Facilitating Training
The ICA Difference
ToP methods emerged from the tradition of personal and group empowerment of the Institute of Cultural Affairs. They are based on a philosophy of disciplined thinking, continual affirmation, inclusive responsibility, and a vocation of service.
ToP practice is embodied through powerful methods that are applicable to all fields, lifestyles and cultures and value comprehensiveness, consciousness, care, and courage. ToP methods encourage transformation through facilitation, planning, development, education, consulting and leadership.
The Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs
In 1999 the Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA Canada) created the training and consulting company called ICA Associates Inc. as a "social enterprise". Removing the two main fee-for-service activities liberated the charity to focus on charitable activities. But the two organizations remain linked in fundamental and structural ways: mission, values, purpose, intellectual property, and share ownership.
- ICA Canada owns the intellectual property known as ToP Methods® and all the related books and training materials.
- ICA Associates is the only entity in Canada licensed by ICA Canada to teach ToP Methods®.
- ICA Associates pays royalties to ICA Canada for the use of ToP Methods®.
- ICA Canada also owns 10% of ICA Associates' shares.
Every time you buy a service from ICA Associates Inc. you are directly contributing to the success of the charity. ICA Canada uses royalties and donations for ongoing education, publishing, research, and social development projects. For example, their Courage To Lead program and the newest edition of The Art of Focused Conversation.
