Learn to Lead Inclusive Problem Solving
Background:
Participatory Leadership: Hosting Conversations that Matter introduces participants to a variety of processes that can be used to engage people in discussing issues and identifying opportunities for action.
The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota regularly offers this training to both students and faculty. In fact, there are nearly 400 UMN staff who have taken this training and have formed an active community of practice.
This will be the third time that this three day introductory workshop has been offered in Rochester. The workshop was designed in a collaborative effort between the Diversity Council, United Way, and RAF using a model that was developed by an international group of collaborators.
The lead trainers are Dave Ellis and Bob-e Epps who are African American community leaders from North Minneapolis and St. Paul, who have multi-state practices. Vangie Castro, Diversity Council, Mary Tittl, United Way, and I round out the team of trainers...which we refer to as "hosts".
Within the participatory leadership model, there is an underlying theme of promoting equity, recognizing individual strengths and differences, believing there is a leader in every chair, and that collectively the group has the wisdom for identifying and solving problems or issues of concern.
Community of Practice: Another development is that the participants from the previous Rochester workshops have formed a community of practice which meets quarterly to do some staff development, share experiences, and support one another in our change efforts. There are about 12 active participants, and there have been a number of collaborations between them.
Financial support/sponsorship of the workshop. United Way, RAF, RCTC, and WSU have each provided funds for one scholarship or have paid the workshop costs for one individual who they have selected to attend. Can we count on this support again this year from UW and RAF?
We will also be seeking scholarship funds from Mayo and other local donors. We do need to have the equivalent of 18 registrants to cover our costs.