an update on this resource which aims to assist Leaders in providing girl-led guiding and decision making. It's been around since 2013, the new version attempts to be inclusive & takes account of the new programme with lots of references to UMA's, as well as the Doing our Best Poster and Checklists. Sections include:

• Making decisions
• Coming up with activity ideas - aimed at programme planning to help the girls choose
• Girls leading themselves
• Evaluation
• Outside the unit - aimed at Commissioners, Advisers or Event Coordinator

Lovely to see tools like Survey Monkey, and Doodle getting a mention as part of girl led guiding, even if it does appear to be at the more mature end of the guiding family!

I particularly like the Top tips for girl-led guiding from leaders on page 10:

• Be persistent
• Try new things
• Trust in the girls
• Set ground rules
• Connect
• Influence
• Explain
• Show 

Appendix 2 gives tips for running focus groups on page 12.

The updated version can be found here: https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/globalassets/docs-and-resources/programme-and-activities/participation-on-a-plate.pdf 

All leaders should have a copy available to remind them its the girls, no matter what the age, who choose the programme.

Conversation Starters

A present for attending the Trainers conference. A double set of cards one is labelled "Common barriers" and provides a suggested response on the back of each card, as in the photograph. The second set are "Conversation starters", in speech bubbles, they suggest opening sentences to get the conversation going on a recruitment related theme. The cards came along with a bag of Lindt chocolate which was delicious. Apart from the obvious use in conversations, they would be a useful resource in growing guiding and recruitment related trainings.

Trainers Conference (Skills Zone)

This is Skills Jenga, but could be used to train on any message.

 I'm thinking about the new Checklists?

My favourite zone was the Skills zone. There were lots of ideas but 2 in particular I think I will be adapting:

We were asked to bring a photo that represented a meaningful moment. I guess to illustrate how the skills required have changed over the years. This is an idea I will adapt for the next Residential training I organise, as it will be so much more powerful when the participants recognise each other and can share common experiences.

 

Stonewall 50 Years Anniversary

I went to a presentation yesterday about the start of the riots in the Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village, 50 years ago which marked the start of the LGBT+ community speaking out. There was original footage and interview extracts, it was hard to accept that this repression occurred in my life time. It makes me appreciate those girls & Leaders who participate in Guide with Pride events and the importance of history that they represent.

Future Girl and Plastics

Yesterday I received a one question survey from Girl Guiding about Future Girl and what girls would think about action on plastics. Co-incidentally my brownies, working on Skill Level 3 on Making Change, completely at their own suggestion, have written this term to our Prime Minister about the impact of plastics in the ocean. They ask every week if there has been a reply yet!