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Global Issues Project Class Spring 2014

Life Entrepreneurship: Creating a Life of Meaning and World of Change The Woolman Semester School

To be nobody-but-yourself!in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else!means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. - E. E. Cummings

That is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time. - Libba Bray
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Discovering Me
Uncovering Core Identity

Be the change you wish to see in the world.! - Ghandi

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Drive & Direction


Drive is the motivation or desire to go for it. Those of us with drive have a passion to commit ourselves to somethingoften something much bigger than ourselves. This breathes life into everything we do and fuels our motivation to take risks and act. Direction is drives companion, the harnessing force that channels our drive toward a desired destination. Our direction comes from our core identity and gives us a sense of where we should be heading. Those with a strong sense of direction in life are able to develop an aspirational vision for what their future can hold. When new opportunities arise, they can assess them in the context of that direction... (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 1)

Directions: 1) Review the notes above on drive and direction. Chart yourself on the matrix below. 2) Reflect and discuss. HIGH

Seekers

D R I V E

Captains
HIGH

DIRECTION

Drifters

Passengers

Reflection:

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Discovering Core Identity


Setting out on the path of the life entrepreneur, any of us may wander astray without a clear sense of who we are. The first step on the path is discovering what we call our core identity, our authentic essence. We have concluded that ones core identity is informed by three external elements (personal history, current circumstances, and relationships) and three internal elements (needs, strengths, and passions). It is at the convergence of these elements that we find our values and purpose, the essence of our core identity. Each of us must find a way to discover our core identity so we can be the author of our lives, even if the story line takes us in directions we never anticipated. (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3)

What questions do you have at this point about core identity, either broadly or specifically about yourself?

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Personal History
Our history is our life story, our personal narrative. It encompasses where we come from, our experiences, and what we have done with our lives. It may sound easy, but precious few of us mine the chapters of our personal story to inform and enrich our days. (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3)

Directions: Using the space below and the back of the page, draft a list and a visual representation of your personal history. Be sure to include various chapters of your life as well as the high points and significant challenges along the way. ***Note this doesnt have to be a literal timeline. Rather it should be something that means something to you and can be interpreted easily later. Be creative. Brainstorm Area: High Points Chapters of Life Challenging Experiences

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Visual Representation of Your Personal History:

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Personal History Continuing Reflection Questions: Reflecting on the major chapters and events in your life listed before, what are the major lessons that you learned from them? How did you get out of the low periods and what did you gain from the high points?

How does your personal history shape who you are today and where are you going?

Looking back, can you identify life patterns that are still present to this day?

Going forward, are there elements of your personal history that you seek to rise above, gaining a fresh start? If so, what are specific first steps you are taking or might take?

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Relationships
"Our relationshipsthe interpersonal connections we may have with a spouse, partner, family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and othersdeeply pervade our core identity. Our identity is a pale shadow without the people in our lives." (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3) In the space below, list five people who have influenced (or are influencing) you in significant ways (potentially including your family, friends, significant other, mentors, teachers, coaches, colleagues, etc.) and describe how they have affected your life path. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Do the influential people in your life have any characteristics in common?

Which kinds of relationships are most essential to your quality of life?

If you could change the nature of any current relationships, what would you do?

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Personal Board of Directors


A personal board of directors is a small group of trusted advisors that can help you make major decisions in life, keep you focused on your top priorities, and hold you accountable for reaching your goals. Who are the top 4-6 people who you would like to recruit to your personal board of directors? Detail your plan (date, time, communication method) to get in touch with each of them Ask if they are willing to complete a 360 degree review (and return it to you as soon as possible) and give them an update on your current life path, plans, and goals.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

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Current Circumstances
[Our current circumstances in life arise from where we live, our age, health, relationship status, job, income, and more.] "Sometimes our circumstances are favorable, with new people entering our lives and new doors opening.... Other times, it is the opposite.... The life entrepreneur sees her current circumstances with clarity and honestly assesses the distance between her current circumstances and her future dreams, then resolves to close the gap." (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3)

What are the biggest influences in your life right now (outside of relationships), and how are they affecting you?

