Abstract

This capstone explores an emerging form of organization called the trans-local learning community. The study focuses on one expression of this form: an entity called the Berkana Exchange. The purpose of the inquiry is to name conditions which support such a community in becoming healthy and resilient. The Berkana Exchange emerged in 2004 to support and connect leadership learning centers around the globe. A learning center is a local initiative committed to strengthening its community’s leadership and self-reliance by working with the wisdom and wealth already present in the people, traditions and environment. The Exchange currently consists of eleven learning centers in nine countries. Nine conditions for creating health and resilience are identified: walking at our own pace; healthy flows of information; co-creation of rituals/culture; discipline and freedom in self-organization; practice; being together trust and authenticity; acceptance; and opportunities to tell our stories and hear each others’ as well. The research methodology employed is called organic inquiry. It is a type of transpersonal research, which seeks to show the transformational changes that have occurred in the researcher and co-researchers (subjects). The research also tells the overarching meta-story of the community. Co-researchers include ten individuals from eight learning centers. The data is presented and analyzed by crafting and telling the personal stories of transformation in the co-researcher and researcher. The transformational changes demonstrated in co-researchers include: influence on local work; freedom from assumptions and judgments; an increased sense of security, capability, responsibility; and a heightened sense of belonging.

Disciplines

Adult and Continuing Education Administration | Educational Administration and Supervision

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