More About Wisdom Connections
Timeless Tradition - Technological Times
What elements are included in Wisdom Connections?
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Access to the Wisdom Connections secure digital library which contains over 380 videos from over 41 Benedictine presenters - see below for more information.
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Access to biographies of each presenter, including titles and descriptions to all presentations s/he has in the Wisdom Connections library.
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Access to handouts for presentations, and any other support documents provided by the presenters. These can be printed out or saved electronically and used for classes or formation days.
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Access to a full list of all presentations in the Wisdom Connections library with clickable links that will take you directly to the biographies, videos, and handouts.
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Access to Wisdom Connections specific instructional materials including a Wisdom Connections Technology Handbook and homemade videos showing how to use program resources.
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Opportunity for Initial Formation members and Initial Formation Directors to participate in Wisdom Connections Relationship Building groups using the video conferencing program Zoom. These groups are organized by Wisdom Connections volunteer committee members and run by formation director volunteer moderators. (See Wisdom Connections Rules & Regulations on the membership form)
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Access to Wisdom Connections-specific technical support (must be English-speaking).
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Access to a shared Dropbox folder with all the resources you need to use Wisdom Connections and it's resources. NOTE: You do NOT need a Dropbox account to use this resource.
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Video editing for [approved] presentations that your members might choose to donate to the Wisdom Connections library.
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A 1 to 2 day in-person Wisdom Connections orientation and training in English (added expense – travel costs plus a stipend).
What devices do we need to use Wisdom Connections?
To access Wisdom Connections resources members will need one of the following hardware:
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Desktop computer
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Laptop
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iPad or tablet
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iPhone or Android phone
How can we connect with other Benedictine Wisdom Connections Members?
FAQ's
What are the benefits of Wisdom Connections for my community?
Wisdom Connections provides a plethora of formation opportunities for your newer members as well as all the members in your community. It can be used for community formation days, initial formation classes, or individual personal formation. These opportunities allow Benedictines to continue to grow and learn...
How much is a membership and how long does it go?
What videos are available?
When inquiring into Wisdom Connections, many communities ask, "What types of presentations are available in the Video Library?" Once you join Wisdom Connections, you will have access to a FULL list of the presentations with direct links to the videos, handouts, biographies of presenters and more. To wet your apatite, here is a simple list of the presenters and the presentations which are available in the library. Note, this will change periodically as videos are added!
Wisdom Connections membership fee is $500 per year. The membership runs from December 1 to November 30 each year. Communities may pay for 1, 2, or 3 years at a time. Paying for multiple years will lock in the membership fee, even if it goes up during that time.
Who in my community can use Wisdom Connections?
Is there prorated membership fees if we join mid-year?
There are no prorated membership fees. No matter what time of year you join, the fee is $500 and will expire November 30 of that year.
Can Benedictine Oblates have access to Wisdom Connections?
All members of your community are welcome to use the Wisdom Connections resources. This includes postulants, who are living in the monastery and in your initial formation program.
What devices do we need to use Wisdom Connections?
To access Wisdom Connections resources members will need one of the following hardware:
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Desktop computer
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Laptop
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iPad or tablet
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iPhone or Android phone
How do I watch Wisdom Connections Videos?
Viewing Wisdom Connections video presentations uses a site called Vimeo. In order to view the video you will need a certain amount of bandwidth as well as compatible devices. Click on the IMAGE BELOW for the Vimeo Help Center where you will find all playback and equipment needs to watch videos from the Wisdom Connections Video Library.
How can we connect with other Benedictine Wisdom Connections Members?
As part of Wisdom Connections, members of initial formation are offered the opportunity to join a group that meets approximately once a money with other members in initial formation. Likewise, there is a group for initial formation directors as well.
Any others members that would like to connect as most welcome to do so. Here is a list of current Wisdom Connections members and each community's contact person.
Yes and no. Oblates who are connected to a monastic community who is a paid member of Wisdom Connections can participate in programs given by the monastic community with community members present.
Membership credentials (website or video page) are not to be given out to individual oblates. If a monastic community has a layperson as an Oblate director, the contact person may share credentials with that person ONLY. Other than this exception, credentials are never to be given to anyone outside the monastic community.
What software do we need to use Wisdom Connections?
To access Wisdom Connections resources will need the following software:
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Any web browser EXCEPT Microsoft Edge (or IE)
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To participate in video conferences, members will need Zoom.
What do members need for Video Conferencing for Relationship Building?
Participating in Wisdom Connections video calls (communication / relationship building groups) uses a program called Zoom. As with watching the videos, video calling requires a certain amount of bandwidth as well as compatible devices. Click the IMAGE BELOW for supported devices and all System Requirements to use Zoom.
What if we are not satisfied with Wisdom Connections or we never use it?
Membership fees are non-refundable. You can choose to not renew your membership the coming November. If there is something you are unhappy with, you are encouraged to contact the Wisdom Connections administrator and let your concerns be knows, as it could be something easily fixed or a future enhancement.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions which were not answered here, please fell free to email the Wisdom Connections administrator at wisdomconnectionst4@gmail.com