One positive consequence to a learning collaboration is that you find others who can relate to practices you are doing out in the field.
Second positive outcome in a learning collaborative is that you gain insight on what others think about certain issues and see what stakes they have or stance they take on the issue.
This can lead to the last outcome conflict, because everyone has their own personal beliefs or opinions and depending on thr issue conversations can become heated when in a collaboration.
My one goal is to use this collegial experience to enhance my advocacy for children and familes. I can do this by understanding policy, and gaining knowledge of systems and how they are structured to work and see if I can share insights to make their programs work more efficiently.
It has been very interesting to work with so many colleagues with different ideas and perspectives. You are right that conflict is a challenge due to the varying beliefs amongst the individuals in the group. This is compounded by the fact that we don't get to look each other in the eye while we have these powerful "conversations" with one another! I am certainly grateful for everything I have learned from all of you, though!
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