In Memory of William T. Powers

William T. Powers - 8/29/1926 - 5/24/2013

William Powers, the creator and leading proponent of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT), passed away on May 24 at his home in Boulder, CO. Powers pioneered the understanding  and teaching of PCT principles in both the scientific and behavioral community. His first publication was published in 1960 and set the tone for a significant shift in the understanding of the nature of living systems and human behavior. The foundation of analyzing PCT lies within the study of the "negative feedback loop" and the "levels of perception."  Powers was unselfish in sharing his insight to anyone who sought to understand what makes all living systems 'tick'. Several professional organizations (scientific, educational and management) carry on the work initiated by Powers through training, research and living the principles defined in PCT.

A memorial research fund has been established to continue study and development of PCT. Interested contributors can contact Richard Markham at rsmarken@gmail.com. The International Association for Applied Control Theory (IAACT) owes its foundation in large part the work of William T. Powers. IAACT members will continue shared all we have learned from Bill with the world.

PCT In Education

Providing educators (at all levels) with useful information and tools is essential in the current educational arena. Warren Mansell & colleagues from the University of Manchester (UK) have synthesized information from various sources (Carey, Cziko, Petrie, Bourbon) to give clear information why the use of PCT works in the classroom. Mansell and associates research & publish sound scientific PCT foundations for many life perspectives.

Use this link, http://www.pctweb.org/ed/education.html, to view PCT Web's research. Proponents of PCT in the classroom can share this information with those looking for concrete solutions. Trainers associated with IAACT are ready & willing to talk with decision makers and set up staff training opportunities for anyone interested (district or school level).

Visit the IAACT web site for more information - www.iaact.net .

Control Theory Training - Session Options Now Available

Perceptual Control Theory  training - through Applied Control Theory seminars - is now provided with options in your busy world. The traditional three consecutive day seminars have been joined by training sessions offered one day a month on consecutive months. Meeting your time needs with flexible scheduling options allows you to gain valuable insight into strategies for managing life's ups and downs more effectively.


Be-Print forLiving, an IAACT affiliate, has initiated training seminars which provide scheduling flexibility for schools, corporate entities and individuals. To see information on the next training session in May, contact Be-Print and  provide your email address & contact information to be-print@aol.com. The Be-Print monthly newsletter shares insightful observations and tips for successful living.   Be the person you want to become by controlling how you deal with life's daily circumstances. Applied Control Theory training will provide the tools for you. 

"Connected Schools" Training Reminder

New View Publications & Seminars is offering "Connected Schools" training in Chapel Hill, NC June 17 - 19, 2013. School system administrators, building level leaders and classroom teachers are encouraged to participate in these timely and beneficial sessions. Strategies for dealing with the everyday stresses & challenges of school life will be shared.

Click to view or download Seminar Information and Registration Brochure from New View.

Find IAACT Differently

As of April 1, 2013 the mailing address for IAACT has changed. Direct all correspondence to our new address - 643 Barrocliff Rd., Clemmons, NC 27012. Your correspondence will be responded to more efficiently when using our new address.
Information on the IAACT.net web site is being updated also. Faculty and Practicum Facilitator lists have been updated. Faculty profiles will reflect only those members who are up-to-date and currently active in teaching seminars & training sessions.
Any questions or annual membership payments should be directed to the new address or by contacting IAACT at actnme@gmail.com or filling out the "Contact Us" section on the IAACT web site.

Create A Day of Your Choosing

Who is in charge of your life today? YOU are the master of your own fate. Why allow others to determine how you feel, act or respond to life? Become the person you want to be by following your own drams and living up to the expectations and goals you set for yourself.
Many memorable quotes move us in the direction of being in charge of our own destiny:
Martha Washington - "I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition."
Henry James - "It's time to start living the life you've imagined"
Andrew Carnegie - "If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes."
Hugh White - "The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power."
and finally,
John Rohn - "Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person we become."

Live YOUR life with a purpose.

Creating Connections that Work!

The 2013 annual IAACT faculty meeting was held Saturday, Jan. 19 in Hilton Head, SC. Andrea Christopher, ACT I instructor, led faculty and members in a variety of  practical activities that are used to create effective "connecting activities" for training session participants.
The activities, led by Ms. Christopher, were analyzed and expaned on by those attending. Other faculty shared their own 'best practices' that are used to demonstrate specific aspects of Perceptual Control Theory principles used during ACT seminars. All agreed the events of the day were stimulating, informative and effective strategies that could be used for all in attendance. 
Training and the development of effective learning techniques is not limited only to participants. Effective teachers are also continuous learners. Never seek to stop learning; life-long learning is a continuous process.

