0 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center MAPS for Leadership PCL Module 2

1 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Objectives Complete a MAP for the purpose of tracing one’s history, dreams, fears, qualities and needs as a parent leader Use results of the MAP to create an action plan related to leadership development

2 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Essential Questions What is a MAP? What does completion of a MAP tell you about your strengths and needs as a leader? What does completion of a MAP tell you about your future plans for expanding your roles as a leader?

3 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Agenda: MAPS for Leadership Introduction to the process (20 minutes) Completion of MAPS with partners (25 minutes) Small Group Sharing (15 minutes)

4 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Overview of the MAPS Process You’re going to do a MAP! This is a planning activity designed to help you reflect on your past and future experiences as a leader. MAPS stands for Making Action Plans System, or the McGill Action Planning System. Reference:O’Brien, J., Forest, M., with Snow, J., & Hasbury, D. (1989). Action for inclusion. Toronto, ON: Frontier College Press.

5 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center 5 Steps to a MAP 1. HISTORY: a short description of the background and individual circumstances that led you here today. 2. DREAMS: a vision of things you would like to see happening as you expand your role as a parent leader. 3. FEARS: a description of your worries or concerns about expanding your role as a leader. 4. WHO AM I: a description of yourself, including the strengths, skills, likes, and values you bring to your role as a leader. 5. NEEDS: a description of the things that need to happen to help make your vision for the future come true.

6 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Directions for Completing Your MAPS Try to be free flowing with your responses; no one else will be judging them. As you work through each step, just concentrate on capturing your ideas. Your responses don’t need to be confined to a neat, organized list. There will be an opportunity to summarize and highlight your responses at the end of the activity. This activity is for your use. The activity will close with an opportunity to share, draw upon and use the MAPS results, but you can decide what information you want to share.

7 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Step I: History HISTORY: Briefly describe the background and circumstances that led you here today. Note: This history is not meant to be a detailed chronological account, more like highlights. Here are some things to think about: –What is significant about your personal history? –What is significant about your family or child(ren)’s history? –What were your first experiences in which you saw yourself as a leader? –What adult experiences and/or training have helped you see yourself as a potential leader?

8 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Step 2: Dreams DREAMS: What dreams do you have in relation to your personal and professional development as a parent leader? Note: Dream big! Dreams do not have to be “realistic”! Here are some things to think about: –What changes do you dream about that will involve your leadership or advocacy? –What do you hope to accomplish in the next year? 5 years? 10 years? –How do you envision yourself as a leader?

9 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Step 3: Fears FEARS: What are your worries or concerns about becoming a parent leader? Note: By identifying your fears, you may find ways to overcome some of your challenges. Here are some things to think about: –What concerns arise as you think about becoming a leader? –What barriers might stand in the way of realization of your leadership dreams?

10 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Step 4: Who Am I? WHO AM I: How do you describe yourself as a leader? Notes: By describing your strengths, skills, likes, dislikes, etc., you may be better able to develop your role as a leader Here are some things to think about: –What words best describe you? –What skills, gifts, and talents will support your journey as a leader? –What other skills and talents will you need? –What do you like/dislike about your current role(s) involving leadership or advocacy? –What values and beliefs guide your life and work as a person and leader?

11 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Step 5: Needs NEEDS: What needs to happen to make your dreams about leadership become a reality? Notes: As you prepare for this step, review your notes from the first four steps to identify key ideas or themes that may be important. Here are some things to think about: –What skills would you like to develop further? –What else will you need to expand your role as a leader? –What supports do you need from others?

12 MAPS for Leadership ©2008, University of Vermont and PACER Center Group Discussion What common experiences have group members had in relation to each of the MAPS steps? How will you use the information from your MAP to expand your leadership skills, knowledge and roles?