ALIGN

“So many of us desire a guide to help navigate life’s murky waters and Jeff shows us how to be the captain of our own ship,

with a tool box full of life preservers, paddle techniques, and nautical directions, designed for the most magical trip around our inner world.  His humor, genuine engagement, and wisdom of perspective have helped a lot of captains reach their own Sparky shore.”

— Elly Wood, Hunger Mountain Coop

ALIGN 2017 GROUP (1)

ALIGN — the Advance Leadership Initiative For Growing Non-Profits — is the most profound, life-changing coaching work that we do in a group context. Carried out in partnership with Marlboro College’s Center For New Leadership, we bring together ten emerging and existing leaders around good food, in settings of spectacular natural beauty for shared reflection, brainstorming, laughter and stimulating conversation. Year after year, it has been an honor, a great delight, and a source of the most enthusiastic feedback from participants (see testimonials below).

Our Commitment

Out of our commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of people around the world who are working to make a positive difference, we have created this wonderful program for changemakers to have an experience of deep renewal, pleasure, connection and insight.

Working for the greater good can feel overwhelming and be draining. Our series of three carefully designed ALIGN retreats create the opportunity for participants to enjoy:

♦ Quiet reflection in places of great natural beauty.

♦ Thought-provoking teaching/guidance from The Sparks Center founder Jeff Bercuvitz with a focus on cultivating an integrated practice to help you learn what you can do to feed your own spark over time.

♦ Honest meaningful conversation with an intimate group of fascinating people who want to make our world better.

Through ALIGN we can help you:

Articulate THE most immediate question that you need to answer next.

Get clear on your own vision of success, informed b­y the questions “What is Truly Important?” “What is enough?” and “What do you therefore want to experience monthly to know that your life is balanced and “on track?”

Identify which activities and conditions energize you the most, what drains you and what changes you might make in your life accordingly to make sure that within six months you will be able to spend most of your time focused on your greatest priorities and the things that bring you the most joy, meaning and sense of impact.

Align your work with your greatest strengths and passions.

Decide which attribute in yourself you are most eager to cultivate/practice more consistently over the coming two months as the focus for your growth.

Come to understand the “Four Frames For Decision-Making” Framework so you can pause and make the “Decisions of Consequence in your life in a way that really works for you.

Craft your own “Think Big, Start Small” vision.

Learn the “Feed Your Spark” practices to help you thrive and succeed.

Hatch a personalized action plan to help you implement all this while meeting the key challenges you identify in your life as it is now.

FALL 2018 PROGRAM

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September 15 to December 1, with an ongoing discussion forum and three face-to-face retreats. Retreats will take place in beautiful spots around Vermont.

  • August 10: Early Bird Application Deadline
  • September 10: Final Application Deadline
  • September 15-28: Pre-work
  • 28-29: Opening Retreat in Lincoln, Vermont
  • 19-21: Middle Retreat
  • 30-Dec. 1: Closing Retreat

Are you ready to be re-energized?

Contact us if you would like to talk to see if ALIGN is right for you.

You may also apply directly at the Center For New Leadership.

https://www.marlboro.edu/community/cnl/align

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Selected ALIGN Testimonials

Of all the alumni who have completed ALIGN, more than NINETY percent have written “Strongly Agree” or have indicated a 5 out of a possible 5 on ALL nine of the following evaluation questions we asked them at the conclusion of the program.

“As a whole, this experience has made a significant positive difference in my life.”

“I feel like I have not only learned things but have also at least begun to put practices in place that will help me feed my spark, and make it easier for me to re- find my spark when it disappears so I am more able to spark others.”

“Through ALIGN, I have grown as a person in ways that I believe will help me be a more effective leader.”

“Participating in ALIGN helped me realize that I need to increase the percentage of time I spend on activities that really energize me.”

“Participating in ALIGN helped me clarify my vision of success.”

“I benefitted a lot from what other participants in ALIGN said/ offered.”

“I made what I think is likely to be a lasting connection with at least one other person in ALIGN.”

“I had lots of fun.”

“I loved it!”

Here are some of the kind words they have shared with us:

Working with Jeff has changed my life in deep and profound ways.

