I returned from a 3-day Dynamic Facilitation workshop last week inspired, challenged, and healed. For those unaware of the method, as I was prior to attending Jim and Jean Rough’s workshop in Port Townsend, let me vouch for its unique place on our D&D toolbelts - or, rather, its own color on our D&D practioner palettes. DF is different, as it relies on intuitively following the energy of the conversation and purposely probing participants to get at their root concerns and ideas. Please do check it out (3-minute audio intros).

And I want to share another simple thought: our work to provide spaces for people to be their authentic selves, share their authentic creativity and concerns, and do so in community is perhaps at its root about facilitating meaningful relationships built on genuine care for each other. As many lists are brainstormed, strategic plans are written, and human resource issues are resolved, there is potential to facilitate in a way that lets people be their full selves, rather than only their “thoughts” or only their “feelings.” When the space is designed to share both and more, problems aren’t just solved - relationships can build that transcend the problem.

When we talk from time to time about the urgent need for a movement, and struggle about what that movement is about, perhaps we can add this: a movement to elevate our process consciousness has at its root the potential and/or desire to facilitate love in a world that can make such connection a rarity.

Here's the latest article about OrangeBand, in the Salt Lake Tribune. (Click the link or "read more")

The Institute for Civility in Government works to reduce polarization in society by focusing on the very public civility (or lack of it!) in the governing process. The Institute facilitates dialogue, teaches respect, and promotes civility. The Institute has two priorities:

1. We educate people about their role in government and equip them to participate effecively in it.
2. We help Government officials, staff, and constituents understand that the manner in which we govern ourselves is often as important as the positions that we take.

We have chosen to focus on the governing process because:

1. It is public.
2. It is something in which we all have a stake.
3. It is a venue where change can be affected.
4. It influences other areas of our lives together in community.

The Institute does not endorse any political candidate, nor do we take a position on any issue. We are about process, not positions.