The Learning Conference 2013

Jessica Bearman, Bearman Consulting

Advanced Registration Required.

Most grantmakers would agree that learning is important to effectiveness in philanthropy. And many funders are experimenting with a host of approaches to building a learning agenda — including specific learning objectives and activities — into the weekly, monthly or annual work of their organizations. For those staff members charged with making it happen, this task can feel daunting as you try to squeeze reflection, mentoring and skills-building into colleagues’ packed schedules. This practice-based session is designed for individuals who are charged with creating their organization’s learning agenda. As a group, peers will explore their roles and the specific structures, systems, meeting designs and other techniques and technologies they employ to spark learning at the individual, team and organizational levels. Participants will leave with concrete action plans and a network of colleagues interested in continuing to share strategies, successes and challenges.

Through this session participants will:
--Map a variety of approaches to learning in foundations and better understand the implications of your organization’s orientation toward learning.
--Share promising practices for some of the most challenging aspects of this work, including: diagnosing learning needs, building support beyond rhetoric, and evaluating effectiveness of a learning program.
--Share approaches, ideas, and resources with peers – build a network.
--Identify action steps they will take to further develop their organization’s learning agenda and program.

Workshop