Thursday, September 6, 2007

THERE IS NO POWER GREATER THAN A COMMUNITY DISCOVERING WHAT IT CARES ABOUT

I would like to share a poem that I shared with out students and staff that really speaks to me about our school community and the power that we have. This year as we work as community, with students, staff and parents to define our values, I would love for you all to reflect on this poem from Turning to One Another by Margaret Wheatley. Share your thoughts and think about the power you have as member of our community!

There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about

Ask “What’s possible?” not “What’s wrong?” Keep asking

Notice what you care about.

Assume that many others share your dreams.

Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.

Talk to people you know.

Talk to people you don’t know.

Talk to people you never talk to.

Be intrigued by the differences you hear.

Expect to be surprised.

Treasure curiosity more than certainty.

Invite in everybody who cares to work on what’s possible.

Acknowledge that everyone is an expert about something.

Know that creative solutions come from new connections.

Remember, you don’t fear people whose story you know.

Real listening always brings people closer together.

Trust that meaningful conversations can change your world.

Rely on human goodness. Stay together.

1 comment:

Jen Lima said...

This poem speaks to me because it allows me to reflect on what is truly important about being a teacher, especially the line about meaningful conversations changing our world. It's important for students to understand, and respect, this concept. I was thinking of using the lines from from the poem, on different days, as motivational beginnings or as journal prompts.