What are the three biggest challenges in your life right now?

How are you currently addressing these challenges?

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Needs
"Our needs in life show up in many forms.... Often, there is a tension between our practical needs (often related to financial security) and our wants (such as an ideal job or dream house). We frequently fail to distinguish between our needs and wants.... The challenge is to maintain a realistic approach to material concerns that addresses needs and wants reasonably.... Not all of our needs are healthy. If half the battle is knowing what our needs are, the other half is what has been called 'managing our hungers. (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3)

What are the most important needs (educational, emotional, personal, professional, spiritual, etc.) in your life right now? What tier do they fall under? How do you distinguish between your needs and your wants? Note: The more specific you are here (what are your specific educational needs, relationship needs, etc.), the more helpful this exercise will be.

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Strengths
"According to Albert Wiseman, Donald Clifton, and Curt Liesveld, coauthors of Living Your Strengths, a strength is 'a powerful, productive combination of talent, skill, and knowledge.' The fundamental building block is talent, which is innate. When that talent is enhanced by adding relevant skills and useful knowledge, a strength is born." (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3)

Activity: Describe one or more situations in which you were at your best, succeeding with ease, and operating in the zone. What were you doing, and what was it about those activities that drew out your best?

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Strengths and Skills Activity: Review the list of skills below and circle the ones at which you excel. Analyzing Building Caring Coaching Communicating Connecting Context (seeing the big picture and spotting patterns) Creating/imagining Debating Developing people Designing Diplomacy Efficiency Empathizing Facilitating Forecasting Guiding Healing Implementing Influencing Harmony (finding common ground) Inspiring Leading Learning Relating Listening Researching Managing Selling Marketing Skills: manual Mentoring Skills: technical Mobilizing Supporting Motivating Solving problems Organizing/planning Speaking Performing Strategizing Persuading Teaching Quantitative (working Visioning with numbers) Writing Recruiting Other:!

Core Strengths: What are your core strengthsthe things in life at which you excel? (Look at the words you circled above and the situation(s) above and think about your talents, skill sets, and knowledge base, then list 5 strengths below.) 1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

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Passions
"Our passions are the things that consume us with palpable emotion.... The trick is not so much having passions as finding them: What makes us come alive? What do we get lost in? We should periodically gauge how much passion we have in our life and work, taking stock of areas where we are running low." (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3) Exercise: What do you lose yourself in, losing all sense of time and making you feel energetic and fulfilled? What could you not live without? Where do you want to pour all of your time and energy? Use this page as a free association exercise. Draw it, write it, sketch it out. Let yourself go on this one.

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Passions continued Being in your element: Based on your thoughts above, where are there opportunities for you to better use your strengths and align your activities with your passions? What would this look like? If youre having trouble with this, describe a day in your life when you are in your element and thriving.

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Values
"Our values are what we believe and stand for, our convictions about the things we deem to be most important in life.... The process of discovering and 'owning' our personal values is essential in building a robust foundation for healthy relationships, productive work, and a meaningful life. Once we articulate our values, the next important question is: How should our values guide the way we live?" (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3) Activity: The following list is a sampling of common values held by many people. Start by choosing ten words that reflect what you value most. (Feel free to add words if any are missing.)
curiosity dedication discipline gratitude humility individuality openness patience perseverance duty goodness honesty integrity truth beauty balance creativity imagination nature passion simplicity uniqueness wholeness adventure attitude authenticity competition consensus growth healing health vitality wellness fun happiness humor joy pleasure variety accountability achievement advancement challenge decisiveness effectiveness empowerment influence innovation leadership power prosperity security success vision wealth work collaboration community compassion connectedness diversity empathy equality fairness family friendship harmony involvement kindness love loyalty partnership relationships respect responsibility sharing teamwork trust faith forgiveness meaning mercy purpose religion serenity spirituality country courage democracy dignity excellence fidelity freedom home independence justice knowledge learning life peace perfection quality recognition service stewardship strength tradition understanding winning wisdom! others?!!