Hilton Head Conference - One Week Away

The IAACT 2013 annual meeting and New View's Intensive Seminars are only one week away. The annual IAACT meeting will convene on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. Andrea Christopher, Act I instructor will be leading the morning session in "Creating Connecting Activities that Work". All those interested in developing additional PCT skills are invited. Contact the IAACT office at 336-813-8484 or email info@iaact.net to register.

Beginning Monday, Jan. 21, New View Publications & Seminars are hosting Intensive Seminars in Acts I, II & III. Additionally, an Act IV session " The Loop ... & Beyond" will be hosted by IAACT at the same location. Information & registration are available by calling New View at 800-441-3604. CALL TODAY & join us.

IAACT Announces Annual Meeting

The IAACT Board of Directors and Faculty have announced the dates of their annual meeting. Both groups will convene at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC from January 18-20, 2013.

The Board of Directors will meet in the afternoon on Friday, Jan. 18. Board activities will include a review of goals set for 2012, financial status and a look into 2013 to recommend sound growth strategy for IAACT.
 
IAACT Faculty members and certified trainees will convene for their gathering beginning in the evening on Friday, Jan. 18 with a reconnecting social activity.  On Saturday, Jan. 19, after a brief business meeting, faculty and invited guests will participate in guided training activity demonstrations designed to engage ACT I, II & III training session participants. The session will be led by skilled ACT I instructors. Following, faculty members will share their "best practices" in small group sessions with guests and members. Sunday, Jan. 20 will be a time for members to continue their networking with members who have traveled to the meeting from across the country.

Detailed information and schedules can be obtained by contacting the IAACT office by email (info@iaact.net), by phone (336-813-8484) or mail (PO Box 1475, Clemmons, NC 27012-1475).

Following the IAACT annual meeting, on Jan. 21-24, New View Publications will conduct Intensive Seminars for ACT I, II & III participants. Information & registration forms can be obtained from New View by going to their web site - http://newviewpublications.com/seminars-workshops - or by calling 800-441-3604.

Who to Be and When - A Progression of Thought

Just Think and Remember -

"It's never too late to become the person you might have been." (George Elliot)

"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or to lose." (Lyndon B. Johnson)

"What you get by reaching your destination is not nearly as important as what you will become by reaching your destination." ( Zig Ziglar)

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

If it is to be, it is up to ME!

Sand in Your Shoes!

A leisurely stroll on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the cool of the afternoon. Starfish & sand dollars gracefully floating on the surf... Does that sound like a scene you could enjoy? It is possible...
New View Publications offers intensive training sessions in Applied Control Theory on Hilton Head Is., SC Jan. 16-19, 2012. Understanding & using 'Control Theory' principles provide the skills necessary to find balance in life and "become the person you want to be" in any situation. Does that sound interesting or useful? Information about the sessions can be found at the New View website: http://www.newviewpublications.com/.

"The Gift That Keeps On Giving"

"Tis the Season" ...as the saying goes, but for what? A season to spread peace, love and joy and to give the gift that keeps on giving. “What gift is that?” you say. The ability to live your life in balance and survive an otherwise "wild & crazy world" is priceless. To be able to perceive the world around you in a way that makes sense and allows you to be in control of your actions is one of the best possible gifts you can ever receive.

"Where do you find such a gift" you ask? It can be opened during training sessions offered by New View Publications http://newviewpublications.com/ and Be-Print for Living, Inc. (http://www.be-print.net/) in the near future. Visit their websites for more information. January 16-19 finds New View hosting a session at Hilton Head, SC and Be-Print's session is in Charlotte, NC March 20-22. Both welcome any and all participants who are interested in learning more. The participatory sessions teach participants the basic concepts of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) and how to effectively apply them to one's daily life.

Life can be very stressful for many, particularly during this time of year. By understanding the application of PCT concepts, you have the opportunity to “be the person you want to be.” Join us so you too can unwrap that wonderful gift. You will keep it for a lifetime.
Life can be very stressful for many, particularly during this time of year. By understanding the applications of PCT concepts, you have the opportunity to be the person you want to be. Join us so you can unwrap that package.

PCT in 7 Minutes

Dr. Warren Mansell, University of Manchester (UK) has an excellent explanation of PCT in a "Rubber Band" YouTube video clip that can be found on the http://www.pctweb.org/. The premise of the clip is "You can't tell what someone is doing by watching what they are doing". The clip is a bit difficult to follow at first (low audio & excessive motion), but his explanation from midpoint on is clear & a very understandable. Mansell's study & research sheds new light on the broader subject of Control Theory. Clicking on the title above will take you directly to PCTweb.org.

