Facilitation Training

Oregon Humanities' facilitation training prepares people to plan and facilitate conversations about vital issues and questions across differences, beliefs, and backgrounds. These conversations help build strong relationships within organizations and among communities. 

Reflective conversations get people talking with each other about a question or topic that people may think about differently depending on their personal beliefs and experiences. This training will provide you with tools to plan and facilitate these conversations both at work and within the broader community. 

We recognize people will have varying comfort levels for gathering in person, so we are offering opportunities for people to attend a training in person or online.

During the training you will

• learn about facilitation and reflective conversation. 
• have an opportunity to practice new skills and techniques.
• reflect on and share your own beliefs and assumptions and listen to beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences different than your own.
• design and participate in reflective conversations and debriefs that analyze facilitation tools and choices.

You will leave feeling more confident and equipped to 

• observe and respond to group dynamics. 
• design and facilitate a conversation that allows people and groups to learn more deeply about themselves and each other. 
• use our framework and tools to facilitate a reflective conversation at your workplace or in your community work. 

Cost

• In-person: $549
• Virtual: $449

All of our trainings are pay-what-you-are-able. On the registration form you will have the opportunity to let us know what you can pay for the training; your answer does not affect your registration. By paying the full amount, you cover the cost of your participation and allow us to offer the option for individuals and organizations with fewer resources to pay what they are able. Payment by credit card or eCheck is due at the time of registration.

Upcoming Trainings

Virtual Training - $449
Virtual trainings are limited to the first sixteen people to sign up. Please note that these trainings will take place on Zoom, and we will ask you to turn your video on and keep it on as much as possible during the training. There will be plenty of screen breaks during the first two training days, and a lunch break off screen for at least an hour on both days. Each training will take place over three days at the following dates and times (Pacific):

• October Training. Register here. 
  Thursday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
  Friday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
  Friday, November 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

• January Training.
  Thursday, January 19, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  Friday, January 20, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  Friday, January 27, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

In-Person Training - $549 
In-Person trainings are limited to the first sixteen people to sign up. Be ready to show proof of vaccination. Masks are not required, though we imagine that some people might opt to wear them. We will continue to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Oregon Health Authority about in-person gatherings, and we’ll be ready to make changes and adapt. We will spend our time together talking in large and small groups, in small to mid-sized rooms at the Oregon Humanities office in downtown Portland (610 SW Alder St., #1111). We will provide a light breakfast and lunch on both days. Each training will take place over two days at the following dates and times (Pacific): 

• August training
  Thursday, August 4 and Friday, August 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  Register Here.
• March training
  Thursday, March 16, and Friday, March 17, from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Oregon Humanities Facilitation Training is made possible in part thanks to the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Oregon Community Foundation.