TOE Timeline Chicago prework
From AFSWiki
Event Activities
Leading up to the Chicago meeting, we planned the following activities:
We organized a panel discussion with the local AFS people who had experience with German culture. (Returnees, host families, students currently hosted, etc.) Our cultural event options were explored by researching local restaurants and by polling the participants about which style of food would be their preference, given the variety of local fare: it was decided on a neighborhood Italian restaurant specializing in deep dish pizza and ribs. Yummy! Museums zoos, walking tours, waterfront exploration were all considered for large and small group activities.
Other necessary tasks before the meeting were to define the agenda and to assign leadership roles for activities to the group. We decided on gift offerings for our visitors as well.
Each participant opted for homework assignments pertaining to the handbook text. We would be drafting sections, sharing these drafts digitally within our group and soliciting editing recommendations. Each participant would pilot a possible orientation/training activity to the Germans.
At this phase we did get some feedback from select outsiders that we entrusted our text and topics to.
Evaluation
We found that the travel logistics and the communication could have been more defined, for example, contact numbers for all the travelers and alternative local travel options, could have been further explored.
Although the project cannot govern travel that occurs immediately before or after a meeting, it is important that meeting expenses be kept separate, clearly delineated and within reason. The inclusion of travel companions, other than committee participants, may impact the committee's work. At the very least it is an added concern for the group leaders, and a distraction for the participant. The participant should be free to engage in the meeting and all the social and cultural immersion that serendipitously will occur throughout the group.
The impact meeting setting: a large urban area has varied opportunities to satisfy the interests of varied individuals, whereas a rural/small town would offer a more narrow experience, a personal dependency, a binding group intimacy. A mixture of the two would seem ideal, balancing cost and logistics. Since this is truly an opportunity for cultural exchange, the experience of the visiting group or individual in the host country can influence the perspective that is ultimately published to a handbook: be aware of country placement realities. Note: a German group member a German youth representative, David, traveled to the USA early and stayed with two different USA group members for a week each. This was David's first exposure to the U.S. and because of this he was able to contribute a very fresh, confident and timely perspective for the group to consider in discussion. In retrospect this was highly valuable and should be considered as a planned aspect of such projects.
The dietary needs of the meeting group should be considered, as well as the accessibility to medical services. in case of emergency.
Equipment, such as laptops, digital accessories, internet access etc. other meeting work materials should be defined ahead of the meeting. Any committee work that may involve unconventional meeting supplies and/or use should be Ok'd by the meeting place (i.e. paints, glues, foods brought into a food inclusive facility, knitting needles etc...).
Resources
- TOE Timeline Chicago Prework Calls
- Questions for discussion panel
- Copy of travel plans for David—having little exchange experience for a group member
