Progress School will provide powerful, informal learning for people who are looking to make progress.
Progress might relate to personal circumstances – improved housing, better relationships, more income, fulfillment etc or to some of the opportunities and problems facing the ‘wider’ community – climate change, sustainability, political power, community development, improved health and wellbeing, making the most of web2.0 and Digital Britain – WHATEVER!
Based in Leeds, Progress School will be shaped by its members to focus on what is most relevant to them. The ‘curriculum’ for Progress School will be developed by its members. Learning will be focused on problems and opportunities and based on principles of dialogue, correspondence and enquiry.
The school will provide members with an opportunity to ask ‘How do I make progress on things that matter most to me?’ Members will be helped to clarify ‘what really matters’ and to develop their ‘power’ to pursue it effectively.
Is Progress School For Me?
Progress School will be open to anyone who lives or works in Leeds and is serious about developing their own ability and power to be an effective agent for progress in WHATEVER area matters most to them. So you could be working on strategic plans for the Leeds City Region, or working out how you are going find somewhere decent to live. We are sure that a diverse membership drawn from as many backgrounds and experiences as possible will be key the success of the school.
Fees
The school will be ‘paid for’ by its members and made possible by local people donating their time and facilities to the project. We will ask members to pay what they think the experience is worth to them; or what they can afford – whichever is the least. If you can afford nothing – then that is what you will pay.
Progress School will launch in October 2009 in Leeds. We are hoping to find about 40 people to join the inaugural Progress School class.
Interested? Questions? Get in touch by leaving a comment or e-mailing mikeatmichaelchittydotcodotuk
13 responses so far ↓
Joanl // July 21, 2009 at 4:58 pm |
Fascinating idea. Anything that gets away from school =assessment+exams+don’t-think-for-yourself has got to be good. But alas, I do not live near Leeds.
Mike Chitty // July 21, 2009 at 6:06 pm |
Thanks for the words of support Joan. Much appreciated.
Mike Towers // July 22, 2009 at 8:38 am |
Hi Mike
I like this idea but I’m wondering how to get involved because I neither live nor work in Leeds (although I do have some clients there).
Any advice?
Best wishes
Mike
Mike Chitty // July 22, 2009 at 9:09 am |
Mike, you would be welcome to join us if you can make the dates, although I suspect that the local focus will become important in practical terms of building relationships and offering mutual support.
It may be that we can use web2.0 to break down the geographical barriers…I am not sure…
Mike
Fergus // July 23, 2009 at 11:21 am |
Hi Mike
I too am really interested in this idea, but don’t live in Leeds. I have a specific reason in that I would like to work with others to establish an “eco-village” of possibly half a dozen houses along the lines of Hockerton Housing Project (www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk). This would be a very big project taking years to complete but for over 20 years I’ve been reading about the impact of global warming and, having just read James Lovelock’s latest book, becoming as self-sufficient as possible for the sake of my 2 daughters, seems the most important thing I could do over the next 10 years or so. I am seeking to find like-minded people with the commitment to make it happen and maybe this could be a way of putting people in touch with one another, who knows?
Fergus
Mike Chitty // July 23, 2009 at 11:33 am |
The cure for despair is not hope. It is discovering what we want to do about something we mind intensley about. Sounds like you have already found your next 10 year project. Watch this space, because we are getting as much interest from outside Leeds as from in the city – so it maybe that we need some kind of virtual platform too.
Many thanks for taking the time to post!
Graeme Tiffany // December 9, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I would go along with the comments made on virtual learning environments; perhaps we might even hook in a few of the e-Generation?
lee // July 24, 2009 at 5:51 pm |
Wish you well Mike! Looks revolutionary
Towards the Possibility of Progress « Leeds Progress School // August 4, 2009 at 11:59 am |
[...] About Leeds Progress School [...]
Alex Sobel // August 4, 2009 at 12:11 pm |
Mike,
On the face of it interesting, it seems to link with many things I am doing professionally or personally. Such as working on a regional strategy for the social enterprise sector for SEYH. Working on the development of a community organising body in Leeds or developing Chapeltown Development Trust.
As you know I am squeezed for time so how would this be more than a talking shop, how will this help some real change and engender a different value set which the Bobby kennedy quote seems to allude too.
Mike Chitty // August 4, 2009 at 12:28 pm |
Alex
All I can say is that the intention is not to set up a talking shop, but a practical and challenging network of support for a school of progressives in the City. It maybe that you can recruit followers and helpers to your work, it maybe that you find you can offer support to ‘fellow travellers’.
All I can say is that the school will be ‘enquiry’ based, encouraging us to ask difficult questions of ourselves, our beliefs and our actions with a view to creating the possibility for personal change in pursuit of progress. It will also offer the potential to establish new networks and relationships.
Looks like we will get an interesting cross section of ‘for profits’, ‘third’ and ‘public sector’ all sharing an interest in, and commitment to, the possibility of progress.
I am not sure I know many people who are not time poor at the moment. I hope that will not prevent you from helping to shape what I think could become a powerful movement in the city.
We must have a chat though as I feel we are missing out on some synergies….
karen sherwood // August 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
Hi,
I am also interested in joining but I am based in Rotherham. I am looking for ideas and inspiration and like minded individuals interested in helping make real and sustainable change in and for Rotherham.
Can I join?
K x
Mike Chitty // August 24, 2009 at 2:30 pm |
You would be very welcome Karen.