As we are now well and truly into 2017, we thought it was a good time to share what is emerging in u.lab, both globally and in Scotland, this year.

u.lab Scotland stories of impact

Over the past few months, Kirsty Deacon, a PhD student with the University of Glasgow and u.labber herself, undertook an internship to gather stories of the impact u.lab is having for participants.  She has developed a number of videos and blog posts showcasing examples of impact at different points along the U.  Look out for the first of these posts in the next week and an overall report by the spring.  We are so grateful to those who took the time to share their stories and would welcome others who also wish to do so.  Just get in touch.

u.lab Scotland national gatherings

A clear message from the stories we have heard is that people appreciate the time to come together in person to share experiences, learn and support each other in applying this approach.  In response to this feedback, we are suggesting hosting at least two national gatherings over the coming months: one at the end of April, one just before u.lab starts in Sept and possibly one in June.  For the April gathering, some have suggested we explore a topic or theme together e.g. changing how we work together, what is emerging in our communities etc.  We’re still in the early days of designing it, but if you have an idea or would like to get involved, please get in touch (Keira.Oliver@ gov.scot)

Invitation to host taster sessions and “bumping spaces”

Last year, over 20 people hosted their own taster sessions in their local areas to spark curiosity in u.lab across the country.  In Glasgow, there was also a number of “bumping spaces”.  Relaxed and informal events where people could come along and meet others who were signing up to u.lab and form hubs or coaching circles.

Whether it’s a taster session or bumping space, you might like to consider hosting one or both of these in your own area. In the next few weeks, we’ll share some info on how others have done it and a way of advertising them so watch this space!

Emergence of a West of Scotland U.Lab Network

Developing from the “bumping spaces” and a number of hubs and coaching circles hosted in and around Glasgow, there is now an intention to develop a West of Scotland U.Lab network.

Mary Ann Smith, one of the hub’s hosts, outlines the intention: “to CONNECT & BUILD hubs and widen the theory U community through ‘Open Hub Nights’. These nights will ‘stay true to the U’ by framing their agenda around the U as they initially allow participants to explore what the nights should look like. We hope it will be a place to connect and learn, explore, create, build U knowledge, skill and competence with new and existing hubs developing as connections are made.  The first Open Hub night will take place on Monday 27th Feb 5.30pm (for a 6pm start) until 8.30pm at the Scottish Recovery Consortium, 2/1 Bell street Glasgow G1 1LG.  We plan to explore what the nights should look like through listening, dialogue walks and 4D Mapping.”

If you’re in the area, why not go along and be part of this emerging network?  Perhaps you’d like to start something similar in your area?  Get in touch if we can help.

Prototyping a next-stage u.lab course (u.lab 2x)

The global U.Lab team will be hosting three live session on April 20th, May 11th, June 15th at 3 – 4.30pm UK time (10am-11:30am EDT).

Each session will focus on a key “acupuncture point” in the global economy where there is great possibility for economic and social transformation.  The team will share and seek new material, and will take what they learn from these sessions to develop a full u.lab 2x course in 2018.

New online u.lab community space

In April, the team we will also introduce new collaborative technologies, including a redesigned online space, that will make it easier for you to connect to other u.lab participants in your own communities and around the world.  We will keep you updated on this but hopefully it will make it easier for participants to find each other, and to form hubs and/or coaching circles, ahead of the next U.Lab starting in Sept.

So lots happening!  Get in touch if you have something you’d like to share with u.lab Scotland.