Through reflecting, writing and re-directing my time and energy, and through his method of making me challenge my inner dialogue and decision making process, I now look at all my work as an opportunity to find creativity and joy and I look for ways to encourage others with whom I work to find and re find their spark. 'Realigning' provides a next level of focus and understanding of how to live a sparky life each day. Jeff’s life’s work is so fun and deeply meaningful that is honestly hard to describe.

Rob Meehan, Director, Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

2016-09-28T12:37:06+00:00

Rob Meehan, Director, Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

Through reflecting, writing and re-directing my time and energy, and through his method of making me challenge my inner dialogue and decision making process, I now look at all my work as an opportunity to find creativity and joy and I look for ways to encourage others with whom I work to find and re find their spark. 'Realigning' provides a next level of focus and understanding of how to live a sparky life each day. Jeff’s life’s work is so fun and deeply meaningful that is honestly hard to describe.

The ALIGN program has proven to be one of the most significant catalysts for change in my adult life.

As a senior level director in a human service agency, I am familiar with burnout, compassion fatigue, and trying to be everything to everybody. The ALIGN program has provided me with tools to take control of my day, go home energized to meet the needs of my family and do the activities that bring me joy in my life. This program has helped me build my confidence, spend more of my days working on what I find to be the most important and satisfying work, and steward my energy to be fully present and effective in my professional and personal life. In addition, I also left with a cohort of compassionate and caring professionals that are committed to supporting one another beyond the program’s end. I feel as though I now have a clear vision of my future successful self and the tools and practices I need to reach for and achieve my dreams.

Brian Ross, Director of Adult Services – The United Arc, Inc.

2018-03-27T14:00:14+00:00

Brian Ross, Director of Adult Services – The United Arc, Inc.

As a senior level director in a human service agency, I am familiar with burnout, compassion fatigue, and trying to be everything to everybody. The ALIGN program has provided me with tools to take control of my day, go home energized to meet the needs of my family and do the activities that bring me joy in my life. This program has helped me build my confidence, spend more of my days working on what I find to be the most important and satisfying work, and steward my energy to be fully present and effective in my professional and personal life. In addition, I also left with a cohort of compassionate and caring professionals that are committed to supporting one another beyond the program’s end. I feel as though I now have a clear vision of my future successful self and the tools and practices I need to reach for and achieve my dreams.

I don’t need to accept a life less lived!

I wanted to write you two years after I completed ALIGN to say that it doesn't matter if I still follow every one of the sparking practices to the letter or not, because I learned the most important thing: I don't need to accept a life less lived!

I have made important changes in my life and I am thinking bigger. Even in my moments of frustration, I have learned to look for windows of possibility. I check in with what really matters, what is meaningful to me and makes more possible for others.

I can more easily let go of things that matter less, because I've realized that what matters to me is unique and makes me who I am.

Lindsay Cox, Registrar, Landmark College

2018-03-16T15:31:00+00:00

Lindsay Cox, Registrar, Landmark College

I wanted to write you two years after I completed ALIGN to say that it doesn't matter if I still follow every one of the sparking practices to the letter or not, because I learned the most important thing: I don't need to accept a life less lived! I have made important changes in my life and I am thinking bigger. Even in my moments of frustration, I have learned to look for windows of possibility. I check in with what really matters, what is meaningful to me and makes more possible for others. I can more easily let go of things that matter less, because I've realized that what matters to me is unique and makes me who I am.

A door has opened for me…

your teaching has been a really powerful experience for me. I feel more clarity in my life than I ever felt.

Adam Kane, Executive Director, Fairbanks Museum

2018-03-12T20:35:47+00:00

Adam Kane, Executive Director, Fairbanks Museum

your teaching has been a really powerful experience for me. I feel more clarity in my life than I ever felt.

Thank you for your guidance during one of the most difficult periods in my life I have yet to experience. For your patience, humor and understanding. For your tenacity and passion. For your commitment to supporting me. Thank you for hope. Spark On!”

Renee Kelly

2018-03-12T20:42:00+00:00

Renee Kelly

I know a master when I see one

While previous coaches encouraged me to get clear on a personal mission statement, Jeff went further and taught me how to develop and utilize specific, quantifiable tools that helped me get concrete about what activities I want to spend my time doing and what meaning and experiences in my life I want to create. After Jeff taught me the basic method of his frames and guided me a few times through the process of making decisions using them, I now use them on my own on a daily basis. Following his suggestion, I have also adopted the practice of recording three things for which I am grateful every day.

