Local government professionals facilitate conversations every day - in staff meetings, council workshops, public engagement forums, project teams, and cross-department initiatives. Yet most have never received formal training on how to guide discussions in ways that build alignment, encourage participation, and lead to clear outcomes. This three-part training series is designed to change that.

The Everyday Facilitation Training Series aims to equip participants with practical tools, ready-to-use language, and simple frameworks they can apply immediately in real meetings and real conversations. The focus is not theory. It is a real-world application: what to say, how to structure discussions, and how to keep conversations productive when dynamics become challenging. Participants will leave each session with techniques they can use the very next day.

This online workshop cohort is limited to 50. Only one participant per registration. 

Sessions and Schedule

Wednesday, July 29 | Session 1: Designing & Planning Conversations That Work

This session focuses on planning conversations intentionally rather than reacting in real time. Participants learn how to design agendas and discussion structures that are purposeful, efficient, and outcome-driven, so that meetings lead to decisions rather than extended dialogue. The workshop introduces practical methods for clarifying the purpose and desired outcome before a conversation begins, structuring agendas that guide discussion productively, matching facilitation approaches to the type of conversation needed, and designing discussions that work for different audiences and group dynamics. Participants also receive practical resources they can use immediately, including participation methods, ready-to-use exercises, and a planning checklist for meetings or facilitated sessions.

Wednesday, August 5 | Session 2: Keeping the Conversation Going

This session builds facilitation confidence in real time by focusing on what happens once a conversation is underway. Participants learn how to guide discussions when challenges arise and how to intentionally shape the tone of a room by creating psychological safety and fostering an environment where people feel comfortable contributing. The session emphasizes practical strategies for keeping conversations focused while also building energy, encouraging participation, and making discussions engaging without relying on gimmicks or forced activities. Participants gain tools they can use immediately to keep conversations productive, strengthen engagement, navigate disagreement or tension constructively, and redirect discussions while maintaining trust and credibility.

Wednesday, August 12 | Session 3: Practice & Pivots Lab

This hands-on workshop is the true test of facilitation skills. Participants apply what they’ve learned in realistic scenarios that introduce constraints, curveballs, and competing dynamics - the same conditions facilitators face in actual meetings, workshops, and public discussions. The emphasis is on learning to read the room, adapt in real time, and make thoughtful decisions about when to adjust the flow, shift the approach, modify the agenda, or intervene to keep work moving forward. Through guided practice and feedback, participants strengthen their ability to stay grounded, responsive, and effective even when conversations do not unfold as planned.