In the space below, narrow that list of ten down to your top five valuesranked in order of importance to you as reflected in how big you write each word. In other words, your most important value should be the largest word, etc. Feel free to get creative on this exercise and use this space to best reflect your high priority values.

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Purpose
At the center of core identity is purpose, our reason for being. We can think of it as our calling, our own personal mission. It answers the age-old question: Why am I here? When we are clear about our purpose, or at least working toward it, our lives come together in powerful ways. In the end, the task is not finding our purpose but uncovering itnot propelling ourselves toward a more successful life, but rather getting out of the way of the good life that wants to live through us. (from Life Entrepreneurs, Chapter 3) Free Association Exercise: In the space below, write words and draw pictures that come to mind when you think about your purpose in life. Consider the questions: Why am I here (on the planet)? and What am I called to do? Your goal in this activity is at least 20 words and/or images.

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Purpose continued Drawing on the free association exercise, write down a draft of your purpose statement: What is your purpose in life? Why are you here on the planet? If you have trouble with this question, other related questions that may stimulate your thinking are: What is your calling? Your lifes work? The highest and best use of your gifts and talents?

What credo or slogan would you like to live by?

What questions remain about your purpose?

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Discovering My Community
Recognizing Resources and Needs

"In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.! - Marianne Williamson

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Communities: Utopia and Reality


If you could create your ideal world, your ideal community, what would it look like? Write it, draw it, and sketch it out here. Brainstorm and jot down all your ideas.

How do you define your community? Where is it? Who is it? How did you end up there?

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Assessing Community Needs and Assets


Resources, or assets, can include individuals, organizations and institutions, buildings, landscapes, equipment -- anything that can be used to improve the quality of life. The mother in Chicago who volunteers to organize games and sports for neighborhood children after school, the Kenyan farmers' cooperative that makes it possible for farmers to buy seed and fertilizer cheaply and to send their produce directly to market without a middle man, the library that provides books and Internet access to everyone, the bike and walking path where city residents can exercise -- all represent resources that enhance community life. Every individual is a potential community asset, and everyone has assets that can be used for community building. What are the positive aspects of your community? What is unique about it? What resources exist in your community (people, organizations, physical spaces, etc.)?

Needs can be defined as the gap between what is and what should be. A need can be felt by an individual, a group, or an entire community. It can be as concrete as the need for food and water or as abstract as improved community cohesiveness. An obvious example might be the need for public transportation in a community where older adults have no means of getting around town. More important to these same adults, however, might be a need to be valued for their knowledge and experience. Examining situations and communities closely helps uncover what is truly needed, and leads toward future improvement. What are some issues or needs that you see in your community? List at least six below.

P 22

Problem Analysis: Getting to the Root


Pick the one issue in your community that interests you the most and describe it in more detail below. Questions to think about: Who is this issue affecting and how? How did this issue begin? Is anyone working on this issue currently? Why are you passionate about this issue?

WHY is this issue occurring in your community? Complete your why tree in the space below.

What other information do you need to gather about this issue before moving forward? How and when are you going to gather this information?

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Brainstorming Change
What issue are you going to tackle? How are you going to begin to change this issue in your community? What level of the why tree are you going to tackle and how? Use this space to brainstorm how you will help create change and impact this issue in your community.

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Building a Team
In your community, who is working on addressing this issue right now? What are they doing?

What organizations, plans, resources, etc. exist that are working to address this issue?

What are people doing to address similar issues in other communities or parts of the world?

Who can you recruit from your community to help you get more information and address this issue? Make a list and detail when and how you will get in touch with each of them.

