Training & Service Learning

ImpactQuest ® is structured as follows:

Step One: Identification

We provide leadership identification and support to any organization, interested in becoming more vibrant missional organizations. We address staff strengths and needs through StrengthsFinder, MBTI, IDI, APEST and Leadership Matrix. We then train and equip individuals within that organization with the core competencies to positively impact local and global communities.

Step Two: Assessment, Teaching, Training and Equipping

Participants engage in “equipping” sessions including assessments, discussion and coaching sessions, training and teaching segments in cross-culturalism, safety and technical skills matched to their future service experience (such as construction, medical, or education).

Training/Assessment

Training is delivered through a four-part model:

• Identity- “Presence” (understanding who you are)
• Integration- “Proximity” (understanding the people around you)
• Intrinsic Motivation- “Powerlessness” (the importance of character and integrity)
• Influence- “Intelligent Communication” (recognizing the responsibility we have to others).

In our training we utilize instruments such as the Myers-Briggs, StengthsFinder, IDI (Intercultural Developmental Instrument), APEST, and the Leadership Matrix.  The training can be delivered in different formats and customized to meet the needs/desires of the group.

Step Three: Immersive Cross-Cultural Learning Experience

Participants experience a short-term humanitarian service experience designed to meet one of the five basic human needs:  shelter (building homes), education, medical, food or water. These service experiences may take place locally, nationally or internationally.  We have found that the trips are most effective when the participants are taken outside of their normal routines for at least one week. 

Step Four: Debriefing and Personal Application Plan

During the service learning experience, participants use their newfound knowledge in the equipping and training sessions to meet personal objectives (including leadership) and to improve relationships in working with others. ImpactLives’ staff is available to coach, teach and work with participants in these areas.

Step Five: Integration and Connection

Near the end of the service learning experience, participants spend focused time preparing a personal application plan. This plan, along with coaching and teaching from ImpactLives staff, will help the participant figure out how to use the insights gained to prepare them for “everyday” life back home.  Often, action plans include the objective to serve their local communities.

Step Six: Catalysts-Change Agents

Approximately 2-4 weeks after service learning experience completion, ImpactLives facilitates an integration and connection session with the group of participants.  This session holds participants accountable for implementing their personal application plan.  Sessions also provide additional learning and discussion about the leadership, personal effectiveness, and technical skills that the participant has gained.

Step Seven: Transformative Impact

Welcome to the missional community! You are a catalyst, a change agent ready to create transformation by integrating your strengths and gifts into daily life (community, society, world). Through servant leadership you create rich environments that infuse life in others.

Biographies

Ramon A. Pastrano IV, M.A.T.S.

(Candidate) Doctor in Global Contextual Leadership

RAMON PASTRANO is the president and founder of ImpactLives and ImpactLives Consulting Group. In addition, he serves, as director of Converge Compassion where he designs tools to train groups, individuals, and organizations on how to become catalysts and change agents in communities around the globe. Ramon has more than 25 years of experience working among different cultures, and several years of experience leading cross-cultural and transformational leadership events. His 15 years of experience as a medical devices sales and marketing consultant have earned him recognition from companies like Pfizer Inc., Medtronic, and Warner Lambert. His expertise is broad and includes business development, product placement, strategic planning, leadership and sales.

Ramon is a graduate of the US Naval Supply Corps School, and he served as a Commanding Officer in the US NAVY Reserve. He received a B.A. from Briar Cliff University and Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary. Ramon is currently enrolled in the Emerging Leader doctorate program at Bethel University.

Dan Baier

Director of Service Learning-ImpactLives

Dan Baier teaches 1st and 2nd grade at Highlands Elementary School in Edina MN. In 1993 Dan attained a B.A. degrees in International Relations and Political Science, and in 1999 he received a M.ED., from the University of MN. Since then Dan has been teaching for nine years and is very passionate about service learning experiences as a means for students to gain a deep understanding of themselves and their community. Dan has also attended the MN Department of Education Literacy through Service Learning workshop in 2007, and the National Service Learning Conference in 2008. I also have an Advanced Cooperative Learning Certificate from David and Roger Johnson who invite teachers from all over the world to visit Dan’s class.