[Dialogue] ICA-USA update

[Terry Bergdall]

Greetings,


During the past few months I have been visiting with colleagues around the
country sharing stories about ICA’s evolving work in the US and the world. I
have been greeted with warmth and hospitality in Indianapolis, up and down
the state of California, Dallas, New York City, Kansas City, Denver, and
recently, Santa Fe. There are many encouraging things happening at ICA-USA
and I’d like to share some of them with you.

*
*

OIKOS CONFERENCE:

ICA will be co-sponsor, with the Oklahoma City University Oikos Scholars
Program, of “*Caring for Our HOME: Educating Moral Leaders for Ecological
Sustainabili**ty.*” This collaborative conference will occur Sept 23-24,
2011, on the OCU campus and will focus on the role of higher education in
working with students and communities to create educational programs and
community partnerships to care for planet earth.


Dean Mark Davies at OCU has always seen ICA’s network of experienced change
agents (with the participants on this listserv being at the heart of that
network) as a “living archive” that has valuable wisdom to share with
today’s students and faculty. I hope many of you will consider attending in
order to share that wisdom. More information can be found about the Oikos
event, including the agenda and bios of speakers, on the registration page
at http://www.ica-usa.org/events/event_details.asp?id=143984 .


SERVICE LEARNING:

ICA is in the process of implementing a new program called *Leadership in
the Time of Transition.* Several colleges and universities have approached
ICA looking for an experiential program outside the classroom. We have long
known the value of college-age students’ involvement in community
development initiatives. It is important to foster student leadership.


A team of people here in Chicago, headed by James Addington, has been hard
at work creating a “service learning” program design. The premise is for
participants to experience an intensive program built upon the importance of
civic engagement and community life. The program will focus on (1) Creating
a Just and Equitable Society, )2) Shaping a Green and Sustainable Society,
and (3) Building the foundations for peace. The first set of students from
Oklahoma City University will arrive at the end of July.


TRUE AND SPENCER CHALLENGE GRANTS:

The excitement and energy that the Sandra True Memorial Fund and the Raymond
and Tina Spencer $60,000 match commitments generated was amazing and
gratifying. So much so, that we have reached the targeted amount, $60,000,
in just six months! It is heartening to me and is great news that ICA
colleagues responded with such enthusiasm and affection. The matches were
the catalyst, but not the sole reasons for the quick success. Old
camaraderie, future vision and spirit abounds! In addition to recognizing
and honoring Sandra, ICA colleagues, past and present, I think, really
believe ICA has a vitally important contribution to make in creating the
future. These funds will be used to continue the powerful resurgence of ICA
mission and programming that was so important to Sandra. As we plan for the
Fiftieth Anniversary and celebration, I want to thank you all for your many
gifts of monetary and encouraging support.


Sincerely,


Terry Bergdall

Chief Executive

Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA

4750 N. Sheridan Road

Chicago, IL 60640

www.ica-usa.org
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