8:15AM-5:30PM

ToP Methods were created and refined through decades of community-based change work. This course follows the cycle of a community planning process, analysis—>implementation—>evaluation. Learn both theoretical frameworks and practical tools to support authentic community engagement, community driven and led decision-making throughout a community project planning cycle. Participants will be an interactive learning community and learn from each other in addition to the tools and frameworks that are shared in the course.  Oftentimes community work can become fragmented and combative; learn how to help groups come together to create consensus on what changes they are for in addition to what they are against.

This course teaches the same tools as the ToP Facilitation Methods but within community context, such as the Focused Conversation Method, Consensus Workshop Method and Action Planning Process.  Additional community development tools will also be taught, such as gridding, historical scan and asset mapping.  Participants will learn the key principles of community development, how to grid territory, create a past, present and future story together, create an action plan and launch projects.

Workshop Series Outcomes

After completing the workshop participants will be able to:

• Facilitate group consensus-based workshops
• Shape questions that stimulate candid feedback and discussion
• Acquire a framework for any group process – from a small workshop to a multi-day conference
• Assemble detailed action plans in less time
• Guide a meaningful group conversation
• Understand a project cycle of a community initiative
• Create inclusive meeting design that will help them move forward projects of initiatives
• Engage community stakeholders in the planning process;
• foster ownership and buy in from community stakeholders;
• facilitate meaningful and productive conversations in a variety of settings;
• create consensus of clear goals and strategies;
• Be clear about the level of participation you are seeking in your  community work
• Understand the asset-based approach to community development
• Identify community stakeholders and assets
• Identify and map different types of partnerships and stakeholders and strategize engagement

Who is it For?

• Local leaders, Community Organizers, Community agencies, community development groups, community planners, community economic advisers, community relations officers, concerned citizens, community-based organization staff… etc.
• Those who want tools and frameworks to better support communities they work in

Registration Fee (Early Bird reduction of $12.50 when paid 3 weeks in advance of course):

email Robert to register