The Wayne E. Oates Institute is a Connected Learning Community exploring spirituality and health as a way to advance integrative care for the whole person. The Oates Institute is a non-profit educational organization made up of caregivers from the medical, spiritual and counseling communities providing a forum for joining together as an interdisciplinary dialogue toward understanding the relationship between spirituality and the healing process.

The Net Generation is changing the world in which we live, work, and minister. Net Gens--also known as the Millennials, Generation Y, and BabyBoom2--are the first generation to grow up native to computers and digital networks (it is not technology to them, it is just "the way we do things"). This group, born between 1977-1997, is beginning to move into the workplace and into community, organizational, and congregational leadership. NetGens are ready to engage collaboratively, openly, energetically, and creatively. The question is, are we ready for them? They are coming in to the workplace and into congregational leadership with their own defining values, a new pedagogy, new ideas about leadership, and new ways to create and contribute value. As they move into these roles, they are introducing a new set of expectations and they are changing the way we do things. This seminar, offered online October 5-23, is an introduction to working and ministering with NetGens; whether it is in the health care setting, the congregational setting, or the counseling setting.

During this seminar we will engage in conversation around the eight defining norms and the new leadership ideas identified by Don Tapscott in his research (Growing Up Digital, Wikinomics, and Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World) along with looking at various other examples, including a number of YouTube videos, of what is emerging. We particularly will look at what all of this means for our relationships with NetGens as we work and minister alongside them.

The seminar will feature three presentations and various online resources as it engages participants in a Connected Learning process of reflecting on experience and learning through dialogue. Participants in the seminar have the opportunity of earning 12 contact hours of continuing education credit.

The presenters for this seminar are Dr. Chris Hammon and Marie McCanless. Chris, Director of Online Learning and Publication, is the Oates Institute's resident digital pioneer. Introduced to ARPNet and the potential of what was to come by Buckminster Fuller in 1970, Chris has been working in the online environment since 1980. Chris is also part of the Global Online faculty with the Doctor of Ministry Program at Drew University's Theological School in New Jersey, a member of the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry, a member of the Society for Organizational Learning, and a member of the College of Pastoral Leaders. Marie is a recent graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, currently completing a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, and a member of the Net Generation.

The seminar is limited to 12 participants -- come with hard hats, life jackets, and imagination. Registration for members of the Oates Institute is free and only $60 for non-members. Registration closes on October 1.

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