Another linked YouTube clip "PCT & Cultural Evolution" by Dr. F. T. Cloak makes a visibly clear description of the "Loop" and Power's "Levels of Perception". The beginning of the 16 minute clip references several scientific studies, but quickly explains a simplified internal loop sequence. Following is a progression that clealy shows the interaction of Power's idnetified levels of perception.

Mansell's "PCTweb" site is comprehensive and an excellent reference for understanding PCT from many angles and perspectives.

The Surprising Power of Happiness

Recently, in a daily entry on the web page "RealAge.com" an article appeared that can easily relate to the basic tenets of PCT and a book by E. Perry Good "In Pursuit of Happiness" (New View Publications, 1987). The article discusses the relationship between a positive attitude and heart health. The article asserts that by employing a daily approach to life with a song like "Don't Worry Be Happy", individuals will live a healthier life.
Through an understanding of PCT and when you look at the theme of "In Pursuit of Happiness", one finds the way to establish that path for positive daily living. Check out the link to RealAge by clicking on the title above.

Successful Board Meeting Held

Sat., Sept. 10, 2011
The IAACT Board of Directors met for their 2011 annual meeting at the Tega Cay, SC Conference Center. The Board heard from senior faculty members about the origin of IAACT and the opportunities for sharing PCT in the near future. Several initiatives and new areas of growth were discussed. Members were presenteted with information on "Roles & Responsibilities of Non-Profit Boards of Directors". Application of this information to their roles as the IAACT Board was discussed.
The Board also undertook the development of Action Plans that will guide IAACT growth and activity in the near future. Many of the plans include the involvement of the current Faculty Leadership Committees and their perspective on where best to focus effort & emphasis. One of the more significant steps initiated was the addition of a 'General Membership' category. Details will be forthcoming. Stay tuned ...

A Breakfast for Mental Well-Being

I ran across an article today on RaelAge.com that speaks to positive thinking & outlook on life. The first couple of paragraphs are included below. Click on the title to see the full article. Live Healthy friends.

"Eating a good breakfast doesn't just get your body ready to face the day. It may boost your mental well-being, too. Especially if you choose yogurt.

Newly published research suggests that when you feed your gut fermented foods that contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium -- two strains of healthy bacteria found in some yogurts -- your brain ends up with an extra dose of happy-making neurochemicals, too.

From Belly to Brain So just how does healthy flora in your belly have an impact all the way up in your noggin? Apparently good bacteria can actually produce neurochemicals in the gut -- we're talking feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. And these chemicals, in turn, get taken up into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body, including the brain. The likely end result: improved psychological well-being."

For more healty news, go to http://www.realage.com/.

Meetings Announced

The IAACT Faculty Leadership Council (FLC) will meet by tele-conference Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 7:00 PM.

The annual 2011 Board of Directors meeting will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Tega Cay Conference Center, Tega Cay, SC. The Board meeting begins at 10:00 AM. The site of the meeting will be announced this week.

Anyone interested in sharing information or asking question to the FLC or Board can contact Mark Southern at actnme@gmail.com.

The Pink Bat

Positive Perceptions Provide Possibilities!!! Enjoy & reflect on the Pink Bat (click on the title above).

CSG Announces Annual Meeting

The Control Systems Group (CSG) has announced the date & location for its 2011 conference. July 27-31 in Boulder, CO. are the date and location for CSG 2011. To receive more information about the upcoming CSG conference, please e-mail Allie at CSGconference2011@gmail.com.

CSG is "a membership organization dedicated to the application of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) in understanding the purposeful behavior of living organisms". The group's mission is to encourage the application of Perceptual Control Theory within existing disciplines and to foster communication and collaboration among disciplines. Check out the CSG web site listed above.

Fred Good, IAACT instructor and owner of New View Publication, is the current President of The CSG and Glenn Smith, IAACT senior faculty member, from Be-Print & Life Connections is the group's President-elect.

Summer Training Sessions

Several IAACT endorsed training sessions sponsored by New View Publicatons are being held this summer. Closed session weeks are being held in Fayetteville, Salisbury and Randolph County during June.

An Intensive Training session that is open to interested individuals or groups is being offered in Chapel Hill, NC Monday - Thursday, June 20-23. ACTs I, II & III are being offered. Space is available at this time for all three level courses.

Detailed information about the Chapel Hill event can be found at http://newviewpublications.com/index.cgi?product_id=ACT1_20110620_CH&cart_id=6083042_88103 .