Facilitation Skills Training Offered by Virginia Cooperative Extension Office

Within businesses, industries, organizations and communities, people are asked to move projects forward and make things happen. But team members are frustrated and discouraged when meetings are unorganized and groups are ineffective. “Conditions are improved when you understand how to work with a group and lead meetings that have clear outcomes,” according to Martha Walker, community viability specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension.

“Numerous organizations and community leaders want to know how to facilitate discussions that result in planning and clear direction,” Walker said. Virginia Cooperative Extension is responding to this need through its Strengthening Your Facilitation Skills training that delivers the secrets to effective facilitation principles and practices.

The two-day facilitation training is being offered in four Virginia locations: January 30-31 in Pittsylvania County; January 30-31 in Richmond; February 11-12 in Wytheville; and February 19-20 in Madison County. The first day’s training begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. with day two beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m.

During the training, participants will practice the newly learned facilitation skills in an experiential setting, observe facilitation challenges, and identify improvement options that will prepare each person to develop and guide the process during a facilitated discussion. “This training is perhaps the most helpful professional development opportunity I have had the chance to take part in,” commented Ellie Thomas a 2012 participant.  “Comprehensive, hands-on, fun, and applicable to all manner of work, it has helped me be a better manager, a more effective facilitator in meetings, and even a clearer communicator among colleagues,” said Thomas.

The registration fee for Strengthening Your Facilitation Skills is $80. Each participant receives a resource notebook and lunch is provided on both training days. Registrations fees must be received at least one week prior to the training date. No refunds will be offered after the registration deadline.

To register for this training, make your $80 check payable to Virginia Cooperative Extension – Central District and mail to Virginia Cooperative Extension – Central District; 150 Slayton Avenue; Danville, VA 24540. For questions or to obtain additional information, please contact Dr. Martha A. Walker at 434-766-6761. Each registration should please contact information and your training site preference.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Martha A. Walker, Central District Office, at 434-766-6761 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.