We know many
of you are using DS in your work. We have heard from some
of you about your particular DS activities and would like
to hear from more. Let us know what you are doing with DS
so we can share it in this newsletter. Simply e-mail your
story to ds@highline.edu.
DS Curriculum grows at Olympic College
Laurie
Adamson, Women’s Program Manager at Olympic
College in Bremerton, Washington shared recently about
the the continuing work of Dependable Strengths in the
College. Here’s what she wrote:
Dependable Strengths facilitation took on many new, and
some unexpected, forms in 2004! As reported in the February
2004 issue of DS News!,
I attended the 5-day Instructor Training in Seattle in
December 2003. By March of 2004 I had facilitated two
full 18.5-hour Dependable Strengths Articulation process
|
|
|
| workshops
at Olympic College. The students in these two workshops
had recently graduated from “Bridges to Success”,
the Displaced Homemaker Program at the college. Their
evaluations were so positive and so encouraging, that
I hope to incorporate DS into the curriculum for all Displaced
Homemakers. The value that the participants gained was
expressed in their comments, including: |
“The time and work invested is very
much worth the effort.”
“I have found what strengths I can
rely on, and be fulfilled in using.”
“Priceless knowledge that opens
the door.”
I also presented an overview, with a few of the instructional
pieces such as “Draw your earliest
Good Experience”, at a Leadership Retreat for
Student Development staff at the College, and a similar presentation
for Student Services personnel and Counseling faculty.
Two of the most unique presentations were a half-day workshop
for the College Women’s Programs Council and a 14-hour
workshop (nearly the full experience) for ACCESS students
(students with disabilities). The novel feature of the College’s
Women’s Program professional development presentation
was that many of the participants were not in the room, but
were at remote sites around the state. We were brought together
with interactive television. Everything went extremely well!
Technology cooperated fully and we were able to discuss and
process effectively even though we were separated by many
miles. I was somewhat unsure of what to expect for the workshop
with students from ACCESS Services, but it turned out to be
meaningful and enriching to all of the participants, and a
very positive experience for me, as well.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Dependable Strengths
is that it allows people to identify themselves in their BEST
terms. So often the people who seek the services of my program
(Women’s Programs at Olympic College) or employment
services, or educational benefits, do so based on their deficit,
or their need. They classify themselves as “lacking”
in finances, in employability, in skills; or deficient in
some way, such as a sketchy educational record or other history.
So they “qualify” for services based on what they
do NOT bring to the table. Dependable Strengths is the opposite;
people focus on what they DO bring to the table, and that
makes all the difference.
Another exciting realization for me is that Dependable Strengths
allows people to claim their uniqueness and not be labeled
or “boxed in” to a category. I have used many
personality inventories, learning styles models, etc. Although
they can be useful, my work in facilitating Dependable Strengths
has convinced me that each person’s unique and individual
array of strengths creates a much more powerful self-concept
than simply being categorized as a Mode 2 learner, or as an
ENFJ on the Myers-Briggs.
The best way for me to promote Dependable Strengths and all
of the wonderful benefits that it offers, is to pursue the
next level of certification. I will work on Level 3 this year
and continue to move toward becoming a Master Trainer. I will
also look for the right opportunity to offer Dependable Strengths
Articulation Process at my church using Jean Haldane’s
book, “GIFTS: Dependable Strengths
for Your Future”. And if there is a need for
more trainers in South Africa, count me in!
(For more information about this
article, contact Laurie Abramson at
ladamson@oc.ctc.edu)
|
