THE TEAM
THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
A Collaborative Approach to Civic Education
The success of this initiative will depend on bringing together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and areas of expertise. We propose to assemble an initial eight-member development team to explore the possibilities, identify resources and partners, and create a practical plan for implementing civic education through the performing arts.
The team will operate through a model of distributed leadership. Rather than establishing a traditional hierarchy with one person directing everyone else's work, participants will take responsibility for areas in which they have particular knowledge, experience, and interest.
A Distributed Leadership Model
Each participant will contribute expertise and take the lead in exploring their particular area. Decisions about the initiative's overall direction will emerge through discussion, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Dr. Jack Tierney will serve as Project Coordinator and Composer-in-Residence. As Coordinator, his responsibilities will focus on communication, coordination, and integration among the participating specialists. As Composer-in-Residence, he will contribute his artistic and educational experience to the development of musical approaches to civic education as well as his own work where appropriate.
The initial development team is intended to be small and manageable. As the initiative evolves, individual areas may expand into larger working groups involving additional participants and organizations.
Eight areas of participation are envisioned:
1. Educators (Civics and Arts)
Explore the educational objectives of the initiative, including civic knowledge, public pedagogy, and the relationship between artistic experiences and learning.
2. Public Arts Administrators
Consider how the initiative might work in community arts centers, theaters, and other public venues, including the practical requirements of presenting programs.
3. Young People
Contribute the perspectives, interests, and experiences of younger generations, helping ensure that the initiative speaks to people across age groups.
4. Not-So-Young People
Bring the experiences and perspectives of older adults, particularly those who have participated in civic and community life over many years.
5. Theater People
Explore the artistic and production possibilities, including performances, workshops, staged presentations, and opportunities for audience engagement.
6. Community Activists
Help connect the initiative with local organizations, community concerns, and opportunities for public participation.
7. Funding and Partnerships
Investigate potential funding sources, institutional partnerships, sponsorships, and other resources needed to support development and implementation.
8. Social Media and Communications
Explore ways to reach audiences, share information, encourage participation, and extend civic conversations beyond individual performances.
Our immediate objective is to bring together the people and ideas
needed to develop a thoughtful, practical, and achievable plan.