Help Laura Get to UnSchool!
By Laura Taylor
NZ $2,845 pledged
31 people pledged
Closed
NZ $2,500 minimum target
This campaign was successful and closed on 10/01/2017 at 10:00 PM.
Make a PledgeAbout
Help Laura Get To UnSchool!
Project 2016-12-23 01:37:50 +1300
Help Laura get to the UnSchool of Disruptive Design
Emerging Leaders Fellowship, 22-29 Jan 2017
"FOR PURPOSE-DRIVEN CREATIVE REBELS AND CHANGE-AGENTS"
Kia ora! I'm Laura Taylor:
Practical Idealist + Creative Change-Maker
Human Espresso + Working Mum.
Have you ever noticed something that really bugged you, that you *really* wanted to change, but never felt you could? We've all been there, but for an improveaholic like me, an opportunity to learn the skills to make meaningful change happen is just unmissable.
So I'm super excited to have been selected for this fellowship for emerging leaders, in which I'll be learning the art, and science, of creative and sustainable changemaking for social impact.
Having done my O.E. years ago, I know that Kolkata, Madrid and Dublin are amazing, but there is no city I love more than this one. Christchurch is caring, cool, creative and collaborative. However, we are a young city, rebuilding and still growing up. So I want to enable Christchurch to be the best version of itself it can possibly be - particularly for Millennials and the generations to come.
But our world is changing. Our future needs will be quite different. At times we'll have to move away from the status quo, and that requires a new skillset that ordinary schooling doesn't teach you.
With Disruptive Design we can effectively create purposeful change at the "Systems Level". That is a new skillset I believe Christchurch city (and the world) needs much more of. (I hope one day to teach it to others too. :)
Guided and challenged by mentors who've been recognised by the UN Environmental programme, and worked with Richard Branson, we'll develop learning and skills from different areas like critical thinking, design, sustainability, systems thinking, prototyping, gamification and creative interventions. We will delve deeply into these areas, learn how they link to the 'Disruptive Design' methodology, and will apply this skillset to real world situations.
I'm super grateful to be selected for this fellowship because I will be equipped to create sustainable change and positive social impacts in Christchurch for years. But doing this wouldn't be possible without the support of others.
Can you support me in my journey? The fellowship costs USD $2,500 (about NZD $3,600) so with my young family all support will make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. So what exactly is the Fellowship About?
It's for Emerging Leaders who have an unstoppable passion for improving our world by re-thinking how, or why, we do/make/use things. How can we get better outcomes for people, for cities, for the environment?
To find answers for this, we actually need to do this re-thinking at the "Systems-Level" - instead of just looking at the little pieces of the puzzle like we usually do!
Taking this "Systems" approach is also a powerful way to address big challenges like sustainability and social equity.
You can check out the Disruptive Design Method here.
2. Who is running the fellowship?
The UnSchool of Disruptive Design (based in New York) - check them out here.
3. Is the founder credible?
Yes!
-
For her work as an influencer, UnSchool Founder Leyla Acaroglu received the UN Environmental Program's highest honour for science and innovation: 2016 'Champion of the Earth'.
-
Leyla's approach is one of the most-watched TED talks on sustainability - and she'll be one of our international mentors for the week.
4. Has the fellowship been held before?
Yes. I'm part of the 6th Fellowship. Previous Fellowships were held in New York (Jun 15), Mexico City (Nov 15), Melbourne (Jan 16), Sao Paolo (Jun 16) and Berlin (Oct 16). Now it's Christchurch's turn!
5. Why am I a good fit for this?
I believe I'm going into this as well-prepared as I could possibly be. The learning will draw on my science background, my creative brain, and my 10+ years of career in events, and enabling community and popup' projects.
I will be building on the creative and innovative work I've been involved in for years, but particularly since our earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. So far, I've influenced for the better:
- our city's events calendar,
- the city's support for experimental, community-led temporary projects,
- the way we fund new community-led ideas, to place value on alternative currencies such as the contribution of volunteers and donated services,
- positively shifted what we're getting in the construction hoardings imposing on our city, and
- led incentives for property owners to get on board and support new ideas that use their unused spaces for a little while.
But I really want to shift the way we do things. And that needs a new kind of skillset that ordinary schooling doesn't teach you.
In Disruptive Design, I recognise a way to upscale the impact I can make.
