Feedback

Testimonial 1:

“My mentor has taken a thoughtful, holistic approach towards my aims and aspirations concerning both my career and personal life through our regular, in-depth mentoring sessions.

In addition to support, I have also been encouraged to think about and view the future more comprehensively. The sessions have proved particularly valuable for goal-setting and for my motivation.

I truly feel this experience is one I will continually draw upon in the future; I am very grateful to have had such support and guidance.”

Testimonial 2:

“As the world around us tightens its belt, buttons its coat and slips on its mittens in preparation to weather a stormy economic winter, fresh born graduates and prospective environmentalists find doors closing at an alarming rate. Open Platform sets itself apart at such a time and continues to offer not only shelter and support, but a foundation from which people may launch their careers.

The friendly working environment offers the chance for individuals to converse with leading-edge professionals and academics in the field, and provides the opportunity to become involved in influential work.

Personally, I feel the family-like support found here is vital and without which many individuals' ambitions and commitment to improve our world would be lost”.

Testimonial 3:

“I am very grateful for the space that Open Platform and the Institute gave me to develop my own ideas, knowledge and understanding of the world I am part of.”

Testimonial 4:

"Undertaking research with the Schumacher Institute as part of my Master's Degree was a great success. Not only did I get to work with some inspiring individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, but I was also able to gain an appreciation of how areas studied in my course were being played out in practice.

I was allocated an exciting and innovative project that was well-suited to my needs and interests and which I could develop in several directions towards a final dissertation for my Master's Degree.

Getting involved in research or a project in this way ensures a high quality final piece of work that contributes towards actions in the area you work. It ensures a balance of theoretical rigour and practical experience through the Systems approach. This is a great way to accompany further study and enhance your personal development. Moving into business and sustainability, the experience I had with the Institute has been invaluable, especially the networking opportunities with industry.

The approaches taken by the Institute are very forward looking and have many benefits in the business world, such as creating a flexible and motivated workforce and using a facilitative approach towards leadership. Working with the Institute formed a perfect stepping stone into business and by keeping in touch with their great works they provide a platform to bounce career ideas as well as new ideas around sustainability. I stay involved and hope to be able to give something back for the experiences they gave me in my placement."

Testimonial 5:

“I volunteered for the Schumacher Society from October 2006 until February 2007. Richard St George was a great inspiration, mentor, source of information and listener. I particularly value the way that he helped me to get a sense of where I might fit into the green movement. I believe that Richard saw my determination to do a lot of good work in this sector, and gave me every chance to get a start in it. Yolanda and Ian were similarly helpful and inspirational.

I helped with the lectures for two years, and during the four months I volunteered, almost full-time, worked mainly on compiling a history of the Schumacher Society – all its publications, lectures, events, partners and so on. I was able to bring my own ideas to the work, and get as involved as I wished to.

I met Herbie Girardet through the Society and was pushed by Schumacher staff to apply for a research position with Herbie’s new organisation, the World Future Council. Herbie had seen my dedication and ability through my voluntary work, and offered me the job. Since then I have written a book, and am now working on a second with Herbie. I have written many articles, comments and criticisms. I have spoken around the world on my subject, and found great opportunities through application and determination. The work I have done has resulted in legislative progress on renewable energy in various countries, and continues to do so.

These crucial changes would not have been possible without the positive and inspiring learning and networking environment created by the Schumacher organisations. I would advocate that any graduate wishing to find their feet should make good use of their time by working with the wonderful Schumacher people”.

Testimonial 6:

“When I started with Open Platform, I had only the idea of finding out more about the environment and seeing what part I might be able to play, but with time and through in-depth discussions with my mentor, I started to realise that my career path has been fairly unfocussed so far and that I have several aspects of personal development to address to help me direct myself in the best way. This has effectively been a process of enlightenment that is helping me to become more aware of my strengths and weaknesses.

I remain slightly unsure about my career, but the concepts that I'm continuing to explore are ones that I can apply to all parts of my life. I am indebted for the new view of myself I have attained."

Testimonial 7:

"When I discovered Open Platform recently, it was like a huge weight had been lifted. For 6 months or so I had been battling away to set up a web portal for sustainable travel. I had plenty of enthusiasm, but no experience of starting something like this, and no real contacts. I was making progress, but also feeling increasingly isolated and aware of shortfalls in my skill set. Nowhere in Bristol seemed to be able to help me.

Then along came Open Platform. I was introduced to some experienced and helpful mentors who continue to support me with critical aspects of the project. I now stand far more chance of making this enterprise a long-term success, and equally importantly I have met a whole network of like-minded people. The vibrant environment of ideas and energy has made me realise I'm not alone and has really given me the belief to make this work. Thank you!"

Testimonial 8:

“The group meetings are beginning to feel more and more exciting and potentially very powerful. Learning together and the opportunity to pool our resources and skills in a supported environment are creating an air of potential and dynamism that makes my skin prickle; you can feel the productivity humming in the air!'

The individual mentoring sessions feel like an answer to my prayers. I wished, ages ago, I could get some guidance regarding my career, which wouldn't try to fit me into a simple box but rather help me engage my wide range of skills usefully. As an educated middle class person, there aren't many resources to guide me in putting my skills to best use and in supporting me commit to my dreams of helping create a better world. If Open Platform wasn't here I wouldn’t be able to afford personal mentoring.

Also, it is the connection with the group on this journey that makes it particularly valuable. It engages people from all angles: as an individual needing guidance; as a member of a community learning together and supporting each other; and as a teacher, sharing your skills. It's an inspiring model for education and a God sent! Although I'm only just beginning, I think it has the potential to not only be life changing on a personal level, but also to have a very positive wider impact on society."

Testimonial 9:

“I think that Open Platform is inspired, since discovering Open Platform my ideas have grown, my confidence too. I realise I have ideas that can make a difference and I am learning how to implement them. I feel confident to offer my services to organisations knowing that there is a wealth of knowledge here to support and guide me. The mentoring has given me a space to see where I am, where I want to be and plan a pathway to get there. I would like to see this project grow and expand as I have done since becoming involved with it. It has been fantastic to be part of a group of people who are so inspiring, supportive and collaborative, this applies to the staff, the volunteers and the participants and I am looking forward to giving my support to future participants."

Testimonial 10:

“Providing me with direction and empowering my actions, the open platform has resurrected my confidence. Allowing my voice to be heard I now find myself embracing opportunities through the vast array of projects and members it supports. There is an unspoken air of optimism, a sweeping tide of energy, and an assuring confidence in the eye of each individual."