Most groups will have a range of literacy represented. When you are working with a group that has low literacy, consider the tips below to make sure everyone feels included and able to learn. Use language that is familiar to the group. In general, everyday language is more easily and universally understood compared to academic […]
Just as many of us got used to meeting and facilitating sessions online, we are back in-person. You may be asking yourself: Do I still remember how to do that well? What have I learned in this virtual space that can be applied to the in-person space? What is true for physical spaces that was […]
A colleague from Kansas recently told me that she had received some pressure to “cover more material” in order to “make the most” of the professional development investment. “Yikes!” I said, “That is so contrary to all we know about how humans learn.” “Don’t give into the pressure,” I added, “You have to leave room […]
The Situation Episcopal Relief & Development was undergoing a transition and updating its operating model to align with their new strategic plan. They were reviewing how their market-facing teams engage with their audiences and with each other, and identifying the capabilities needed for their work. The Challenge Global Learning Partners was invited to collaborate in […]
A well-selected technique can deepen dialogue, increase engagement, generate meaningful ideas, and make work easier. Speed dating is one I love using. When to Use It You want to boost the energy in the room. You want participants to hear from many colleagues in the room in a short amount of time. This technique works […]
For many of us, wondering aloud can take tremendous courage. This is especially true if it is not invited. The technique ‘I like, I wish, I wonder’ offers a multi-layered process for hearing and collecting input or reflections that are nuanced, fresh and exciting. Opening space for wishes and wonderings can feel especially inspiring. […]
The Situation Upper Valley Services (UVS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services and support for people with developmental disabilities in Vermont. It is led by a strong team of visionary leaders. UVS sought to engage its staff, board, service providers and the larger community in an inclusive facilitated discovery process to create a […]
We call each other ‘family’. So, you can imagine how happy we were to reconnect after three long years of the Covid pandemic! We are staff and partners of Episcopal Relief & Development. On February 7-11, 35 of us gathered in Accra, Ghana from seven countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, USA, and Zambia) representing […]
Have you participated in a meeting or event lately where, instead of starting with an overview of the agenda, you started by taking breaths together? If you haven’t yet, you might soon. Embodiment practices are increasing as a form of self-care and healing, and they can be helpful in supporting learning and facilitation. At Vermont […]
Cultivating a culture of healthy feedback – receiving and offering it – takes time and intentional work in multiple areas. It can begin during onboarding and run through to the exit interview. Leaders can model healthy feedback processes and ensure commitment at all levels of an organization. It can take place in one-on-one settings as […]