Participants will learn three proven processes for activating group participation with hands-on experience practicing the methods, and time to explore ways to apply them to your specific situation. The methods were developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs out of its work in community development in the United States and internationally. The methods are tried and true ways to engage facilitative leadership in communities. Both of the trainers, Kathy Marth and Gail Kurtz are qualified trainers of the methods. Download Vita.

The Focused Conversation Method

This method is a structured process that helps you plan and facilitate a meaningful exchange of ideas. Discover ways to involve every member in thinking through difficult issues. Heighten your effectiveness in facilitating virtually every form of group communication.

• Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
• Quickly capture a group’s best thinking
• Surface new ideas and solutions
• Ask questions that stimulate candid feedback and discussion

The Consensus Workshop Method

Energize problem-solving with a process that builds active participation and teamwork. Productively channel diverse ideas into consensus decisions everyone can own and support. Learn tools to facilitate groups to new levels of creativity and cooperation.

• Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
• Integrate diverse ideas
• Generate practical and creative solutions
• Develop group consensus

The Action Planning Method

Master this powerful implementation planning process which enables you to help a group rapidly pull together an effective plan, organize needed resources and mobilize individuals’ energy into action.

• Visualize a successful result
• Analyze the current reality
• Create a practical plan
• Maximize group commitment and involvement

Benefits of Using the Methods:

• Allow groups to discover their own motivation
• Get a deepened personal commitment
• Produce visible results
• Save time and money through increased productivity
• Help prevent conflicts

Training Curriculum:

Day 1

• Focused Conversation Method (FC) & Consensus Workshop (CW) Method
• FC Demonstration
• Walk-through and Theory behind FC
• Practice and Applications of the FC
• Consensus Workshop Method (CW) Demonstration
• Demonstration of Method
• Walk–through and Theory behind CW
• Applications of the CW

Day 2

• Action Planning Method and Practice of FC and CW
• FC Practice
• Action Planning Method (AP) Demonstration
• Walk-through and Theory behind Method
• Applications of the AP Method
• CW Practice

For more information contact Raytheon Rawls at 706-542-1108 or