UPDATE ON ONLINE PRACTICE GROUP

Greetings, Friends,

I feel excited to report that the Radical Compassion online practice group is taking form as I work out the details of a variety of strategies. Read on for some ways you can choose to participate! I'm hopeful this group will meet needs for connection, learning and community.

INTERACTIVE POSSIBILITIES

One way to begin is to read my two websites: http://connectionnow.blogspot.com/
and http://radicalcompassion.squarespace.com/ (or whatever parts of those that you enjoy reading!)

I would enjoy it if you would respond with comments to any portions of those offerings that move you.

Also, you can listen to my first offerings on the Vaestro Audio Forum if you have computer speakers/headphones.

If you have a microphone, you can respond and interact with one another as well. Its kind of like audio email. Very cool!

First step there is to sign up (free) online at Vaestro.com http://vaestro.com/mail
The Radical Compassion forum is http://vaestro.com/viewforum-84

Please let me know if you have any problems with any of these pieces!

LIVE PRACTICE GROUP COMPONENT

I'd like you to consider signing up for a skype.com account (also free). This will allow us to talk together in real time in a free conference call.

Skype is a way to talk to others using your computer. You need a computer, an internet connection and a microphone and speakers/headphones. Most computers come with them built in. Once the software is installed, using Skype is as easy as making a phone call.

To get connected via Skype, first download the software for your PC. Follow this link and choose the software written for your computer:
http://skype.com/download/

There is a "how to guide" to help you with the next steps @ http://skype.com/help/guides/howtoskype/

Secondly, when you have done this, I'd like it if you send me your send me your Skype id. This will enable us to communicate in real time via Skype.

(As an added bonus, all Skype users can make free long distance calls using Skype throughout the US and Canada until the end of 2006. Skype to Skype calls are always free anywhere in the world!)

The third step is to let me know your preference for our first meeting. Please send three possible "windows" of time. (For example, Wednesday evening, 6-8 pm PDT)

I'm envisioning a 2 hour "call" via skype where we can begin to connect "in person" and "live". If possible, please translate your request into Pacific Daylight Time (UTC -7).

In a few days I intend to announce our first meeting after receiving your requests.

REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

As this is an experimental group, your feedback is vital to me. Throughout your participation, I would enjoy hearing about what works about the online practice group and any problems that arise (either technical issues or any other needs of your that are unmet.)

I am hopeful that together we can all refine this idea into an effective strategy to make NVC available easily to anyone with an internet connection!

I am offering this group as a gift, although I remain open to receiving your support. If you would like to donate to the online practice group, you can do so via paypal @ http://radicalcompassion.squarespace.com Simply click the "make a donation button" and follow the instructions. I'm grateful for your support of my sustainability!

Warmly,
Jim