6. What will I do with this that will help Christchurch?
Far from being 'change for change's sake', this new skillset is purpose-driven.
I believe we can make more efficient and sustainable use of our resources, support our wellbeing better, and improve social equity.
But we need to influence these issues holistically, i.e., at the systems level.
Areas I want to explore/impact include:
- the way we develop in our city,
- how we build communities at a small, hyper-local scale, and
- how communities engage in the 'Public Realm' (that's like the "shared living room" of the city).
Areas I will explore include:
- values-led development, and
- how we can give neighbourhoods more opportunity to impact, care for, and take responsibility for, the public realm.
These are the areas I think are most fertile for increasing our resilience, improving business and creating a great story for Christchurch that will help us keep talent at home.
However, Disruptive Design can be applied to any area.
6. Why not just do online courses instead of a Fellowship?
The UnSchool does offer online courses (check them out here). However, the fellowship will be an intensive seven days immersed in learning with sixteen other amazing human beings from around the world, supported by mentors guiding and challenging our thinking.
In this setting, I will not only be shaped by the course, but by the mentors and the other participants.
I also recognise that since this Fellowship is being held in Christchurch, it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to do the Fellowship at this cost - since I won't have to cover flights or accommodation!
If you're keen to support me in my journey, thank you! Please check out my rewards.
Lastly, please don't hesitate to let me know your ideas for something else I could offer.
(I'll also consider musical dares and custom-making a pledge for you using my musical talents...Just message me! :)
Yours Sincerely,
Laura Taylor
Practical Idealist.
Comments
Updates 3
We did it!!
11/01/2017 at 1:01 PM
Now that I'm back in cell coverage I can see we did it!! Wow! Goal met!! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you in my community of supporters.
It is an absolutely awesome feeling, having people believe in and support your goals and want to follow how you get on with them.
And it makes me feel even stronger in my mission to learn and share the art + science of changemaking. I'm so looking forward to taking you guys on this journey with me - let's do this!!! Xxx
Please share: Another New Reward: "Songs for Change" - Commission a song for the special tiny humans in your lives.
08/01/2017 at 7:27 PM
J. R. R. Tolkien was bang-on when he said: "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
So I created this new Pledge Reward - for your own tiny humans and the people who love them! For your pledge of support, I will write your special little human a bespoke song just for them.
In fact, I wrote my little guy a song just this afternoon. I'm sharing the lyrics to "OSCAR" with you here, so you can see what your support for me could mean for the smallest person in your mind. We also made a *very* lo-fi video (our first ever), just for kicks! Hubby Ben is working the magic sticking the right bits together this evening. I'll pop that up on YouTube later so do come back tomorrow (THE LAST DAY OF MY CAMPAIGN!!) to check it out.
With love,
Laura
xxx
"OSCAR"
V1:
Hello little boy, you are our pride + joy,
Your name is Oscar. We call you: "Oscar".
You are a wobbler. They call that "toddler".
You know just when to laugh - though you're just 1&1/2
And you blow raspberries, when you are teasing me.
Chorus:
Oscar, Oscar...
Oscar, Oscar...
V2:
You have a sister, you just kissed her,
For keeping you so cool, 'cos she took you to Cheeky School.
You love planes + cars, dancing and drumming hard,
And blowing bubbles. And family cuddles.
(Chorus)
V3:
You like soccer balls...Splashing in swimming pools.
Taking rides & drives, and giving high-fives.
We love that you love books. We love your cheeky looks.
Though you can't jump yet - we know you'll love it.
Bridge:
The golden curls that frame your face,
Like Mozart's locks all outta place,
Say "Oscar, 'Life is Not A Race!
Chase your dreams at your pace'..."
(Chorus)
Written by: Laura Tomlin, Eilidh Taylor, Ben Taylor.
Music by: Laura Tomlin.
(c) L. Tomlin, E. Taylor & B. Taylor. 8 Jan 2017.
Please share: New Equitable Reward for Change Agents of all Ages! "Name Your Change" :)
08/01/2017 at 7:20 PM
I was thinking that there really should be an EQUITABLE pledge, SCALABLE to whatever one can afford, that would give a high return for people who are really interested in the idea of changemaking.
What is the one change that you always wanted to see, that you never felt you could make happen all by yourself? Add it via comments after your pledge (of any amount $5 or more) - you can do this anonymously if you wish.
