Where do we go now....?

[Paul Z Jackson]

Hello Open Inner Sanctum people

I had an inspiring discussion with Alain today in which we wondered about the future of AIN. And in particular about the part that you might like to play in that future. When we co-founded this network, we had no idea that we'd find more than 950 people who'd somehow identify themselves with Applying Improvisation. Nor did we expect to have members all over the world, or that we could look back on such fruitful conferences - in the USA, Canada, Europe and Japan. Yet that's so - with lots more to come...

The last time we expressed a vision for AIN, it said:

"What do we see the AIN doing?

A year-round, worldwide presence for people who apply improvisation in organisations.
It holds conferences in North America, Europe and regionally.
It has a strong web presence as a social network - and a web presence promoting Applied Improv to the world, sharing professional success stories.

We see an organisation that:
Cross-pollinates with other organizations
Holds conversations with corporations
Makes a social and environmental impact.

It remains intimate, open and friendly to newcomers. It is a network for a full range of improvisers; theatrical, comedic, musical, dance and movement, visual, poetic, spiritual, whatever."

Which still holds good. As you know, the Open Inner Sanctum is where those of us who want to lead the AIN get together to do that leading. With five months until our Portland conference, it seems a good time to check in and ask what you want to do to lead - whether that's helping to create the conference, nurturing the website, energising local groups, writing up case studies or something else.

So I'm posting this on the website, too, to create a discussion of what each of us wants to contribute - to make being in the OIS meaningful - and to prompt thoughts of how we can make even more of our community in future.

With very best wishes, and looking forward to hearing from you soon, Paul Z.

[Cheryl Gould]

Paul and Alain, You seemed to know from the start what this organization could be (and is). I, for one, talk about applied improv frequently in my work which is my small way of contributing. I love the AIN site and also find it a bit confusing. I"m wondering if there might be a way to make it easier for people to know how to contribute and to have ongoing conversations. Maybe something to discuss at the conference or via a conference call. There are almost too many ways to contribute to the site. I wish there were more in-person opportunities to enjoy the wonderful energy that comes at the conference.

[Paul Levy]

We could hold a cake sale.

[Frederique Thiriet-Smith]

Yes, and I can bake delicious chocolate cakes!

[Frederique Thiriet-Smith]

Hi Paul,
Yes, It is impressive how this network is growing, and listening to the feedback from people I communicate with or I introduce to Applied Improvisation, I expect it to continue this exponential growth.
Here are my thoughts for the future and how I can contribute :
- Definition of Applied Improvisation. Since I am part of this network, I have met different people with different definitions, more or less overlapping with mine, which is evolving. I think it would be good to have a clear wide definition and I started a discussion
- "Applied Improvisation Accreditation" A month ago at Paul's we discussed some ideas. I can continue with some colleagues in Germany (and eventually in France) and we could start a Pilot in one country. There is a demand for training on Applied Improvisation.
- I would love to organize a European conference in Heidelberg (or Paris or Strasbourg) next year, if I get enough support
- and more local meetings once the community is bigger. In Germany, Martin Ciesielski and I facilitate a forum on a online platform quite well known here www.xing.com/net/impromanagement/ and we have some AIN Germany meetings.

And I am sure some other ideas will come.
Beste Grüße aus Heidelberg!
Frédérique

[Kerstin Gauffin]

Where do we go from here

HI Paul, Frederique and all! In my university the use of Improv and other art forms is expanding rather heavily at the moment and thus I am not yet sure if I can come to Portland this fall. I certainly hope that I can get assistance enough in my courses at the time so that I can participate (I would also love to take the opportunity to see my cousin who lives in Oregon). I noticed in the Japan conference that the newcomers were a bit lost at times - languagewize and also in other ways - so this time I would like to assist the newcomers in case they should need it. As some of you already know, I would also love to organize a conference in Sweden, with the help from AIN people with experience and of course also from all of you other Swedish improvisers in our organization.