It has been a challenging week for many Eagles. Challenges, distractions, another Honor Code violations. At the same time, few Eagles managed to complete this week’s challenge and earn a bank study trip. Also, we had an insightful Hero sharing with two Finnish global nomads, Päivi & Santeri.
Highlights of this week:
- Townhall and standards
- Päivi & Santeri’s sharing
- Job Pitch
- A lesson on Honor Codes
- Bank Study Trip
- Freedom Levels ahead
Townhall and Standards
We started this week with a Townhall about keeping standards. Should Guides point out trivial issues such as cleanliness or should Eagles stay accountable themselves?
Eagles have the freedom to work in different areas. But sometimes, irresponsibility ensues.
The Eagles agreed to have the Council (who they voted in last week) to resolve these issues. The solution: a running document for reporting and solving issues. If the issues are not resolved immediately, it will slip into the running document. The Eagle council have agreed that 3x Eagle Bucks will be the penalty.
Well, it is not all sticks. The council also can award Eagles who are exceptional in holding high standards.
As guides, we hope there are no issues but high standards are rare in any community setting. Can this be an alternative to reprimand or nagging?
Päivi & Santeri’s sharing
Can one live or even travel the world with limited money? Päivi & Santeri have been global nomads for 13 years. They shared their experiences of being resourceful and living simply with the Eagles.
“How did you sustain yourself?”
“What are your top 5 money saving tips?”
The Eagles were intrigued by how they live. Given the openness of our community, the Eagles also asked curious questions.
“What is the funniest thing you have seen in your travels?”
They ended their talk with an important message: their dream is one where there are no country as boundaries, and urge Eagles to explore as much as possible.
We thank Päivi & Santeri for giving all the Eagles such insights and willing to share with openness.
Job Pitch
Within the Personal Finance Quest, Eagles need to justify their income. They pitched their potential job application to the community.
Then, the Eagle community grilled the job applicant with questions and comments.
“Why should I hire you?”
“What sort of education prepare you for this job?”
“What experiences have you demonstrated that you can do this job?”
Some Eagles have to make a new pitch as their previous pitch did not pass the hiring standard—-a 2/3 majority vote.
After “hiring”, the community vote if the Eagle will be hired at the low-end, mid-range or the high-range of the pay scale. With a salary in place, Eagles then follow-up in making decision about their life expenses, such as house, car, food, etc.
A lesson on Honor Codes
Another Eagle was caught misusing electronics, surfing certain gaming website. “This is an Honor Code violation” a neighboring Eagle fired.
The Eagles called for an emergency townhall for discussion. The accused Eagle defended “I have only browsed the site, and have not played any games or watch videos today. And I thought it is OK to do this during lunchtime”. The council suggested going through the browsing history. Right then, they found records of YouTube videos during Core Skill time.
The Eagle confessed head-down “Yes, I committed an honor code.”
Honor Codes are taken seriously, because any form of bullying, lying, cheating, and mistrust can damage the community. Mis-using tools of learning means an Eagle Buck. Lying in townhall is clearly an Honor Code violation.
But Eagles accusing something not stated as an Honor Code violation might also be considered an Honor Code violation. Especially it is done intentionally since it is considered abuse of accountability processes.
Does all this sound complicated? The Middle School contracts are 10-pages long, and many have forgotten the details of the contracts. Yes, a learner-driven government is not simple. This event triggered plenty of What-Ifs, and questions on the principles of the Honor Code contract.
While three new Eagles are going to sign these contracts soon. One Eagle voiced out: “I think all of us ought to carefully study our contracts and make any updates, and resign our commitment again”.
The next day, the accused Eagle declared his recommitment to the tribe. The rest of the Eagles agreed that they want to re-commit by resigning the contract.
How important is recommitment in a community?
Bank Study Trip
Four Eagles completed this week’s challenges and are awarded to a “banking trip”.
“What questions should one ask when choosing the right bank?”
Eagles surveyed four different banks and see which one offered the best rates, perks, and customer service experience. The process was simple: take a “counter number”, and then proceed with a friendly starting line:
“Can I ask you some questions?”
“What services do you have for somebody under 14 years old?”
Some Eagles push were more demanding. “Why should I choose your bank over other banks?”
Most bank staff were eager to help and serve these young customers. Especially on a Friday morning with hardly any customers. Interest rates, minimum balance requirements, bonuses for good exams results. Eagles discussed their learnings.
They were disappointed when the fourth bank refused to service them.
Why did they say “no” when we asked them kindly?
Freedom Levels ahead
During Monday’s town hall, the Eagles have voted to have Freedom Levels rather than paying a certain amount of Eagle Buck tax for high levels of freedom. The principle of Freedom Level is that one move up the studio with more freedom as they demonstrate independence and responsibility.
The studio has been losing intentionality this week. Is it because of distractions? Or is it because Eagles are pushing the boundaries knowingly?
“Maybe I should try pushing the limits further.” noted one Eagle on the close on what are their thoughts ahead. We will see if standards are upheld with the contract resigning and Freedom Levels next week.
Can the Eagles step up their game?
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