LLL US Western Division Presents
TEAM 2004: Essential Pieces

Professional Liasons

Becky Hugh on the PL meeting:

What an exciting time we had this year at TEAM, so many vibrant discussions! There were fourteen PL Leaders (including Jeanne and Becky) attending TEAM this year. After sharing some introductions and making our space comfortable, we got to work. First up, the new CEU providership program for nursing credits available through LLLI was shared and discussed. Then PLs shifted their style and focus.

The rest of our time was spent using Open Space Meeting Technology. We modified the convening question from the general Open Space Technology day to better fit the PLD: What are the essential pieces that nurture the heart of our work and support shared leadership, mutual learning, and contributions for all Leaders and members in the PLD? We were able to fit in six small group discussion topics and report out to the larger group. Most of these discussions focused on physical resources and "how to-s" of PL work. Our next step is to have on-line discussions about the human support resources that are essential pieces for the PLD. We are excited by the prospect of looking at new ways to facilitate orientation, on-going support, and CE review.

The PL Leaders continued animated discussions into the evening by eating dinner together. It was a wonderful experience to share together as peers, to learn from each other in a respectful style that allowed for all needs to be met.

“I learned so much from all the sharing, and tried to get around to
more than one group. That was hard to do with such riveting discussions
going on in each one. In addition, we shared camaraderie and enthusiasm and encouragement. Sounds a lot like "Support, information and encouragement for women choosing to breastfeed!"” Sharon Olson, APL Arizona
Read Sharon’s full report.

“I will say that I really was glad to have the chance to explore in depth with other APLs issues that affect our jobs. We had this nurse-in situation looming in Iowa and I appreciated hearing other perspectives and sides of the issue that I hadn't come up with on my own. And not just that but being able later to see summaries of what other groups of APLs had talked about.” Carolyn Brown, APL Iowa
Click here for Open Space Topics and report outs (links to the session topics and report outs from PL Open Space) (Printable version here)

“I guess my "biggest moment" would be finding out that we can use LLLI as a provider for our CE programs. Learning how to navigate all that is quite a process!” Charlene Burnett, APL Missouri
Click here for info on CEU providership program for RNs.

Notes from Sharon Olson:

As APL's do, we got right down to business with introductions of many new faces and getting acquainted. Looking around the room, I felt right at home. We're a studious bunch-- taking notes and asking questions. I saw myself in the faces of the newer APLs -- all feeling concerned about doing the job to the best of our abilities. After Becky and Jeanne acknowledged that in this new age of reduced review, some PL work will always require a certain amount of review, I felt relaxed and confident. The safety net is still there, and my experience is also valuable. Becky covered an update on CE applications and how to apply for nursing contact hours through LLLI and the Illinois Nurses Association. These credits will apply in all states except Florida and Hawaii[ed. note--California and Florida]. Although I will not use this process for our current Area Conference, it will be an option for future CE events. It pleases me to see an evolving working relationship between LLLI and the Areas that comprise the USWD.

Many of our discussions continued during lunch, and afterward we proved that even serious APLs are a creative bunch. We reorganized the room to suit our comfort, Jeanne and Becky provided treats, and then we used an "Open Space" breakout format to list topics that we needed to discuss. This made the day truly meet our needs. Our topics included: Helping and Supporting Leaders in Staying Up to Date; Changing Roles of APLs with Breastfeeding Information Readily Available Online; Basic APL Resources; Handling Legal Calls when I'm not a Lawyer -- (I admire Carolyn for her creative and oh-so-appropriate title!); and, Sharing LLL Information with HCPs (Health Care Professionals) (who may not be initially receptive.) It was hard to stay in just one discussion group as all the topics sparked pretty lively discussions, which included examples of different situations from several Areas. I learned so much from all the sharing, and tried to get around to more than one group. That was hard to do with such riveting discussions going on in each one. In addition, we shared camaraderie and enthusiasm and encouragement. Sounds a lot like "Support, information and encouragement for women choosing to breastfeed!"

We joined the ACE's to share Conference planning experiences. I feel really lucky to be working with an experienced ACE. I can go to her with my questions, and together we sort out all kinds of things to consider and then come up with the best solutions. The ACEs shared a wealth of information with us. They handle so many details and make it look like fun while they are doing it. Gracious and fun-loving are certainly ACE attributes!

The day ended a little too soon. Most of the APLs filled an ever-lengthening table in the hotel restaurant for dinner. Being somewhere in the middle, I believe I was involved in about six different conversations with lots of fascinating topics filling the airspace. I have fond memories of encouraging conversations, mentoring conversations, parenting conversations. I learned much that I will apply in my PL work and in continuing to raise my family.

While Department Day technically ended, supportive working relationships continued whenever APLs were seen sharing notes and resources in the hotel lobby and in the hotel hallways in between sessions on subsequent days. I am continually amazed by what committed LLL Leaders accomplish with grace and ability.