Designing and Leading Meetings that Matter:
A Training in Basic Group Facilitation Methods 

<>Registration information is now available for this exciting training that will be presented September 8 and 9 here in Oregon (exact location yet to be determined).  To register go to:  https://www.SignUp4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=GFMX14E
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Space is limited to 20.


OVERVIEW OF COURSE

The training will provide three methods encompassed in the Technology of Participation® that can be used in working with groups, the Focused Conversation Method, the Consensus Workshop Method and the Action Planning Process. Participants will see a demonstration of each of the methods, be taken through the process step-by-step, and have actual hands-on experience practicing the methods.

<>All methods are designed to achieve the following with virtually any group:

·         Engage full and active participation of participants

·         Increase team investment & ownership in the results

·         Build group consensus

·         Move from discussion to decision

·         Produce practical action plans 

 

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS

 

COMMENTS FROM RECENT PARTICIPANTS

This course gave me the practical tools to facilitate a small conversation or a high stakes group planning process.

 

Very good experience. Fantastic facilitators. Engaging work and very clearly useful information as opposed to other only somewhat helpful workshops I’ve attended in the past.

 

Very positive…the tools given are very specific.

 

It gave me a useful way to approach problems, to get the most out of meetings and to efficiently plan work and projects. And, it was a lot of fun…more fun than expected.

 

MORE DETAILS ON THE THREE METHODS

1. Focused Conversation Method

This foundational method provides a structured set of questions that allow group

leaders to conduct purposeful, productive meetings and facilitate a meaningful

exchange of ideas. Participants will discover ways to involve every member of a group

in thinking through difficult issues. This method will heighten their effectiveness in

facilitating virtually every form of group communication.

 

The Focused Conversation increases your ability to:

 Quickly capture a group's best thinking

 Surface new ideas and solutions

 Ask questions that stimulate candid feedback and discussion

 

2. Consensus Workshop Method

This consensus workshop energizes problem solving with a process that builds active

participation and teamwork. Participants will learn how to productively channel diverse

effective tool to help groups reach new levels of creativity and cooperation, while

tapping into both rational and intuitive thought processes.

 

The Consensus Workshop increases your ability to:

 Integrate diverse ideas

 Generate practical and creative solutions

 Develop group consensus

 

3. Action Planning Method

This method is a powerful process to help a group rapidly pull together an effective plan,

organize needed resources and mobilize individuals' energy into action.

 

The Action Planning increases your ability to:

 Visualize a successful result

 Define what the group is really committed to do

 Create a practical plan

 Maximize group commitment and involvement

 

COST

$695/person

The cost for the 2 day training includes a 78 page Participant Manual which provides step by step detailed instructions on each method and other usable reference materials.

 

TRAINERS

John D. Baker, President

Strategies for the Future

John is a master facilitator and mentor/trainer  with extensive management experience in the nonprofit, association and governmental world and as a organizational consultant. John combines his breadth of experience with his skills as a facilitator and trainer to assist staff working in human services, workforce & economic development, transportation & education, as well as for advocacy causes within the nonprofit community.

 

Virginia Hamilton, Executive Director

California Workforce Association

Virginia is a master facilitator and mentor/trainer. She has designed and facilitated a variety of meetings dealing with complex environments and a diversity of opinions with governmental entities, foundations, and nonprofit agencies. Ms. Hamilton was the director of Job Training for the Employment Development Department prior to assuming her role as the Executive Director of the California Workforce Association in 1996.