I have gained so much from the Action Learning Sets that I have been part of these last three years. Mostly I have been part of a stable group of Dorset permaculturists on the Diploma pathway. The structure of the sessions have evolved, redesigning themselves over time while keeping to the same core process. As with all designs, some avenues turned out to be 'dead-ends', while others have become part of our journey together. With all the Action Learning Sets I have now done & it would be pointless to recount the details of them all, but I include the dates of them & a couple of typical summaries below from my contributions. Firstly however, an article that I was asked to write a while ago, about my experiences within the Action Learning Set process, which says all that I really need to say here...

 "I have to admit that I came to Action Learning Sets with a real sense of scepticism. I had stood up in front of audiences hundreds of times and given presentations, so I no longer felt any need to practice speaking uninterrupted to other people. I understood that the opportunity could be a valuable one for some, but I didn't understand why I was required to join an Action Learning Set as a part of the Diploma. However, once I actually took part in the process I soon realised that it was about much more than this and 18 months on I am still hooked.

 I soon discovered that Action Learning Sets are not really about public speaking, which involves preparation and presentation, rather they are much more an opportunity for us to just think out loud, without being concerned about how we are coming across to others. The process gives us a space in which to focus ourselves. There are four areas which provide the structure: 'What's been going well?', 'What's been challenging?', 'Long term goals' and 'Next achievable steps'. There is always the opportunity for feedback from the rest of the group either between each section or at the end of all four.

 I find the first part always focuses my mind on all the great things that are happening to me (and there are always plenty) - so easy to overlook in the face of those things that seem to be going wrong. The latter come up in section two, but we call them 'challenges', because that is actually what they are; opportunities for us to learn and grow. Talking about those challenges helps me to also acknowledge them as gifts from the Universe and not to resent them. Going over my long term goals on a regular basis has become a valuable reaffirmation of where I am heading, as well as making me aware that some of them have been quite vague and do benefit from being looked at regularly. Deciding on my next achievable steps gives me a current focus and by telling the others in the group provides me with a kind of group life coaching opportunity where the group can quiz me on my progress next time…

 All in all, the Action Learning Set has enabled me to focus on how permaculture fits into all aspects of my life (including Zone 00) and to gain support from the realisation that we are all usually going through the same kinds of challenges in our lives, even though the backdrops may be different. I've also gained some very wonderful friends in the process. This former-sceptic now thoroughly recommends that you give the Action Learning Set a try, whether you are on the Diploma path or not."

Action Learning Sets dates:

2000
30th Oct @ Pat's.

2001
25th Jan @ Pat's; 28th Feb @ Paddox; 29th March @ Sue's; 26th April @ Ann's;
5th July @ Sue's; 16th Aug @ Ann's; 26th Oct @ Pat's; 30th Nov @ Sue's.

2002
18th Jan @ Paddox; 15th Feb @ Pat's; 29th April @ Pat's; 2nd May @ Looby's; 27th May @ Ann's;
11th July @ Paddox; 29th Aug @ Pat's; 4th Nov @ Ann's; 25th Nov @ Phil's.

2003
24th Feb @ Ann's; 24th March @ Sue's; 16th April @ Looby's; 28th April @ Paddox;
2nd June @ Pat's; 9th June @ Looby's; 8th July @ Ann's; 12th August @ Pat's;
6th September @ Looby's; 9th September @ Paddox.