Working with Jeff helped me realize that I wasn’t really enjoying my job and inspired me to negotiate a new employment agreement that I enjoy much more and in which my talents are unleashed to achieve optimal social impact. My new role has freed my energy to pursue other projects, which I am much more excited about. 

I know a master when I see one. When I met Jeff Bercuvitz, I knew I could learn something profound. Jeff is not merely a coach, but an example and teacher of living to the fullest, in personal life and work.

Jeff has a deep and broad knowledge and experience of all facets of non-profit management and he is tapped into a fundamental energy Source that he manifests through everything he does. He helped me tap into this Source, also.

Ariel Pliskin – Zen Peacemaker Order Minister, Leader in the Community Café movement, and personal coach to activists

2018-03-12T20:42:57+00:00

Ariel Pliskin – Zen Peacemaker Order Minister, Leader in the Community Café movement, and personal coach to activists

While previous coaches encouraged me to get clear on a personal mission statement, Jeff went further and taught me how to develop and utilize specific, quantifiable tools that helped me get concrete about what activities I want to spend my time doing and what meaning and experiences in my life I want to create. After Jeff taught me the basic method of his frames and guided me a few times through the process of making decisions using them, I now use them on my own on a daily basis. Following his suggestion, I have also adopted the practice of recording three things for which I am grateful every day. Working with Jeff helped me realize that I wasn’t really enjoying my job and inspired me to negotiate a new employment agreement that I enjoy much more and in which my talents are unleashed to achieve optimal social impact. My new role has freed my energy to pursue other projects, which I am much more excited about.  I know a master when I see one. When I met Jeff Bercuvitz, I knew I could learn something profound. Jeff is not merely a coach, but an example and teacher of living to the fullest, in personal life and work. Jeff has a deep and broad knowledge and experience of all facets of non-profit management and he is tapped into a fundamental energy Source that he manifests through everything he does. He helped me tap into this Source, also.

Jeff has been a true guide to me.

He is the mad-wizard, the court-jester, as well as the King of all Sparks. His heart is huge & his love for the world around him is awe-inspiring. I love Jeff’s unswerving commitment to his important life's work of helping others help themselves and help change the world! I was constantly amazed by the complete devotion & dedication—& self-sacrifice—he gave to our group.

Marc Harrington

2016-09-28T12:55:04+00:00

Marc Harrington

He is the mad-wizard, the court-jester, as well as the King of all Sparks. His heart is huge & his love for the world around him is awe-inspiring. I love Jeff’s unswerving commitment to his important life's work of helping others help themselves and help change the world! I was constantly amazed by the complete devotion & dedication—& self-sacrifice—he gave to our group.

Thank you for seeing me, for seeing what was special in each of us.

Thank you for the countless hours that you have put in for each and every one of us – not just at the two retreats but in all the planning, thinking, coaching, responding, visioning and for making us all feel special and worthy of having a good life! Seeing the possibility, telling and showing us that you believe in us. Thanks for the individual attention that you gave me, thanks for caring about my dietary needs, thanks for being funny and for all of your kind words. Thanks for making sure we were pampered with really incredible food and beautiful accommodations. Spark on! I want to spark it forward because of you!

Chris Meehan, Chief Community Impact Officer, Vermont Foodbank

2016-09-28T12:56:45+00:00

Chris Meehan, Chief Community Impact Officer, Vermont Foodbank

Thank you for the countless hours that you have put in for each and every one of us – not just at the two retreats but in all the planning, thinking, coaching, responding, visioning and for making us all feel special and worthy of having a good life! Seeing the possibility, telling and showing us that you believe in us. Thanks for the individual attention that you gave me, thanks for caring about my dietary needs, thanks for being funny and for all of your kind words. Thanks for making sure we were pampered with really incredible food and beautiful accommodations. Spark on! I want to spark it forward because of you!

Jeff helped me change my mindset, and how I approach living in ways that I will always carry with me.

Jeff changed my life by helping me realize that I only have my Good Life if I prioritize (in lots of day to day decisions) living that which matters most to me, and not the million other things that get in the way of doing so. Jeff's lessons should be obvious to all of us, but it takes a concerted effort...and months of practice...to really start living your GLI.

