After FACI conference

On Sunday we returned from the best conference ever. It was FACI 2007 organized by National Support Team (Basia, Chwałka, Gosiaczek, Milenka, Krzychu and Ola) with member of National External Team Przemo. That was my fourth conference as faci (without local ones) but it was really special and unusual one. And not only for me, not only for us as faci team but also for delegates.

What was so special there? I guess it would be easier to say what was “normal”! During the faci premeeting in Marki we decided that we want to make delegates think. Think about themselves. That we want to create such a conference during which they will open their minds, they will be more creative, they will be open minded for everything what is happening. Conference they will be creating with us. We decided to focus not on knowledge but on discovering themselves, getting to know their strong and weak sides, their personality. And that was the beginning of something special. When we’ve decided on that we came up with many “strange” ideas which weresupposed to help us, which were supposed to create atmosphere of reflection, opening minds, sharing and getting to know ourselves better.

We decided not to show the agenda. Delegates didn’t know the agenda. We showed it during the closing plenary. Yes, that’s not a mistake, closing plenary. The effects were better that we have ever thought. First of all delegates didn’t know what to expect and they were coming to the sessions with open minds, without any expectations, there were no possibility of thinking like this: “Oh, again this? We have it already million times!”. Do you know that people weren’t late? And what was the most surprising (at least for me) there were no single person which didn’t come for the session! Each time everybody was participating!

We decided to use only polish words. Have ever thought that we have problems with saying some things in Polish? Such impressions as “performance”, “challenging”, “inputs”, “feedback”, learning” or some strange words created from English but with Polish grammar “challengowac”. We came up with the rule that each time anybody is saying something in English we are saying “I don’t understand” (of course in Polish). We – delegates and facis – created some kind of dictionary. For example:

Chair – wodzirej
Roll call – skecz, figiel,
@dance - @plas
Coffee break – przerwa kawowa, kawy brak
Punishment team – zespol penitencjarny, zespol pejczujacy
Session - spotkanie

And many many more… And I have to say it was really challenging, at least at the beginning. And really funny when we were trying to pass something and we hadn’t had any idea how to say it. You have to try it! And don’t be surprised when somebody will tell you “Nie rozumiem”.

Another thing was not using beamer. Believe us – it’s possible! You can ask Chwałka how you can show the agenda without beamer.

We also decided to activate delegates as much as possible. During each plenary there were people responsible for interactions. Also gossip team and punishment team. I have never seen such many creative and really funny gossips! And punishments? They were so funny and not from these “disgusting” ones.

These were small things… And they were important. But I think that the most important was division for homegroups were faci was only facilitating the process, we weren’t taking part in any get-to-know games and game in the forest which was summing up whole things, goals we were discussing before. And evening plenary in the Checiny castle. During this game homegroups had some tasks but they were not so important. The most important were this team experience which they got. During the game it became dark, they had only one torch and they need to manage. They pass through the process of creating the team, getting to know their strong and weak points, how they are behaving in some extreme environment. They need to do it to be at the castle at 11pm. And you know what? All groups came to the castle for the plenary on time. And after that we had plenary where we sharing with atmosphere of history all around us. And a lot of people wanted to share and shared. How they felt, how they behaved, what is their learning…

Then we returned to the venue, had some planned short and feedback session in each homegroups (before we thought that people would be tired, that we had to make it short and effective) but there were a lot of people which were sitting till 3am and sharing, discussing… Because they wanted to. Because they needed. And the next morning some people told us that they were at the plenary room sitting next to the conference flow and goals and they noticed that we achieved ALL goals. That that was their first conference they felt that really all goals were achieved. And what’s more that they were satisfied from both sides of conference – this reflection one and this content one.

Before the conference I was afraid that people would not want to share in front of the whole plenary. I was completely wrong. Delegates shared a lot, and they were saying so cool and wise things. And during closing plenary there were a lot of said sugar cubes. We were approaching each other, hugging and saying instead of writing. And that was great.

