The workshop will explore ways of discoveriing patterns of uplift, and using emerging network technologies to amplify and replicate these patterns. We will be blending both a theoretical discussion of the roles of networks and their effects, with practical "on the ground" application of these ideas. The workshop is supported in part by a grant from the Omidyar Network for the NanoFinance Project proposal.

This workshop is a continuation of the Pattern Language Workshop which seeks to use the pattern approach to systematically discover and replicate patterns of uplift in humanitarian and developmental activities. Our model of uplift is based on the notion of positive discourse – to intentionally look for patterns which amplify what Alexander calls “alive, humane, ecologically profound, and with a deep living structure.”

The first two days of the workshop will be lead by Richard Gabriel, on the topic of Uplift Pattern Languages. See why we are talking about patterns here. The third day will be lead by Nancy Glock-Grueneich, Heather Wood-Ion, and Jane LaPointe, discussing organizational issues of an Uplift Academy.