ToP Training

Strategic planning doesn't have to be intimidating. We'll show you how to break it into manageable pieces so you can trust the process and the group! You’ll weave together individual ToP methods into a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to help groups answer their most important strategic questions. PREREQ: ToP Facilitation Methods *Schedule: 9/15 12:30-5:00 p.m., 9/16 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 9/17 8:30 a.m.-12:00*

Two of the most important skills of an effective community leader is the ability to facilitate group discussions and help groups make decisions together in a way that engages all the voices in the group. Too often, we get thrown into the role of facilitator without having been taught the fundamentals and/or had a chance to practice. In this workshop, you will have an opportunity to both learn and practice the fundamentals in a fun, interactive, and non-threatening environment. This is a private in-house training hosted by WA State; if you would like to register for this event for yourself or your organization, please contact us.

It's back! Leadership for Change and Spark Action Lab are teaming up again to inspire and empower supervisors with the essential skills, mindset, and practical tools needed to lead teams through challenging times while fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and meaningful change.

Can you design belonging? Belonging is a feeling. Everyone experiences it differently. What you can design are things that help the feeling to emerge: spaces that offer invitations, rituals that bring us together, roles that develop authentic responsibility, and systems that are respectful and support creativity. Dr. Susie Wise will share concrete frameworks to feel it, see it, shape it, and offer accessible ways to use creativity to build belonging.

This full-day workshop is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to communicate effectively and navigate workplace conflict with greater awareness and confidence. Grounded in an exploration of communication styles, personal values, and the influence of power and privilege, the session blends reflection, discussion, and hands-on practice to build practical, usable skills.

In-Person in Seattle! Learn three proven methods to activate group participation, reach consensus, and build project action plans. Hands-on practice helps you discover practical uses in your life and work. Participants work individually and in small groups to see the ToP Methods in action, and then have the opportunity to practice facilitating in class.

ToP methods were created and refined through decades of community-based change work. This course follows the cycle of a community planning process, analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation. Participants will be an interactive learning community, learning from each other in addition to theoretical frameworks and practical tools to support authentic community engagement and community driven/led decision-making.

Portland Metro area in-person event! Learn three proven methods to activate group participation, reach consensus, and build project action plans. Hands-on practice helps you discover practical uses in your life and work. Participants work individually and in small groups to see the ToP Methods in action, and then have the opportunity to practice facilitating in class.