I will share with my fellowship colleagues every wish in the collated "bucket list" of changes posted here. Of course I cannot promise to make that particular change happen, but I can apply the techniques I learn to it, and share it back, enabling others to discuss it. Perhaps then, it will be possible for you or someone else to take action on the issue.
Here's an example: "We are a caring lot. I'd love for that to be easier to perceive when you visit town."
Pledgers 31
10/01/2017 at 9:54pm
10/01/2017 at 9:54pm
10/01/2017 at 9:16pm
"Go Laura!"
10/01/2017 at 8:51pm
"Offline donation - "Wish you good luck for your course" - family in Australia"
10/01/2017 at 8:47pm
"Kia kaha Laura. Tau ke!"
10/01/2017 at 7:28pm
"Congrats!"
10/01/2017 at 7:23pm
"Offline donation - Sarah Bouckoms (Bouckoms) Farmington, USA."
10/01/2017 at 7:20pm
"Offline donation - Graham Potts (Pottsy)"
10/01/2017 at 7:12pm
"Offline donation- Congrats! Morgan & Karina"
10/01/2017 at 7:12pm
10/01/2017 at 6:58pm
"Good Luck Laura! You can do it :)"
10/01/2017 at 6:17pm
10/01/2017 at 5:02pm
"Good luck let me know how it goes. Lizzie Meek. (Offline donation from Antarctica)"
10/01/2017 at 1:51pm
10/01/2017 at 12:50pm
"good luck :-)"
10/01/2017 at 9:07am
"All the best Laura, sounds great xx"
10/01/2017 at 1:00am
"Good luck and stay in touch"
09/01/2017 at 11:52pm
09/01/2017 at 10:28pm
09/01/2017 at 8:16pm
"Paid forward "
09/01/2017 at 8:11pm
"Good luck Laura!"
09/01/2017 at 8:08pm
"All the Best!"
09/01/2017 at 8:00pm
09/01/2017 at 6:02pm
09/01/2017 at 9:43am
08/01/2017 at 11:37am
"Go Laura, you inspirational thing you :-)"
31/12/2016 at 9:04pm
"You go girl! "
31/12/2016 at 3:51pm
31/12/2016 at 3:12pm
"Good luck Laura!"
31/12/2016 at 11:13am
"Well done Laura, I love our city too, and wish you all the best! Jasmine"
Followers 2
Followers of Help Laura Get to UnSchool!
Help Laura Get To UnSchool!
Project 2016-12-23 01:37:50 +1300
Help Laura get to the UnSchool of Disruptive Design
Emerging Leaders Fellowship, 22-29 Jan 2017
"FOR PURPOSE-DRIVEN CREATIVE REBELS AND CHANGE-AGENTS"
Kia ora! I'm Laura Taylor:
Practical Idealist + Creative Change-Maker
Human Espresso + Working Mum.
Have you ever noticed something that really bugged you, that you *really* wanted to change, but never felt you could? We've all been there, but for an improveaholic like me, an opportunity to learn the skills to make meaningful change happen is just unmissable.
So I'm super excited to have been selected for this fellowship for emerging leaders, in which I'll be learning the art, and science, of creative and sustainable changemaking for social impact.
Having done my O.E. years ago, I know that Kolkata, Madrid and Dublin are amazing, but there is no city I love more than this one. Christchurch is caring, cool, creative and collaborative. However, we are a young city, rebuilding and still growing up. So I want to enable Christchurch to be the best version of itself it can possibly be - particularly for Millennials and the generations to come.
But our world is changing. Our future needs will be quite different. At times we'll have to move away from the status quo, and that requires a new skillset that ordinary schooling doesn't teach you.
With Disruptive Design we can effectively create purposeful change at the "Systems Level". That is a new skillset I believe Christchurch city (and the world) needs much more of. (I hope one day to teach it to others too. :)
Guided and challenged by mentors who've been recognised by the UN Environmental programme, and worked with Richard Branson, we'll develop learning and skills from different areas like critical thinking, design, sustainability, systems thinking, prototyping, gamification and creative interventions. We will delve deeply into these areas, learn how they link to the 'Disruptive Design' methodology, and will apply this skillset to real world situations.
I'm super grateful to be selected for this fellowship because I will be equipped to create sustainable change and positive social impacts in Christchurch for years. But doing this wouldn't be possible without the support of others.
Can you support me in my journey? The fellowship costs USD $2,500 (about NZD $3,600) so with my young family all support will make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. So what exactly is the Fellowship About?
