Kenyon's posterous

Niger

Me_at_windi_beri

Three things I bring back from my trip to Niger.

1. Perspective: I can control my perspective. My perspective impacts what I believe and what I believe impacts my perspective.

2. Partnership: I cannot do it on my own. I need others in my life to encourage, support and love.

3. Discipleship: All it takes is a Bible, a relationship, and time.

Help-Portrait Tulsa

_mg_5419tulsahp

Had the pleasure of working with the Help-Portrait event here in Tulsa. It's become a global movement to bring some piece of joy to those who tend to get overlooked. Our group focused on the homeless population here in Tulsa at the Day Center downtown. I think we ended up taking photos of about 130 "clients". The team that came together to make it happen were great. They were professional and compassionate. Whitney Ford lead the charge and her enthusiasm kept things going, especially early on as it seemed really hard for the project to get any traction. This coming Thursday the photos are going to be delivered to the Day Center for everyone to pick up. Hoping to be a part of that as well.

The Help-Portrait website if you want more info: www.help-portrait.com

Choking on Coaching

I read this post from Catalyst as it crossed my twitter feed the other day.

http://www.catalystspace.com/catablog/full/you_must_start_a_coaching_network/

It's interesting as I have seen a couple of these coaching networks start over the last few months. I have even considered and applied for a couple of them. They all have some things in common. 1. They typically involve a "personality". This person or persons becomes the "selling" point of the coaching network. 2. They typically involve a price. Often a very high price. One charges about $1200 plus you have to travel to the southeast US at your expense for the "mandatory" monthly meetings. I understand that basically you are paying for face time with the "personality". (It kind of cracks me up because most of them will tell you that it's not about them its just the cost of doing business.)  Inherently I see some dangers with this. 1. It continues to promote and elevate "personalities" over content. Granted I've never fully participated in a coaching network like those advertised here, but even with limited enrollment you probably only get an hour a month face to face and even that may be with several others present. Given the already busy schedules of these "personalities" my guess is that most of the time is spent covering material already printed in a book or presented in another conference presentation. (They all advertise a Q&A session as it seems to be the magic piece.)

I have taught in a community college for the last 5 years and so I know that in any learning environment the attitude and perspective of the student is just as important as the information presented by the teacher. There must be both a desire and humility to learn. I also have learned from some of those specifically mentioned in the Catalyst posting.

But...

I have a question. What if coaching networks didn't charge?

Testing email forward cuz this one is interesting.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <seacs@tulsacc.edu>
Date: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Subject: Fw: Letter to employees
To: LBrewer@tulsacc.edu

Sending for Leanne Brewer, Director of Academic and Campus Services


            Tom
            McKeon/OfficeOfPr
            esident/tcc                                                To
                                      Metro_Campus, Northeast_Campus,
            10/20/2009 04:27          Southeast_Campus, West_Campus,
            PM                        Conference_Center
                                                                       cc

                                                                  Subject
                                      Letter to employees

Dear Colleagues:

In anticipation of  declining state revenues, TCC has been taking several
proactive steps
to preserve its level of service to the community and reduce expenditures.
These include
reductions in travel and equipment budgets for the current fiscal year,
reducing service contracts, and
implementing a recommendation that caps the College paid health insurance
premium for employees.

During the first three months of the current fiscal year, we have received
reductions in our state funding
of 5% per month.  Recent reports by the  State Treasurer and legislative
leadership indicate a very
high likelihood that these monthly cuts will continue throughout the fiscal
year. Due to the current budget situation
and the future financial uncertainty in Oklahoma, the College  continues to
explore a variety of cost saving
measures, while striving to maintain student access to quality instruction
and services.

I have made the decision that for this summer (May 10th through August 2nd)
the College will be closed on
Fridays and full-time employees will work 10 hours a day Monday through
Thursday.  This decision was
made after reviewing past measures taken during similar economic challenges
and after consulting with the
Cabinet, campuses and individuals in Academic Affairs, Student Services and
Continuing Education.
This action is for this fiscal year and will enable the College to reduce
utility consumption while having a
minimal impact on classes and services.

In addition,  to reduce utility expenses during Spring Break when students
are not on campus, the college will be
closed  March 17, 18 and 19.  Full-time employees will be given a temporary
paid leave of absence for these
three days. It is my hope that these changes in our operation schedule
will be short lived and we will be able to
return to a normal schedule as soon as the state's financial situation
improves.

In the near future, HR News will be providing more specific information on
these temporary changes.
I appreciate your understanding and flexibility during these difficult
times.

Best regards,

Tom