The present organizing structure of Gaia University is as a small, selected and developing worknet of partner organizations and individuals. The worknet is 'glued' together by committments to common ethics, principles, systems and protocols. The current form of the network is 'hub and spoke' with Gaia University International as the hub (leading the development of systems and protocols) and local and regional nodes (developing advising, teaching and facilitation capacity, markets and local webs) at the ends of the spokes. This arrangement, hub and spoke, is expected to change as nodes mature.

This section of the website is intended to provide potential partner organisations and individuals with outlines regarding:

• how they can evaluate their potential for joining the worknet and
• 
  
• which roles are appropriate to themselves

For detailed information and for appropriate training potential partners should expect to undertake and complete an MSc.OLÉ program with Gaia University.

Roles available.

See table of functions below.

Local nodes

Also known as local organizing groups (LOG's), Local nodes service the direct needs of Associates (learners/students) through recruitment to appropriate programs, provide advisory services and may organize workshops. This role is suitable for qualified individuals and small organisations who themselves function inside a Gaia U regional hub and spoke worknet.

Regional nodes

Regional Nodes take a primary operational and overview role concerned with developing and enacting a whole regional strategy. The detailed strategy will vary from region to region depending on local circumstances. Development of the detailed regional strategy, including the business plan and the first active steps to develop appropriate advisory skills, is the central action learning topic for the MSc OLÉ each person of the three person team completes. This role is not suitable for individuals.

These are senior, strategic roles in the organization and Gaia University is seeking to recruit talented people with appropriate experience and skills. The group of three may arise from within an existing organization and may also arise through the strategic alliance of more than one organization together with suitable individuals.

For more details of the MSc OLÉ (Organizing Learning for Ecosocial Regeneration) go here. For an outline of what is involved in various advisory roles see descriptions below.

Process advisors

Process advisors are always associated with a supervising ROG. Process advisors facilitate the progress of associates in their action learning pathways through regular contact and guidance. Process advisers are a major functional element in the organization and significantly influence the quality of the learning experience for associates. People in this role need to be successful exponents of documented action learning themselves in order that their guidance is authentic.

A process adviser's activities include:

• Providing associates with sensitive, insightful and practical action learning tutorials by email, telephone, VOIP and face-to-face meetings as appropriate
• Skilled and consistent application of the review and quality assurance processes including evaluating the work of associates
• Ensuring that all the necessary outputs from associates and data for the quarterly quality assurance reports are gathered for delivery on the due dates
• Monitoring and, as necessary, facilitating action learning guild events
• Working in partnership with a Gaia University ROG to extend the capacity of the University including training and mentoring new process advisors both inside and outside the region
• Referring associates to other tutorial assistance as appropriate

All process advisors need to be qualified to Masters level, to have immersion experience of action learning and to have appropriate knowledge and training in the deployment of Gaia University systems. The primary means to aquire these skills is via the MSc. OLÉ go herefor more details.

Project design advisors

Project design advisors are part of a regional team supporting the effective unfolding of a pathway. A specialist advisor is technically strong in the field and can either give technical tutorials or source further technical assistance as required.

• assisting associates in developing a coherent project portfolio from the mass of project opportunities available
  
• identifying means where by an associate can add value to their portfolio through, for example, generating quality materials for the knowledge commons
• assisting associates in thinking about how to construct effective and enjoyable output packets
  
• helping associates identify appropriate learning support resources and specialist advisory resources
  

This role requires competence in documented action learning at Doctorate, Masters or equivalent level, a strong history of managing complex project portfolios, good standing amongst peers and an extended network of skilled colleagues who can provide specialist advisory and learning support resources.

Project design advisors are recruited by ROGs and approved through the Gaia University system.