Phil Kolling, Leader of AmeriCorps/Vermont

2016-09-28T13:04:02+00:00

Phil Kolling, Leader of AmeriCorps/Vermont

Jeff changed my life by helping me realize that I only have my Good Life if I prioritize (in lots of day to day decisions) living that which matters most to me, and not the million other things that get in the way of doing so. Jeff's lessons should be obvious to all of us, but it takes a concerted effort...and months of practice...to really start living your GLI.

It’s been really amazing to work with Jeff to clarify my visions and figure out what steps I need to take to move forward.

While I say the word “work,” because of the time and commitment I have been inspired to give it, it’s actually been really pleasurable, usually downright fun, and I’ve learned an incredible amount. Jeff is a delightful person to be around. When I’m in his presence I almost always have a smile on my face - or at least a highly attentive ear as I listen to his creative ideas – that eventually bring out a smile or a laugh. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge working with people all over the world who are in transition and wanting to move forward in their lives to find happiness, combined with financial success. He’s created a number of highly inventive techniques to facilitate this change, all of which I find very illuminating and enjoyable.   If I say to you, “It’s time to put your GLEE glasses on and think as your Best Self so that you can record your Good Life Index and prepare your Story of the Week” I doubt you’ll know what I’m talking about, but I highly recommend you talk with Jeff to find out! He’ll get you thinking in new ways that will help you specify what you want and work with you to create a Vision of Success to get you there.

For me the best thing about working with Jeff has been a great balance between personal engagement in which the conversation can be light and extremely humorous, while at the same time very personal and addressing serious issues that have been obstacles for me in moving forward. He hasn’t been afraid to challenge me, to investigate with me what’s holding me back from doing something I want to do and from holding me accountable to my vision by encouraging me with both compassionate gentleness and a firm belief in my abilities. He’s identified strengths that I have which I hadn’t validated. He’s come up with innovative ideas and approaches for me to combine my interests which I hadn’t considered. He’s been a friend when I’ve needed emotional support and a coach when I was facing a concrete challenge that needed a quick resolution. I can’t say that my way forward is 100% clear yet. There are a lot of variables in my life and I’m taking the time to consider them carefully. But I’m not turned upside down anymore. I’m definitely on my feet, I’ve got a path in front of me and I’ve got a great guide to help me along, for which I’m infinitely grateful.

Astrid Jirka, CEO Vahana Yoga

2018-03-14T13:52:43+00:00

Astrid Jirka, CEO Vahana Yoga

While I say the word “work,” because of the time and commitment I have been inspired to give it, it’s actually been really pleasurable, usually downright fun, and I’ve learned an incredible amount. Jeff is a delightful person to be around. When I’m in his presence I almost always have a smile on my face - or at least a highly attentive ear as I listen to his creative ideas – that eventually bring out a smile or a laugh. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge working with people all over the world who are in transition and wanting to move forward in their lives to find happiness, combined with financial success. He’s created a number of highly inventive techniques to facilitate this change, all of which I find very illuminating and enjoyable.   If I say to you, “It’s time to put your GLEE glasses on and think as your Best Self so that you can record your Good Life Index and prepare your Story of the Week” I doubt you’ll know what I’m talking about, but I highly recommend you talk with Jeff to find out! He’ll get you thinking in new ways that will help you specify what you want and work with you to create a Vision of Success to get you there. For me the best thing about working with Jeff has been a great balance between personal engagement in which the conversation can be light and extremely humorous, while at the same time very personal and addressing serious issues that have been obstacles for me in moving forward. He hasn’t been afraid to challenge me, to investigate with me what’s holding me back from doing something I want to do and from holding me accountable to my vision by encouraging me with both...

Working with Jeff has changed my life in so many ways

The one that really stands out to me in this moment is that he has given me a set of tools that I see myself using for the rest of my life as guides, and references in both work and personal growth. These four frames, and all of the subtleties that come with them have really helped me to manage and keep my life going in a direction and manner that I not only enjoy, but one that helps me thrive, and supports my efforts to be my fully ALIGNED self.