Ah, I’ve almost forgot! Faci roll call! I just have to write about it! Opening plenary. Everybody was sitting, and Ola (ask her to tell you some joke!) was welcoming delegates. And she was really sorry to tell it but we all knew that we had to respond to the present needs and all conferences had to answer them. And that we were in touch with MC which was then on IC, and that all of us were aware of difficult situation of AIESEC in Poland especially in terms of exchange. That’s why we – faci – were having the premeeting there in Checiny from Monday to rearrange conference a little bit. So all sessions would take place in commissions. And then each member of faci team (as you know we covered all commissions) told what each commission would be talking about. Then Ola asked people to sit in the commissions not to lose more time. So we went to sit in the commission, almost starting the meeting and we just went in front of commissions and our wodzirej told: “We are really surprised that to this moment you didn’t realize that this is faci roll call! So –rry!”. Ask people how they felt and how did they react! After it delegates had no bloody idea what they can expect!

For me personally there was also one very important thing. We – all people present there, in Checiny – together created such an atmosphere that it was much more easier for me to open for others, to approach people I didn’t know, I hadn’t been talking with. And this wasn’t my first conference. I don’t know, I don’t want to count which one, but for sure I hadn’t had this feeling before.

There were also great OC which helped us a lot not only with some “normal” stuff but also during this game in the forest. So thanks once more!

I was trying to share here general view of the conference, some my personal thoughts and some thoughts which I’m sure that whole faci team agree with. We – Chwałka, Gosiaczek, Ola, Milenka, Krzychu - GuGu, Przemo and me - can talk a lot about this conference, all of us are really inspired, full of energy… We just can’t agree for one thing – are we flying 10cm, 30cm, 50cm or even more above he ground?

Thank you for this experience!

Basia

IC 2007 Diary - Functional Tracks, Alumni Day and LN Day.

Last three days gave us opportunities to meet a lot externals as alumni from all over the world and corporate representatives. This is something amazing about IC that you can meet here almost everyone.

During functional tracks we could link with people who are doing the same as each of us (doesn't matter what's you role). Even when it's not possible to learn much, there is always possibility to build a network of friends, talk with people who feel the same as you and share your knowledge to make ONE AIESEC that we have better!! I am sure that LCPs enjoyed functional track as well. Later we could attend various sessions from alumni management, building partnerships, I am an AIESECer, to IS and Brand Experience.

Alumni Day was something hard to describe but anyway I'll try:) We had a sessions called AIESEC History live with alumni from different denerations. All of them were talking about the AIESEC that they remember and sharing how big impact the Organization made on them. Former PAIs, successful entrepreneurs, basically people who made a change and their trip started in AIESEC. At the end of day we participated in Alumni Hall of Fame which was again very moving and amazing event. It's motivating to see what AIESEC alumni did - rather I should say keep on doing. It's inspiring in terms of what all of us still can do!

LN Day - definitely the biggest and the most enjoyable one in the history. It's not only about gathering in one place so many AIESECers and Organizations' representatives - it's about learning from eachother and taking the best of each session, conversation, speech. At the evening AI officially certified 5 IG and they are LNs now. Big round of applouse for: Entrepreneurship, CR, Education, Finance, HIV/AIDS. Later on we had great WENA party:) No comments now:) Today CEE PARTY... woooohhhooooo!!! Who rocks the house??

Cheers,

Posted by Maciek

IC 2007 Diary - AI 06-08 and DLD.

Last 3 days were as busy for Polish IC delegation as exciting and full of inspirations and challenging talks. Not only we could network with delegates of IC but we meet quite lot companies' representatives and alumni.

It was really amazing to see AI 06-07 again on the global plenary and listen to Edyson dos Santos (PAI 06-07). Outgoing AI showed their achievements and shared with us some reflections that you always have when you finish your term. Later on Gabiza presented a plan of AI 07-08 and focused on alumni engagement what is special focus in this term.

Then whole day called Developing Leaders Day - we had sessions with DLD facis who represented two companies which are AIESEC DLD Partners: Cadbury Shweppes and ABN AMRO Bank. We enjoyed not only integration with delegates but facis performance too. This year DLD focused on team relations and building successful team.

Stay tunned to more news soon:)

Posted by Maciek

IC 2007 Diary - The AIESEC Way.

Wednesday was first day when we had sessions and officially started IC agenda with a block dealing with achieving stuff.

We discussed what does it mean achievement for each of us as an individual, defined why and what we want to achieve. The day closed with significant session run by Rob from AI about MoS - he compared AIESEC's success to football team Manchester United success what made session clear.

