GROUP SKILLS TRAININGS

Workshop description: Did you facilitate the monthly meeting only to freeze like a deer in the headlights when a conflict came up or someone acted inappropriately? This workshop will cover the essentials of what every meeting facilitator needs to know. After going over the basic principles, we'll practice skills such as reflective listening, how to intervene when someone is speaking too long, handling conflicts, and other situations as brought forward by workshop participants. This is a highly interactive workshop--come try out these key skills in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

Workshop description: While some part of us may know that conflicts are an inevitable part of human interaction, that doesn't change the fact that most of us feel scared when they come up. When two or more people find themselves in a difficult spot--especially in the context of an ongoing relationship that they can't just walk away from--what are the options, for individuals and for the group? When do we dive in, when do we let it go . . . and if we do decide to address it directly, how can we do it with grace and skill?

Workshop description: Bringing together the wisdom of the group for the best possible decisions--it's a nice ideal, but how do groups do it effectively? This workshop will offer a coherent approach to consensus, including the official structures (agreement, standing aside, blocking), the principles underlying them, and what it really takes to make them work. Presentation will be mixed with exercises and practice.

Fees: Tree's work is offered on a gift economy basis. She asks participants to pay an amount that feels good and right and fair to you, that you can afford, and that you can give joyfully. Fees will go to Tree after room, food, and insurance are covered.

Registration: Pre-registration is required. Call David DeGerald at 503-764-8440 or email ddegerald [at] hotmail dot com to register. Please bring a potluck dish to share for lunch.

Presenter: Tree Bressen consults with a wide variety of organizations on how to have meetings that are lively, productive, and connecting. Intentional communities--groups whose members have to deal with each other every day--have provided her with a living crucible for learning and refining these skills. Tree’s work is founded on a desire to help groups put their ideals into action. Her workshops have consistently been reviewed as lively, practical, and informative. Her website www.treegroup.info offers extensive free articles and resources.