#innerfieldnotes

[artistsintheclassroom8]

“The Work”

May 2017. San Francisco, CA

Reliving

Reframing

Reinventing

Rethinking

Refeeling

Requestioning

Rebeing

Thanks Alex, for sharing such a helpful set of questions! 

www.thework.com

[artistsintheclassroom8]

Mini Reflection On Systems #12

“Ombudsman”

So cool! I had no idea this role existed! Until I began spending time in hospitals & skilled nursing facilities, and googled this with a doctor; No it’s not named after the winning plaintiff in a court case (which is what I initially thought) - it’s actually the name of an official role in a system.

From Wikipedia:

“An ombudsman, ombuds, or public advocate is an official, usually appointed by the government or by parliament, but with a significant degree of independence, who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of maladministration or a violation of rights. In some countries an Inspector General, Citizen Advocate or other official may have duties similar to those of a national ombudsman, and may also be appointed by a legislature. Below the national level an ombudsman may be appointed by a state, local or municipal government. Unofficial ombudsmen may be appointed by, or even work for, a corporation such as a utility supplier, newspaper, NGO, or professional regulatory body.

The typical duties of an ombudsman are to investigate complaints and attempt to resolve them, usually through recommendations (binding or not) or mediation. Ombudsmen sometimes also aim to identify systematic issues leading to poor service or breaches of people's rights. At the national level, most ombudsmen have a wide mandate to deal with the entire public sector, and sometimes also elements of the private sector (for example, contracted service providers). In some cases, there is a more restricted mandate, for example with particular sectors of society. More recent developments have included the creation of specialized Children's Ombudsman and Information Commissioner agencies...”

[artistsintheclassroom8]

Mini Reflection On Systems #11

When perspectives converge, it's helpful to be able cite at least 2-3 articles / studies that support your position. Similarly, one can ask to be pointed in the direction of research that supports another practitioners' philosophy of practice (and not in an ‘I gotcha' way, as that’s relationship damaging in the long run…(I know, because I just made that mistake :-/)…. But rather in a sincere, attempting-to-understand, information-seeking way).

A sincere ask on this front not only demonstrates curiosity about anothers’ point of view, but also invites them to examine the foundations of their beliefs. 

Keeping the bar high for everyone. 

In the moment,  on the ground,  here & now.

[artistsintheclassroom8]

Mini Reflection On Systems #9

An effective system shouldn't require an advocate for a positive outcome.

[artistsintheclassroom8]

Mini Reflection on Systems #8

skillful action = minimum effort -> maximum output

[artistsintheclassroom8]

Mini Reflection on Systems #7

Moral Conundrum Questions (not rhetorical, but genuine & information seeking):

1) If I participate in a system that I don’t fully believe in, am I being integral?

2) If I participate in a system that I don’t fully believe in, and do nothing to try to change it, am I complicit?

3) (Whatever the answer).. How far does this extend? — Classroom? School? City? County? State? Nation?

I think about this stuff a lot, and sometimes it feels overwhelming :(