ICA Australasia

ToP Courses in Australia

History: ICA Australaia supported the development of a Technology of Participation (ToP) training program aimed at spreading the use of ToP particularly directed toward developing leadership in the government, community and private sectors. The full program of seven courses was developed through the work of many volunteers and was initially named, the Facilitative Leadership Program. As the training arena in Australia changed dramatically it became more and more difficult to be taken seriously as a training provider unless the training program was accredited, competency based and met Australian standards. ICAA agreed to the creation of an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) named ToP GIFL and became its owner. Again, many volunteer hours were dedicated to creating and maintaining an RTO with further work in developing the training courses. Both had to meet the very strict standards in place to protect participants in training in Australia. It became apparent during 2016 that an RTO could not be maintained on a voluntary basis. ToP GIFL was closed as an RTO and finalized as a company

Present: The qualifications of the ToP Courses were not renewed beyond March 2019. ToP trainers continue to offer courses in ToP methods. Their contact details under ‘Our People’ in the ICA Australasia section of this website.

Small Grants Program

ICAA furthers efforts in our world to advance human development, by providing skills and support to communities to create their future together. We provide small grants to assist these to get started on the way to sustainability. Contact one of our team for more information and a document which provides the guidelines, and explanation of our process and an application form. Among the organizations supported are Handup Congo, ICA Nepal, ICA Bangladesh, and Africa In Manning Valley.

Global Communications

ICAA members are part of the global Communications Team, always exploring ways for colleagues globally to be connected, even in the poorest of countries. As an aspect of this effort, ICAA members are on the editorial team producing the global magazine of the ICA – Winds and Waves

Member Initiatives in Collaboration With Other Organisations

Members work voluntarily In many different ways with organizations and areas like
·Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and justice for Indigenous people www.reconciliation.org.au, www.antar.org.au
·Peace initiatives www.sydney.edu.au/arts/peace_conflict/
·Climate change www.cana.net.au, www.acfonline.org.au
·Sydney Facilitators Network facilitatorsnetwork.blogspot.com/
·Real Questions https://realquestions.net.au/
·Mineral Policy Institute www.mpi.net.au
·Sydney Development Circle http://developmentcircle.org/locations/sydney/
·Blue Mountains Timor L’Este support group www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
·Rotary – local clubs and international
·Community organising in the Sydney Alliance, in cooperation with community groups, faith groups and labour unions www.sydneyalliance.org.au
·Refugee support groups www.refugeecouncil.org.au, amnestyinternational.org.au

Individual Member Inititives

Other member initiatives, including ToP trainers and facilitators are organised as business ventures. For more information see “Our People” or visit their websites:
Creating Eternity www.creatingeternity.com.au
Futures by Design http://www.markbutz.com/
Participatory Techniques www.participatorytechniques.co.nz
Smart Meetings www.smartmeetings.com.au
ToP Facilitators www.topfacilitators.com
Unfolding Futures www.unfoldingfutures.net

Other members provide services as individuals. You can learn about someone near you by contacting one of our team and looking at Ica Australasia facebook page.