Building in an extra day for the 2010 International Summit For Urban Animal Strategies allowed for the introduction of a new forum for discussion and delegate interaction called 'Open Spaces.' The day-long networking/team-building/collaboration exercise was lead by certified executive coach and leadership development facilitator, Karen Dawson, Create Now Inc.
Karen encouraged Summit delegates to identify issues that needed further discussion, commitment and action, then invited participants to break off into groups to address each topic. Subjects of intense discussion included everything from increasing the value of cats in our society, to developing national codes of conduct for animal homing, reduced cost spay/neuter programs and much more.
"As a result of these Open Spaces discussions, delegates left the Summit empowered and optimistic," says Larry Evans, President of PetLynx Corporation. "We feel confident the companion animal industry is on the cusp of great change. Facilitating collaboration and opening the lines of communication across the various sectors is the catalyst for this change."
Feedback from the 2010 Summit Open Spaces participants:
Learn more about the International and Regional Summits for Urban Animal Strategies. CLICK HERE.Karen encouraged Summit delegates to identify issues that needed further discussion, commitment and action, then invited participants to break off into groups to address each topic. Subjects of intense discussion included everything from increasing the value of cats in our society, to developing national codes of conduct for animal homing, reduced cost spay/neuter programs and much more.
"As a result of these Open Spaces discussions, delegates left the Summit empowered and optimistic," says Larry Evans, President of PetLynx Corporation. "We feel confident the companion animal industry is on the cusp of great change. Facilitating collaboration and opening the lines of communication across the various sectors is the catalyst for this change."
Feedback from the 2010 Summit Open Spaces participants:
- I feel excited about the future and making change in a real meaningful way.
- I’ve met incredible individuals and the open space allowed the 'walls' to come down.
- Face to Face is the BEST way to collaborate!
- I have come away with a much greater understanding and appreciation for the complexity of this industry and the challenges and opportunities before us if we follow through with all of the commitments we have made.
- I’ve realized how flimsy the silo walls are and how, through communication and judgment-free strategizing, we can reach into those other silos and ask for help.
- I have learned from others what their values and concerns are.
- I have learned how much we have in common.
- I have a renewed energy and hope that we can all progress together.
- I feel enlightened and excited about the future possibilities.We realized a closer working relationship with our partners and progress was made towards long term goals.
- I learned a lot and I am inspired to work towards some of the collaborations and initiatives we talked about.
Posted by Terri Perrin, Online Communications Editor
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