So many wonderful things came out of our afternoon in Waupaca: networking, engaging in discussion, and even a favorite cheese list that I'm working on for another blog post. These meetups are intended to be fun, professionally invigorating, sparking engagement and ideas, as well as connecting us and our work with our colleagues serving youth.
Katie Kiekhafer, Chair-elect, came prepared with our second activity of the day called "Shining Moments." This small group activity asked participants to reflect on shining moments that motivate us in our work, such as an accomplishment or achievement that we are proud of, and then asks us to share this moment. As the small groups listened to each other, we recorded our moments and then identified common themes. Next we reported back to the larger group and Katie recorded our responses and themes. This was an incredibly powerful exercise that affirmed the great work we are doing and the underlying themes common to every library staffer in the room.
After reading through this list of common themes and identities elicited from our responses see if they resonate with you, inspire you, or reflect your ideals and self:
- Innovative thinkers
- Change embracers
- Empowerment - of the people we serve which then returns to us in a circle of empowerment
- Validation - that the work, even the unsung work, we do is meaningful and effective
- Connection - with our communities, their needs, and discovering unmet needs through this engagement
- Becoming visible in the community
- Collaborators
- Boundary stretchers
- Seizing opportunity
- Following and setting trends
- Inclusiveness
- Embracing technology
Learn how to implement this activity with your staff or library system by reading the full activity directions
HERE.
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