It's for Emerging Leaders who have an unstoppable passion for improving our world by re-thinking how, or why, we do/make/use things. How can we get better outcomes for people, for cities, for the environment?
To find answers for this, we actually need to do this re-thinking at the "Systems-Level" - instead of just looking at the little pieces of the puzzle like we usually do!
Taking this "Systems" approach is also a powerful way to address big challenges like sustainability and social equity.
You can check out the Disruptive Design Method here.
2. Who is running the fellowship?
The UnSchool of Disruptive Design (based in New York) - check them out here.
3. Is the founder credible?
Yes!
-
For her work as an influencer, UnSchool Founder Leyla Acaroglu received the UN Environmental Program's highest honour for science and innovation: 2016 'Champion of the Earth'.
-
Leyla's approach is one of the most-watched TED talks on sustainability - and she'll be one of our international mentors for the week.
4. Has the fellowship been held before?
Yes. I'm part of the 6th Fellowship. Previous Fellowships were held in New York (Jun 15), Mexico City (Nov 15), Melbourne (Jan 16), Sao Paolo (Jun 16) and Berlin (Oct 16). Now it's Christchurch's turn!
5. Why am I a good fit for this?
I believe I'm going into this as well-prepared as I could possibly be. The learning will draw on my science background, my creative brain, and my 10+ years of career in events, and enabling community and popup' projects.
I will be building on the creative and innovative work I've been involved in for years, but particularly since our earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. So far, I've influenced for the better:
- our city's events calendar,
- the city's support for experimental, community-led temporary projects,
- the way we fund new community-led ideas, to place value on alternative currencies such as the contribution of volunteers and donated services,
- positively shifted what we're getting in the construction hoardings imposing on our city, and
- led incentives for property owners to get on board and support new ideas that use their unused spaces for a little while.
But I really want to shift the way we do things. And that needs a new kind of skillset that ordinary schooling doesn't teach you.
In Disruptive Design, I recognise a way to upscale the impact I can make.
6. What will I do with this that will help Christchurch?
Far from being 'change for change's sake', this new skillset is purpose-driven.
I believe we can make more efficient and sustainable use of our resources, support our wellbeing better, and improve social equity.
But we need to influence these issues holistically, i.e., at the systems level.
Areas I want to explore/impact include:
- the way we develop in our city,
- how we build communities at a small, hyper-local scale, and
- how communities engage in the 'Public Realm' (that's like the "shared living room" of the city).
Areas I will explore include:
- values-led development, and
- how we can give neighbourhoods more opportunity to impact, care for, and take responsibility for, the public realm.
These are the areas I think are most fertile for increasing our resilience, improving business and creating a great story for Christchurch that will help us keep talent at home.
However, Disruptive Design can be applied to any area.
6. Why not just do online courses instead of a Fellowship?
The UnSchool does offer online courses (check them out here). However, the fellowship will be an intensive seven days immersed in learning with sixteen other amazing human beings from around the world, supported by mentors guiding and challenging our thinking.
In this setting, I will not only be shaped by the course, but by the mentors and the other participants.
I also recognise that since this Fellowship is being held in Christchurch, it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to do the Fellowship at this cost - since I won't have to cover flights or accommodation!
If you're keen to support me in my journey, thank you! Please check out my rewards.
Lastly, please don't hesitate to let me know your ideas for something else I could offer.
(I'll also consider musical dares and custom-making a pledge for you using my musical talents...Just message me! :)
Yours Sincerely,
Laura Taylor
Practical Idealist.
Comments
We did it!!
11/01/2017 at 1:01 PM
Now that I'm back in cell coverage I can see we did it!! Wow! Goal met!! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you in my community of supporters.
It is an absolutely awesome feeling, having people believe in and support your goals and want to follow how you get on with them.
And it makes me feel even stronger in my mission to learn and share the art + science of changemaking. I'm so looking forward to taking you guys on this journey with me - let's do this!!! Xxx
Please share: Another New Reward: "Songs for Change" - Commission a song for the special tiny humans in your lives.
08/01/2017 at 7:27 PM
J. R. R. Tolkien was bang-on when he said: "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."
So I created this new Pledge Reward - for your own tiny humans and the people who love them! For your pledge of support, I will write your special little human a bespoke song just for them.
