IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 13

Earl D. Gifford III
Membership Specialist
LeadingAge New York

“Paint and Tea” Expands Art
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make
to advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

My Action Learning Project is to spread the joy and therapeutic relaxation of creating art, in one shape or another, to our
members’ residents. I have been the curator of the LeadingAge New York Art Exhibit and Competition for over 10 years, and this
project has grown substantially, but can grow further. There are some members who have never entered before and I hope this
project will not only find out why, but bring art to those people who have never created it before. I’m sure you have heard of those
“Paint and Sip” parties, well my goal is to host some “Paint and Tea” or “Paint and Brunch” parties at member facilities where they
either do not routinely include art activities for their members, or they have a very low attendance in their art activity offerings.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

While this project is still in the planning stages, I have built some wonderful relationships with directors of activities at our member
facilities. In chatting with them, I gained insight and knowledge to create a survey that I will be sending to members.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with
the action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

The action learning process has really changed and developed the way I perform and look at my job. By learning new skills, I
communicate and listen to members’ needs in a totally different way. I have built many new relationships because of this.

4

How do you hope your project might unfold in the months and years ahead and what impact
do you hope it will have on the field at large?

I am starting this project in the Capital Region with the hope that it really takes off. Doing this will also make it easier in the event
of unexpected road blocks along the way. The hope is that this will spread to other regions, developing relationships with more
members along the way, allowing for regional art exhibits with our current state-wide exhibit.

5

How has the action learning process in the context of the Leadership Academy experience
contributed to your growth as a leader?

The Leadership Academy experience has really helped me to better understand myself in the way I work and in life in general. It has
helped me build some truly meaningful and effective relationships with others. I have some great ideas for other projects centered
around member engagement and retention that I am looking forward to starting, as well.

IGNITE Leadership Academy Action Learning Project 2014-15

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