"Sometimes when you go to a training you hope you will learn something new, something you can use right away…that will engage groups to think collectively to solve problems or improve on ideas. When I attended the Art of Hosting I was engaged in the learning from the beginning and couldn’t wait for the next day to hear about and apply more tools and techniques. Just goes to show you that after 30 years in the private and public sectors old dogs can learn new tricks."
Barbara Burgener
Thurston County
"Participatory Leadership [Art of Hosting] is a rich, dynamic experience that challenges your mindset and gives you a practical pathway in working with complex issues. It makes a difference in the real world."
Michelle Harvey
Strategic Alliances Director Association of Washington Cities
"Reaction from participants [to the 0ne-day training for our agency] was extremely positive and this training served as a valuable kick-off to our participatory leadership journey. The trainers were instrumental in helping light a fire of inspiration across our organization and were phenomenal partners in this effort."
Christine Bezanson, Lisa Illahee, Kelly Lerner, Jessica Mobbs, and Charice Pidcock
Washington Department of Social and Health Services| Financial Services Administration
"Many thanks for the terrific workshop. Your insights, as well as the group’s, presented a broader perspective that went beyond simply 'learning how to facilitate.' I enjoyed the juxtaposition of abstract concepts with practical models I can put to immediate use. I also enjoyed observing how each of you demonstrated different leadership styles, and put your own teachings into play. Thanks again for this opportunity. You’ve helped me become more mindful about the art of 'convening well.' I look forward to reflecting on today’s experience in the coming weeks."
Elaine
Washington State Department of Ecology
“Thank you again for an amazing three days. There was so much lived wisdom that you all brought to the workshop. I felt guided to be both a better person and a more courageous and effective facilitator of social change. I learned new strategies for engaging people and ways to hold that space, as well as the theories behind such processes. I left inspired to bring what I learned into my home community.”
Nicky Phear PhD
Faculty, Climate Change, University of Montana
“When I said I hoped to embody what I learned during the training, I had no idea of the extent to which I would have the capacity to bring back so much confidence and energy to just move forward with initiatives that I have just sat on, waiting for the world to ask for my help. I attribute the collective wisdom of the entire team for the experience of abundance that I manifested as a result of the training.”
Bruce Hostetter
“Thank you so much for an incredible experience. I can’t remember an experience when five people were able to hold an environment of openness and trust with 60 people. Your workshop really helped me with a major question I’ve had -- how do we stay heart-centered and effective in an environment that is typically technical and competitive. Your workshop was a model of bridge for me."
Dawne Gardiska
WA State Department of Ecology
"In my work as a political and environmental activist, I spend a lot of time tackling complex systems-but my standard education certainly did not provide me with the appropriate tools and methods to cultivate service based leadership. I am very grateful for the Art of Participatory Leadership [Art of Hosting] gathering for providing such a welcoming, interactive space filled with a truly dynamic, diverse, driven group of change agents! The practical tools, hands-on exercises, and new relationships formed invigorated my personal practice and will provide me with many resources moving forward in my community. Thank you!"
Serine Holmstrom
Backbone Campaign
"The Art of Participatory Leadership [Art of Hosting] was a unique opportunity to remember why I do the work I do and how I aspire to come to that work. I was reminded that there are so many unique ways, venues and vehicles for this core work. Despite the apparent differences of gift or context I am not alone. I will look across differences with a fresh receptiveness for common purpose."
Bill Moyer
Founder Backbone Campaign
Barbara Burgener
Thurston County
"Participatory Leadership [Art of Hosting] is a rich, dynamic experience that challenges your mindset and gives you a practical pathway in working with complex issues. It makes a difference in the real world."
Michelle Harvey
Strategic Alliances Director Association of Washington Cities
"Reaction from participants [to the 0ne-day training for our agency] was extremely positive and this training served as a valuable kick-off to our participatory leadership journey. The trainers were instrumental in helping light a fire of inspiration across our organization and were phenomenal partners in this effort."
Christine Bezanson, Lisa Illahee, Kelly Lerner, Jessica Mobbs, and Charice Pidcock
Washington Department of Social and Health Services| Financial Services Administration
"Many thanks for the terrific workshop. Your insights, as well as the group’s, presented a broader perspective that went beyond simply 'learning how to facilitate.' I enjoyed the juxtaposition of abstract concepts with practical models I can put to immediate use. I also enjoyed observing how each of you demonstrated different leadership styles, and put your own teachings into play. Thanks again for this opportunity. You’ve helped me become more mindful about the art of 'convening well.' I look forward to reflecting on today’s experience in the coming weeks."
Elaine
Washington State Department of Ecology
“Thank you again for an amazing three days. There was so much lived wisdom that you all brought to the workshop. I felt guided to be both a better person and a more courageous and effective facilitator of social change. I learned new strategies for engaging people and ways to hold that space, as well as the theories behind such processes. I left inspired to bring what I learned into my home community.”
Nicky Phear PhD
Faculty, Climate Change, University of Montana
“When I said I hoped to embody what I learned during the training, I had no idea of the extent to which I would have the capacity to bring back so much confidence and energy to just move forward with initiatives that I have just sat on, waiting for the world to ask for my help. I attribute the collective wisdom of the entire team for the experience of abundance that I manifested as a result of the training.”
Bruce Hostetter
“Thank you so much for an incredible experience. I can’t remember an experience when five people were able to hold an environment of openness and trust with 60 people. Your workshop really helped me with a major question I’ve had -- how do we stay heart-centered and effective in an environment that is typically technical and competitive. Your workshop was a model of bridge for me."
Dawne Gardiska
WA State Department of Ecology
"In my work as a political and environmental activist, I spend a lot of time tackling complex systems-but my standard education certainly did not provide me with the appropriate tools and methods to cultivate service based leadership. I am very grateful for the Art of Participatory Leadership [Art of Hosting] gathering for providing such a welcoming, interactive space filled with a truly dynamic, diverse, driven group of change agents! The practical tools, hands-on exercises, and new relationships formed invigorated my personal practice and will provide me with many resources moving forward in my community. Thank you!"
Serine Holmstrom
Backbone Campaign
"The Art of Participatory Leadership [Art of Hosting] was a unique opportunity to remember why I do the work I do and how I aspire to come to that work. I was reminded that there are so many unique ways, venues and vehicles for this core work. Despite the apparent differences of gift or context I am not alone. I will look across differences with a fresh receptiveness for common purpose."
Bill Moyer
Founder Backbone Campaign