In the middle of day we had very important session by Gabiza about The AIESEC Way. She briefly explained new framework and made the delegates to discuss about AIESEC uniqueness. From this session we definitely learned that it's important what we do but also the way how we do, what we say and also the way how we say.

After the agenda we enjoyed AP GN party especially selection of AP Miss. Asian music, people and climat - we look forward for SS GN:)

Posted by Maciek

IC 2007 Diary - Opening Plenary, Global Village and Opening Ceremony.

Yesterday, 21st August, IC 2007 finally started with three big events which delivered a lot of joy and emotions to Polish delegation. Living Diversity and Enjoying Participation were two most experienced AIESEC values by all IC participants.

The day started with Opening Plenary which took place in main plenary room in the venue. Can you imagine guys 3 hours completely full of country roll calls? I'm sure you can't as you only can if you experienced it! 100 countries, roll calls, excitement, energy, AI 2007/2008, facilitators - really lot of stuff and thoughts crossing through our heads during one second. We were also able to meet Chair of IC 2007 who is Pita - really familiar with AIESEC as he was PAI in 2003/2004. For sure you will ask what was Polish delegation roll call? We danced national dance called krakowiak. It's cool that Polish people from foreign MCs supported us as well:)

Later on we moved to Istanbul city center for a Global Village. It took place indoors. This year all countries were divided into GNs and each one had a half-circle space for a country stands. In the middle there was a scene where each GN had time to show some presentation, dance, shouts, etc. I must say it's great feeling to travel from Colombia to India, from Germany to Japan, from Portugal to Canada - and everything under on roof. Then you feel not only as a CEEtizen but as a global member of the network.

The day finished with splendid Opening Ceremony. We were officially welcome to Istanbul by MCP of AIESEC in Turkey, Major of Istanbul city and CCP of IC 2007. We watched great performances of Flame of Anatolia group and listened to speaches of HP representative and Chairman of Turkish BoA. Amazing day full of impressions and emotions.

Posted by Maciek

IC 2007 Diary - after CEE GN pre-meeting.

Today Polish delegation finished third day of CEE GN pre-meeting which was for us one of the first experiences related to IC 2007. A lot of stuff were discussed connected with the future of CEE and it's plans in forthcomming term.

First day of the pre-meeting aimed to integrate all CEE and define common vision of our GN. We agreed that no matter how different CEE countries are, the same way there are some common features which make us all CEEtizens. Definitely CEE people are ambitious, results oriented, persistant and they enjoy cooperation. All this make us achievers!! During this day we discussed some initiatives that countries are doing and we reviewed countries' exchange plans.

As far as I'm concerned second day was crucial because we reloaded Enter CEE. New E Drive Team was selected - big congratulations for Wojtek, Anula and Cebula who are a part of the team!!! CEEtizens discussed what can be done to improve this great initiative and at the time ERs + Finance people discussed future of mentioned areas in the CEE GN and MCP agreed on CEE conferences (CEEMOS will take place in Tunisia and Turkey will host CEELDS).

Today we finished pre-meeting with some reflections and conclusions. We also had a short CEE GN meeting with new AI team and had a great opportunity to hear what AI expects from CEE:) At the end we had a possibility to share our GCPs within whole GN and we practised some CEE shouts and songs in order to be visible and proud CEEtizens while whole IC 2007.

Greetings,

Maria, Dorota, Edytka, Ewelina, Khamba, Patryk, Maciek

We have a plan... for IC and Alumni ;-)

Last Thursday was an important day for current and previous AIESECers cause we had Strategic Task Force. Our garage was taken for the whole day. We started at 10.30. 9 people responsible for our organisation in Poland set and created strategy of cooperation with Alumni till 2010!
At the evening Alumni joined us. We got really cool feedback from them and had a grill together. Now we are sure that if we follow created plans, we will achieve our goals - high level of Alumni management.
Are you curious what is our ambition? Output will be released in few days :)

In two days our core team is leaving for IC. Lucky ones...;) But be sure that NET, NPT and NST will have coll time too :) Pink house is all for us!
Preparations take a lot of time. Today me and Patryk spent few hours running nearby Royal Castle in Warsaw to find Polish T-shirts, cups, pens and sticks - everything for Global Village. Watch out, Poland is coming! :)
hugs,
Ania