Conference Evaluation Summary
By: Pam Towne
Justin said that our purpose in coming together for Conference is:
1. to RENEW ourselves in the ESSENCE of T’ai Chi Chih and go home in that dedication, and
2. to REFINE the MOVEMENTS of TCC so that we do it and pass it on correctly.
The majority of teachers attending the Conference felt the same. Of 57 participants, 39 (68%) returned evaluation forms afterward. (A special THANKS to each of you for your constructive feedback!) In response to the question: “What was your purpose in attending the Conference?”, most of the answers were variations of one or more of the following:
1. being with and learning from Justin Stone
2. refining TCC movements
3. fellowship or networking with other teachers.
Nearly everyone received what they came for, and MORE! Most valuable experiences included the above plus doing TCC together, meditation after morning TCC practice, the 3 workshops (Family Matters, Meditation, Marketing), and the Tea Ceremony.
The majority want a Conference again next year, and Chicago teachers are exploring the possibility of hosting it. California teachers are willing to host it again in 1994 and the dates of August 12-14 have been reserved at Vallombrosa for 1994.
Suggestions for next year included:
1. Have Steve and Justin teach/correct/refine each of the movements (in order) several times (but not before breakfast), starting with our first session before dinner Friday.
2. Hear more from Justin on philosophy, principles and spiritual journey (also, many would like to have heard on Friday evening what he said on Sunday morning).
3. Do movements in small groups with specific, individualized coaching/correction for each teacher by Steve, Justin and most experienced teachers.
4. Use Friday evening for meditation and inspiration; first emptying our cup so it can be filled.
5. Do teacher introductions (Friday evening) in small groups; get to know fewer teachers more deeply.
6. Add a day to the conference for more time together, workshops and teacher sharing.
7. Send pre-conference forms to gather information on each participant and sign up for workshops.
8. Personally contact other teachers in your region, share what you got from this year’s Conference and invite them to next year’s.
Originally appeared in: September 1992