In fact, I wrote my little guy a song just this afternoon. I'm sharing the lyrics to "OSCAR" with you here, so you can see what your support for me could mean for the smallest person in your mind. We also made a *very* lo-fi video (our first ever), just for kicks! Hubby Ben is working the magic sticking the right bits together this evening. I'll pop that up on YouTube later so do come back tomorrow (THE LAST DAY OF MY CAMPAIGN!!) to check it out.
With love,
Laura
xxx
"OSCAR"
V1:
Hello little boy, you are our pride + joy,
Your name is Oscar. We call you: "Oscar".
You are a wobbler. They call that "toddler".
You know just when to laugh - though you're just 1&1/2
And you blow raspberries, when you are teasing me.
Chorus:
Oscar, Oscar...
Oscar, Oscar...
V2:
You have a sister, you just kissed her,
For keeping you so cool, 'cos she took you to Cheeky School.
You love planes + cars, dancing and drumming hard,
And blowing bubbles. And family cuddles.
(Chorus)
V3:
You like soccer balls...Splashing in swimming pools.
Taking rides & drives, and giving high-fives.
We love that you love books. We love your cheeky looks.
Though you can't jump yet - we know you'll love it.
Bridge:
The golden curls that frame your face,
Like Mozart's locks all outta place,
Say "Oscar, 'Life is Not A Race!
Chase your dreams at your pace'..."
(Chorus)
Written by: Laura Tomlin, Eilidh Taylor, Ben Taylor.
Music by: Laura Tomlin.
(c) L. Tomlin, E. Taylor & B. Taylor. 8 Jan 2017.
Please share: New Equitable Reward for Change Agents of all Ages! "Name Your Change" :)
08/01/2017 at 7:20 PM
I was thinking that there really should be an EQUITABLE pledge, SCALABLE to whatever one can afford, that would give a high return for people who are really interested in the idea of changemaking.
What is the one change that you always wanted to see, that you never felt you could make happen all by yourself? Add it via comments after your pledge (of any amount $5 or more) - you can do this anonymously if you wish.
I will share with my fellowship colleagues every wish in the collated "bucket list" of changes posted here. Of course I cannot promise to make that particular change happen, but I can apply the techniques I learn to it, and share it back, enabling others to discuss it. Perhaps then, it will be possible for you or someone else to take action on the issue.
Here's an example: "We are a caring lot. I'd love for that to be easier to perceive when you visit town."
10/01/2017 at 9:54pm
10/01/2017 at 9:54pm
10/01/2017 at 9:16pm
"Go Laura!"
10/01/2017 at 8:51pm
"Offline donation - "Wish you good luck for your course" - family in Australia"
10/01/2017 at 8:47pm
"Kia kaha Laura. Tau ke!"
10/01/2017 at 7:28pm
"Congrats!"
10/01/2017 at 7:23pm
"Offline donation - Sarah Bouckoms (Bouckoms) Farmington, USA."
10/01/2017 at 7:20pm
"Offline donation - Graham Potts (Pottsy)"
10/01/2017 at 7:12pm
"Offline donation- Congrats! Morgan & Karina"
10/01/2017 at 7:12pm
10/01/2017 at 6:58pm
"Good Luck Laura! You can do it :)"
10/01/2017 at 6:17pm
10/01/2017 at 5:02pm
"Good luck let me know how it goes. Lizzie Meek. (Offline donation from Antarctica)"
10/01/2017 at 1:51pm
10/01/2017 at 12:50pm
"good luck :-)"
10/01/2017 at 9:07am
"All the best Laura, sounds great xx"
10/01/2017 at 1:00am
"Good luck and stay in touch"
09/01/2017 at 11:52pm
09/01/2017 at 10:28pm
09/01/2017 at 8:16pm
"Paid forward "
09/01/2017 at 8:11pm
"Good luck Laura!"
09/01/2017 at 8:08pm
"All the Best!"
09/01/2017 at 8:00pm
09/01/2017 at 6:02pm
09/01/2017 at 9:43am
08/01/2017 at 11:37am
"Go Laura, you inspirational thing you :-)"
31/12/2016 at 9:04pm
"You go girl! "
31/12/2016 at 3:51pm
31/12/2016 at 3:12pm
"Good luck Laura!"
31/12/2016 at 11:13am
"Well done Laura, I love our city too, and wish you all the best! Jasmine"
Followers of Help Laura Get to UnSchool!
I want to embed this project somewhere
