Nerida and I have just had a really interesting week working with the Sydney Metro CMA and the Lachlan CMA. We were fortunate enough to spend time with both groups in their regions, Parramatta for Sydney, and Young for Lachlan. In both cases we were running workshops focussing on WHY we do what we do, narrative techniques, the power of story, and how to use social media to reach new and ever expanding audiences.
We had expected there to be vast differences between the two CMAs, however, apart from the contrasts of a highly urbanised community, to one that was more dispersed across a wider geographic area, we mainly found similarities. The similarities we found were in the passion and commitment of CMA staff to the work they do, and their openness to learning about how to connect even more effectively with the communities they work within.
Perhaps the most enlightening moment for all involved came when we asked people WHY they do what they do? In both workshops the responses were the same – a belief in the need to protect and care for our environment, combined with a desire to ‘make a difference’. We were delighted to see people reconnect with their reason for doing what they do – knowing what you believe in is vital to sustaining yourself and those around you – it is why we do what we do and why the ARRC exists.
Siwan
enGauge is a new email newsletter prepared by the Bureau of Meteorology. It provides updates about developments in water information and is released six times per year. We think it is a great e-newsletter packed with information of interest to those of us working in the ‘water’ industry. Of particular interest in the latest enGuage is the launch of an exciting new spatial water information product. The Geofabric, or as it is formally known, the Australian Hydrological Geospatial Fabric, is a specialised Geographic Information System (GIS). It shows spatial relationships and connections between hydrological features such as rivers, dams, reservoirs and catchments. Subscribe to enGuage here. We have also updated our links page to include the e-newsletters, twitter, RSS feeds and bloggers we follow. Provide us with a recommendation and we can add yours! Siwan
Yes, it has been a while coming but we now have available all the powerpoint presentations, with audio so you can listen to the ‘pearls of wisdom’ that were shared at the Knowledge for Managing Australian Landscapes: The Legacy of LWA conference. Melissa Gabelle, one of the team here at the ARRC, has been working to ensure that this important record of most memorable event is not lost – thank you Melissa for all your efforts! Please pass this link on to anyone you think might be interested in the Knowledge for Managing Australian Landscapes: The Legacy of LWA conference proceedings.
Siwan
We are delighted to be heading to Longreach to run two one-day workshops focusing on connecting through conversation (Day one), communication and creativity (Day two). Desert Channels Queensland is hosting the event, which will be held on the on the 15 and 16 of November. We welcome anyone who would like to attend to contact Roelie Hartwig (roelie.hartwig@dcq.org.au) or call 07 4652 7812 for more information. Read more about the Longreach Workshop.
This is an example of how the ARRC can work with organisations to tailor a workshop for your region – think about it and give us a call! Siwan
Tags: Communication, Conversation, Creativity, Desert Channels, Information and knowledge management, Knowledge management, Natural resource management, Stories, Storytelling, Training, Workshop
Events, Narrative and story | Siwan Lovett | 
11:16 am | 
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“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” – Rudyard Kipling
We have had such a positive response to the resources we have provided on the website about the importance of storytelling, that we are pleased to announce a workshop entitled Connecting through Conversation: Narrative Techniques for Organisational Knowledge Sharing. We will explore how storytelling and other narrative techniques can transform and enhance productivity and happiness in your organisation.
The workshop will be held at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra on Oct 20. The workshop webpage has more details about the narrative techniques we will be teaching at this ‘hands-on’ training event. The cost is just $395.00 per person (GST excl.) or $355.00 (GST excl.) for not-for-profit organisations. Register here.
Siwan, Nerida and Matt
Tags: Appreciative inquiry, Connections, Conversation, Information and knowledge management, Knowledge cafe, Knowledge management, Most signficant change, Narrative techniques, Positive deviance, Reverse brainstorming, Stories, Storytelling, Workshop
Events, Resources | Siwan Lovett | 6 September 2010 5:05 pm | Comments Off
