The Learning Village
The Learning Village program brings a diverse set of community-minded citizens – inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more. By engaging their fellow citizens to work together in new and meaningful ways, participants will model how any individual can become an active citizen in their community.
The inaugural class of 25 participants will be integral to shaping the program and the community of commoners for future years. For this first program, we’re seeking participants who will also be excited about helping us design, test, and refine the program.
Throughout the program, each participant will pursue a personalized plan to leverage community resources to take their leadership acumen to the next level.
The program is distributed in three phases starting with pre-program work assignments, six-week learning village and later six months community development apprenticeship. The journey shares the latest approaches in the field of ecosystem awareness-based participatory leadership and citizen-lead change making as well as providing on the job opportunities to learn alongside esteemed mentors.
“The Learning Village” Program is delivered in collaboration with committed partners of the university. Students and professionals from all disciplines and areas of study are welcome to join the program into reaching their full potential through community development.
Program Outline
The Learning Village
4 – 6 weeks of community immersions, meetings and learning. With the finest of facilitators and mentors coming together to share experience and knowledge with 25 bright aspiring commoners, this phase is designed to prepare participants to lead for the emerging future. Participants from innovation groups to prototype solutions in particular issue areas.
— The U-Lab approach of change-making
— Art of participatory leadership
— Video journalism to capture powerful stories
— Practice skills to service community
Apprenticeship
6 months of intensive apprenticeship, a journey of practicing community development & identifying one’s style of leading social change. Participants may choose to;
— Continue with practicing skills for village/ward development committee.
— Joining a partner organization as apprentice.
— Take one’s idea/venture to scale with expert support.
At the end of the apprenticeship, participants document their work with the learning outcomes and reflections. The apprenticeship concludes with a valediction and the award of a Certificate of Completion.
Commoning For Life
We believe, once a commoner is always a commoner. Active goodness is not only contagious, it’s also everlasting. Successful graduates may choose from various options to continue with their journey. The university offers a lifetime continuous support and access to the Tech Platform for Social Change: the Commons Platform
— Participants may continue with the apprenticeship with the partner organization or explore social entrepreneurship opportunities.
— Participants can pursue further studies or other fellowships.
— Participants may return to the mainstream and apply their learning to develop meaningful products and services.
Who we’re looking for?
Good Citizens!
We are building an authentic community. A strong moral character is essential for the strength of this community, the integrity of the program, and the longevity of its value. We’re seeking inspirational individuals who demonstrate humility and work collaboratively with others towards shared goals.
Young People
We need people who are young at heart. And young people need to take leadership in their hands.
We need people working from all angles and with different perspectives to strengthen our communities and civic life. If you are between 18 to 40 years of age, you may apply.
People at their Tipping Point
Successful applicants have already demonstrated meaningful impact in their communities, gaining recognition among their peers for their contributions. Now, they stand at a breakthrough moment in their careers. They’re poised to use the program to significantly advance their understanding of systems, perhaps by deepening their work in local communities.
Problem Solvers
We’re looking for individuals who often think about solving important public problems in creative ways. We are inspired by a broad vision of what it means to be “civic,” one that includes leaders tackling a range of issues, in both traditional and unconventional ways.
Does that sound like you?
The Learning Village, Goa
Apply Before: October 5, 2017
Here is your invitation to step into creating an inclusive present and green future.
Join us this autumn in Goa for a collective learning journey to explore new green pathways to prosperity and well being and find out how we could each play a role in co-creating a new 21st-century story of progress.
The Learning Village, Bangalore
Program Starts in Feb 2018
Calling Bengalurians to join the participatory leadership network of active citizens to creating a learning and practising community.
Let’s hold hands with each other and with mentors who shall discover with us new participatory pathways to prosperity.