Beyond the Nine Dots: Spring - Potholes and Possibilities

In the monthly Mohave County KIV newsletter, "The Affirmation," Chief Probation Officer Rod Marquardt wrote the following:

"The fundamental mission of the Mohave County Probation Department is to change behavior. If there is one thing that I have learned in over 25 years of working in probation is that true change occurs from within a person. While a probation officer can impose controls, it is only when a person begins to look at the world differently do we see change that is persistent.

The Keys to Innervisions program is the department's primary tool for this cognitive restructuring. Through Keys those with whom we work, learn how to analyze situations, make better decisions, set goals, and how to deal with emotions in an appropriate way. Those who attend learn the importance of positive thought-isn't that an important lesson for all of us?

The probation department considers those who facilitate the Keys workshops as part of the "team." It is a big job done by a great group of people. Your work is very important, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you."

Keys to Excellence, Inc. adds our appreciation to this team of possibility thinkers, Rod, the court staff, facilitators, and Master Facilitators Bob and Betty Hare.

Master Facilitator Creates An Exciting Picture!

Sedezier Thompson, Master Facilitator at Pelham YDC in Georgia, recently trained his first group of Facilitators. He reported that it was a rewarding experience noting: "Everyone consumed the concepts"-"Some changed their thinking overnight and shared really powerful stories"- "I can't wait to co-facilitate the next class in a month--Thanks for the wonderful gift of KIV, I will treasure it for the rest of my life." We thank Sedezier for being a treasure who influences the staff and clients who are blessed with his presence. Sed co-facilitates with his supervisor, Choice Nelson. What a dynamic duo they are!

Mineral County, West Virginia School Hosts Regional KIV Training

In late February, Mineral County Schools under the direction of Bob Miller, Special Education Director, hosted a regional Facilitator training. In this way, smaller agencies who need to train fewer numbers of staff can share the fees for the three-day training. Joining the ten participants from Mineral County schools were Donna Metz and Jude Miller, Counselors, Marion County Adult and Community Education, and Mike Marsh and Keith Carney, Counselors, Morgan County Schools. Trainer, Shauna Jones, West Virginia Dept. of Education, did an excellent job of painting pictures of Facilitation possibilities. We send a special thanks to Bob and his assistant, Joan Fleming, for enabling these schools to experience the power of KIV.

Transform Me Oh River In our Fall 2001 KeyChain, an article entitled, "The River of Life" included an inspiring poem, "Transform Me Oh River." We thank fellow river traveler, Richard Obermiller, for permission to use his work. If you need authorization to copy or use this poem, Rick can be reached through our office.

Calling All Movie Buffs

In the Keys to Innervisions implementation packet there is a list of movies which we suggest may be shown with specific units. This is not feature film baby-sitting or pure entertainment! The goal is to further enhance understanding of the concepts and their application to life through class discussion. It is very important that staff preview movies before showing them to students to determine if the content is appropriate for their particular group. Attention must be given to the values and behaviors that are role-modeled in the film. Our list needs to be updated, we welcome your suggestions!! Over the past two years, what films would be appropriate and applicable? Master Facilitator Nicole LeDoux, MN, recently suggested the addition of "A Beautiful Mind." She noted the movie's themes could relate to Unit 5, Belief Systems, and Unit 2, The Power of the Mind. Fax or e-mail your suggestions to our office.

The Movie

Examples of questions to ask and discuss during a movie.

1. What is the self-talk of characters at various points?
2. What behavior might this character's self-talk create?
3. Identify any characters who are giving their power away and the consequences of that choice.
4. How can you tell that a character is out of his/her comfort zone?
5. Identify ways that characters are handling their emotions in safe, smart ways.
6. Identify when a T-Chart may have helped a character make a more thoughtful decision.
7. What are the basic beliefs that underlie each character's behavior? Do they change?
8. Are any of the characters locked on to a co-dependent role? How? What are the consequences?
9. What attitudes or feelings are leading towards a successful, positive lifestyle?
   Which are not?
   
10. What KIV tool would be helpful at any particular time in the movie?
11. How could the characters benefit from using KIV?

Please share this newsletter with
your colleagues and clients.


Pictured above: Master Facilitators Sedezier Thompson, Julissa Vizciano,
Nicole LeDoux, and Choice Nelson.

Master Facilitator Training and Recertification
Intense Training-Instant Fun

February 4 - 9, 2002 the annual Keys to Innervisions Master Facilitator Training was held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Last year, we integrated the recertification process into the first two days of this training. The combination continues to be an effective strategy. In addition to updating their materials and skills, experienced trainers offer wonderful mentoring and powerful pictures for the new candidates. Recertified were Kristi Tollefson, Juvenile Court, Devils Lake, ND and David Dyess, Youth Development Institute, Phoenix, AZ.

The theme of the training was "I am Masterful." This training group not only embraced the theme, they were a model of the empowering training design. Staff of different backgrounds and presentation skills each "Played at the edge of their skill" and reached a masterful certification. Joining the trainer network are: Sedezier Thompson and Choice Nelson, Pelham YDC, GA, Bobby Ross Group; Nicole LeDoux, Becker County Probation, Detroit Lakes, MN; and Julissa Vizciano, Prevention Links, Union County, NJ.

It is a tradition to celebrate with the trainees at Rawhide--a replica of an "Old western town." Rawhide may never be the same after this group. If you are interested in the advantages of, the criterion for, or enrollment in our next Master Facilitator Certification Program, please contact our office.


Pictured above: Kristie Tollefson, Phyllis Antonelli, and David Dyess.

Outtakes From the Master Facilitator Training
Wildcat Nicole WOWS Rawhide!

Choice learns never to break the law at Rawhide. Arrested for being too Masterful! Breaking up the Rocks. Doing the KIV Dance!

Is that rattlesnake they're eating?

Low Morale-Burnout:
Figments of Your Imagination?

This question was the focus of workshops led by Phyllis Antonelli at the annual conference of the Correctional Education Association of Arizona, Inc. Following the theme, "Breaking Down Barriers," Phyllis used several of the empowering tools of Keys to Innervisions which enable staff to learn how they create the stress and imbalance which leads to their own cynicism and burnout. Symptoms of stress, turnover, and low morale are often blamed on the external circumstances and conditions in the work/home environment. This staff development seminar focuses on identifying and changing cycles of thinking--words, pictures, and feelings that create barriers to healthy attitudes and behaviors. Participants learn their most intimate point of control is the internal environment of their minds!! Staff were armed with the good news and the bad news--each one of us is responsible for our thinking and choices that trigger our feelings and behaviors. Keys to Excellence, Inc. thanks CEAA Executive Director, Ronald Ouellette, President, Mark Wilkerson, and their amazing staff for the skill and energy that made this opportunity possible.

Keys to Excellence, Inc. Staff Development Seminars are designed to cover a variety of topics. To create an empowered staff, contact our office.