DE Training Day One

Well, it was a special first day of DE Training. With 22 hearty participants and 8 nervous, but more than capable staff, we launched into the morning with a welcome and introduction to the CUDE Program and training. Carla Decker and Bill Myers kicked the morning off with a splendid opening and warmly welcomed the participants. As is the norm, the group is very diverse and each individual brings something unique to the training program. I should mention we have two participants from Malawi (as part of the African DE Scholars Program) who had no difficulty in fitting right in from the very beginning. Each participant was asked to tell us a little about themselves, but also to share what gift they bring to the training program as well as what their “hook” is…meaning, what it is that keeps them engaged. The answers they provided, as you might guess, were simply amazing.

Following introductions it was time for lunch…our first in the Lowell Center. After lunch it was time to for the first groups to work and prepare their presentations pertaining to their homework assignments on the 12 development issues. Each group was engaged and brought forth illuminating ideas. And per usual, each group was challenged to keep their presentations within the time limits they were given. Yet, in spite of any challenges all of us were finding our sea legs.

Then it was time for something new!! Due to some hard work (and some very persuasive talk), Jennifer Kloepping (Class of 2009) who has been working with Root Learning (a company that produces learning maps for multiple organizations), presented for the first time a session on the credit union system utilizing the new Learning Map!! While there are a few refinements we need to address, it is safe to say it was a smashing success! You’ll be hearing much more about the Learning Maps and Root Learning in days to come.

Right after dinner we jumped squarely into the Straw Exercise…Bill Myers’ most favorite team building session. All groups were fully engaged, and yes, there were the attempts to beat the system, but the mentors, with eyes and ears wide open (led by Mr. Compliance himself, Anthony La Creta) put a stop to all shenanigans. In the end, Michael Ray’s group won the game…and for the second year in a row, the event was won by a team with a hand tied behind their back!

We wrapped up the day with a few words from Carla and Bill regarding DE Projects. Then it was off to the evening reception…some music, some dancing, and a fun time had by all!!