Donovan Arthen

2018-03-14T13:53:49+00:00

Donovan Arthen

The one that really stands out to me in this moment is that he has given me a set of tools that I see myself using for the rest of my life as guides, and references in both work and personal growth. These four frames, and all of the subtleties that come with them have really helped me to manage and keep my life going in a direction and manner that I not only enjoy, but one that helps me thrive, and supports my efforts to be my fully ALIGNED self.

I celebrate Jeff for his unwavering commitment to each and every one of us in our ALIGN journey. I will always be grateful to him for ‘showing up,’ and teaching me how to ‘show up.’ He has taught me how to be self-nurturing, courageous, and how to honor my creativity in times of transition and uncertainty. Thank you, Jeff!

Dominica Plummer

2018-03-14T13:54:17+00:00

Dominica Plummer

I walked into ALIGN feeling stuck.

Like a plant being re-potted I instantly felt my roots dangling in the air as ALIGN pulled me out of the pot in which I had been root-bound for some time. The startling openness and sincerity of the group made me feel slightly unhinged but at the same time excited and revived.

I am walking forward from ALIGN with my former pot under my branchy arm. A plant in search of a new garden. Free to stop for nourishment and deep root connections anywhere along the way.

I have been reminded of my Best Self. When I operate from a place of Joy, possibilities are limitless, helpful relationships abound, opportunities are revealed and my creativity is unleashed. I will walk forward as my Best Self.

I have examined the wellsprings of my life, the connections and activities that are my Fuel Sources for a happy, engaging, satisfying life. I see a Good Life within my grasp, if I build it to be so. I will walk forward ready to stoke and feed my fire.

I have an arsenal of Favorite ING’s to lift my spirits on the dullest days and from the most overwhelming minutes. I have the skill to craft a day that balances low ING’s with high and allows me to maintain an awareness of Spark Number and continue to grow as my Best Self. I am walking forward, because walking is a favorite ING!

I have an ACE Challenge to create the framework of possibly the best year of my life. My “Good Life Calendar” will be rich with reminders of building Joy into daily life, celebrating/letting go each week, feeding myself with fuel sources throughout the month and enjoying what each season of the year brings. I am walking forward into my Sabbatical Year.

Elizabeth Malone

2018-03-14T13:57:13+00:00

Elizabeth Malone

Like a plant being re-potted I instantly felt my roots dangling in the air as ALIGN pulled me out of the pot in which I had been root-bound for some time. The startling openness and sincerity of the group made me feel slightly unhinged but at the same time excited and revived. I am walking forward from ALIGN with my former pot under my branchy arm. A plant in search of a new garden. Free to stop for nourishment and deep root connections anywhere along the way. I have been reminded of my Best Self. When I operate from a place of Joy, possibilities are limitless, helpful relationships abound, opportunities are revealed and my creativity is unleashed. I will walk forward as my Best Self. I have examined the wellsprings of my life, the connections and activities that are my Fuel Sources for a happy, engaging, satisfying life. I see a Good Life within my grasp, if I build it to be so. I will walk forward ready to stoke and feed my fire. I have an arsenal of Favorite ING’s to lift my spirits on the dullest days and from the most overwhelming minutes. I have the skill to craft a day that balances low ING’s with high and allows me to maintain an awareness of Spark Number and continue to grow as my Best Self. I am walking forward, because walking is a favorite ING! I have an ACE Challenge to create the framework of possibly the best year of my life. My “Good Life Calendar” will be rich with reminders of building Joy into daily life, celebrating/letting go each week, feeding myself with fuel sources throughout the month and enjoying what each season of the year brings. I am walking forward into my Sabbatical Year.

Jeff, you are an amazing human being. A wizard.”

Tammyanka Francis

2016-09-28T12:37:48+00:00

Tammyanka Francis

Jeff – You nurtured, protected and encouraged each of our small sparks.

With great skill, uncanny insight and a deep well of compassion, you merged these lonely flames into a leaping conflagration of hope and love. I’m so glad to have been a witness and a support to the magic you created.

Kate Jellema, Director, Center for New Leadership and
Associate Dean for Graduate & Professional Studies
Marlboro College

2016-09-28T12:59:12+00:00

Kate Jellema, Director, Center for New Leadership and
Associate Dean for Graduate & Professional Studies
Marlboro College

With great skill, uncanny insight and a deep well of compassion, you merged these lonely flames into a leaping conflagration of hope and love. I’m so glad to have been a witness and a support to the magic you created.