An Invitation

It is an honor and pleasure to present on behalf of the Editorial Board and the International Alliance for Invitational Education the premier issue of the Journal for Invitational Theory and Practice. Conceived several years ago by a small group of members, this refereed journal is another effort on the part of the Alliance to continue the scholarly development and evaluation of what is called the invitational model. With this issue, we set sail on another journey to promote an optimistic message about the potential of people to form beneficial relationships. We will be successful if this publication, as with other books and newsletters distributed by the Alliance, enables people to learn about invitational theory and incorporate its beliefs and practices into their personal and professional lives.

This issue sets the tone for future volumes. Beginning with a brief history of the Alliance and an introduction to invitational theory, William Purkey describes how we arrived at this point, and what the basic beliefs and foundations of invitational theory mean in terms of human development and interaction. Dean Fink and myself offer expanded perspectives on a few elements of the invitational model. As an emerging theory, invitational learning continues to develop and change. As such, we welcome articles that question present assumptions and seek to clarify and expand the meaning and direction for this theory of practice. Tom Cloer and Bill Alexander add to this process with their preliminary study of inviting teacher characteristics. As they indicate, much more research is needed. Earlier efforts by presenters of papers on invitational perspectives and research at AERA conferences in past years provided one forum for the exchange of ideas. Now this journal offers another avenue by which writers and researchers can share their views and findings about the invitational model. To assist with this task, Paula Stanley has assembled the most current bibliography of invitational publications and research papers. It is fitting that this collection appear in the premier issue of this journal.

The articles in this issue offer a beginning. For this journal to be successful, many writers and researchers must accept the invitation and join in the effort to continue developing and examining concepts related to invitational learning and living. I invite you to celebrate this effort with us. In addition to your literary contributions, we also want your subscription. This first issue is a complimentary copy for Alliance members. Share it with friends and colleagues. In it, you will find information for membership and subscription to the journal. Help us promote both in your personal and professional relationships and at your work place. We are excited about this new voyage and welcome you on board to take the journey with us.

Oh yes, the wheels. The cover of this premier issue is a special gift for two men who have done so much to develop and promote invitational theory and practice, William Purkey and John Novak. It is especially meaningful that they have included so many people in this creative process. We have all benefited from their leadership and fellowship. Those of us fortunate enough to "be with" William and John in the pre-Alliance years heard many stories about "the wheel." We also learned about "inviting cycles" and other circuitous happenings that eventually led to this emerging model called invitational education. For all who have participated, the journey has been rewarding.

To those who are new to the Alliance and perhaps unfamiliar with these tales and events, we extend a hearty invitation to the next celebration to be held in Greensboro, North Carolina this October. You will find an announcement in this issue. Come join us and inquire about "the wheel." See you there!

John J. Schmidt, Editor