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Tying It All Together


What need are you planning to tackle in your community?

Why is this a need in your community?

What new information have you learned about this need or issue through your research and conversations with others?

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Creating Change
Developing Your Action Plan

"First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.! - Kristin Hunter

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Creating an Action Plan


An action plan is a way to make your ideas and vision concrete. It consists of a number of different components and a clear list of concrete steps. An action plan should include: What action or change will occur Who will carry it out When it will take place, and for how long What resources (i.e., financial, staff) are needed to carry out the change

Use this space to brainstorm and gather your thoughts about your action plan.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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My Action Plan: Draft 1


Brief background on the community and issue being addressed:

What action or change will occur?

Who will carry it out? When? What is the timeline? Break down the process and plan into steps.

What resources are needed?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feedback from others on this action plan: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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My Action Plan: Draft 2


Brief background on the community and issue being addressed:

What action or change will occur?

Who will carry it out? When? For how long? Break down the process and plan into steps.

What resources are needed?

What are the next steps to begin implementing this action plan? ! ! ! ! ! !

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Free Write
Free write, sketch, list, doodle, and brainstorm about the following questions: What is life entrepreneurship? What are you excited for in this class and this semester? What are you nervous about? Are there certain areas in which you are seeking growth or need support? What does community mean to you? Think about a time (or times) when you have been out of your comfort zone. How did it feel?

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Free Write
Free write, sketch, list, doodle, and brainstorm about the following questions: What would your ideal world look like? What would your ideal life look like? How do you define change? Do you want to change the world? Why? How? Do you want to change your community? Why? How? Do you want to change yourself? Why? How? What are you going to do today?

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Course Calendar At A Glance


January 31 February 7 February 12 February 14 February 21 February 28 March 1 March 4 March 7 March 14 March 17 March 23 March 28 April 4 April 5 April 13 April 18 April 25 April 28 May 2 May 9 May 7-9 May 12-15 May 16-17 Introduction to Course Building Community Service Week Digging Deeper Its Your Life, Its Our World Staycation Be The Change Change. HUH. What is it good for? Global Issues & Peace Studies Trip Check In Day Work Day Spring Break Work Day Speak Out Food Intensive Trip Reflection Woolman Presentations Retreat Baccalaureate & Graduation

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Checklist of Assignments
January 31: Introduction to Course ! ! ! Free write at least 10 minutes WB p31 WB p4-8 Prepare self representation project (4 minutes max)

February 7: Building Community ! ! ! WB p9-11 Send 360 degree reviews to at least 4 people Watch The Way of Improv https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUO-pWJ0riQ and write a one paragraph reflection

February 21: Digging Deeper ! ! ! Complete WB p12-14 (in class) Complete WB p15-17, 21-22 Urban Ecovillage of the Near Future, read and underline notes

February 28: Its Your Life, Its Our World ! ! ! ! Complete WB p32 (in class) Complete WB p18-19 Explore http://www.dosomething.org Reading articles about high school students doing rad things in the world, research your person and be prepared to present to the group

March 7: Be The Change ! ! ! WB p23-24 Read article on Working for, Working with, Being with Find one person or organization that is doing something amazing and radical to create positive change in the world, bring notes to share with the class

March 14: Change. HUH. What is it good for? ! ! ! WB p25-28 Read The True Comfort Zone http://thefiz.biz/The%20True%20Comfort%20Zone.htm Read Go Ahead, Screw Up http://thefiz.biz/Mistakes.htm

March 28: Check In Day ! ! WB p29, be prepared to share with the class and offer feedback for other students Continue to research and work on plans

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April 4: Work Day ! ! WB p30 be prepared to share with the class and offer feedback for other students Continue to research and work on plans

April 18: Work Day ! ! Create a final draft action plan Work on your final presentation

April 25: Speak Out ! Work on your final presentation

May 9: Reflection ! ! ! Complete reflection Complete course evaluation

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