President’s Letter from Curt Micka

There’s a lot to share. Both about past events and forthcoming developments.

But first, I wish you all a joyous, present, and love-filled holiday season. This is a truly special time of year. Whether you’re in the Southern Hemisphere and about to experience the Summer Equinox or in the Northern Hemisphere celebrating winter, I wish you, your family, and friends all the best.

Looking backwards, I was fortunate to attend the IEA European Conference in Helsinki, Finland in September. 230 attendees from 26 countries. Wow! The Conference Committee, headed by Laura Valtonen, did a remarkable job organizing this event. The location (a hotel adjacent to the harbor), the hotel accommodations, including a fabulous breakfast buffet, and the presenters were all spectacular. I had the opportunity to connect with old friends and make new acquaintances. I’m constantly amazed and delighted by the diversity and substance of what people are doing with the Enneagram worldwide. We were so impressed with what Laura did with this Conference that we invited her to join the IEA Board and she has graciously and enthusiastically accepted. Welcome Laura!

In addition, Montse Fernandez from Barcelona, Spain, recently joined the Board. She brings to the Board years of business experience and a passionate desire to help the IEA continue its quest of being a truly international organization.

So what can you expect from the IEA, your organization, in 2018?

First, in alignment with our awareness that the IEA is YOUR organization, our priorities continue to be Engagement and Innovation. Engagement with all our members, former members, and potential members. And Innovation in what and how we offer you value in return for being part of this organization.

For example, in 2018 you will be introduced to a totally revamped Nine Points, fully available in the native language of each visitor to the web site.  And we will be offering new member benefits, including free access to past Conference recordings.

At the Global Conference in Cincinnati in July (July 20-22, 2018), you will find opportunities to engage with Enneagram teachers and enthusiasts from around the world. The Pre-Conference Day will include panels exploring how the Enneagram is being used in other countries and continents, how the Enneagram is being used by businesses, and how the Enneagram speaks to people from diverse communities.

We will also be offering support for people who want to engage with other Enneagram enthusiasts, whether via Chapters, Affiliates, Meetup groups, or otherwise. Peter Block, our Conference keynote speaker and an expert as to how communities function and flourish, will offer insights into how we and you can better foster Enneagram communities worldwide.

In addition, there will be meetings at the Global Conference of informal discussion groups exploring topics such as how the Enneagram can be used to help talk about race; how people are using the Enneagram to help military veterans; including veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD); opportunities for younger adults to network with one another; and Enneagram-related research and art showcases.

And our Conference Scholarship Fund continues to flourish. Last year we were able to help 4 people attend the Conference who would have otherwise been unable. In 2018, we hope to be able to help at least 10 people. People have been incredibly generous in supporting this effort. If you would like to help others attend, click here.

As for increased transparency, we will publish and distribute the first-ever IEA Yearly Report in early 2018. YOU are the heart and soul of the IEA. You deserve and need to know more about what the Board is doing so that you’re better able to offer suggestions, comments, and feedback.

Plan now to join us in Cincinnati in July 2018. Take advantage of the early discount Conference registration rate and once registered, you’ll have time to shop for cheaper RT flights to Cincinnati.

Thanks. And as always, feel free to contact me with your thoughts about how the IEA can better serve your needs and interests related to the Enneagram.