Organizational Development & Public Engagement

Facilitation is when a neutral third-party leads a process that helps group members identify and define their shared goals, while also identifying the issues blocking fulfillment of these goals.

Depending on the circumstances, facilitators can provide services that surface underlying issues and concerns, while increasing opportunities for consensus.

Facilitation can be one of the most effective tools in generating constructive, fruitful engagement for nonprofit organizations and public agencies.  Facilitation provides an orderly framework that allows people to speak passionately about their opinions and convictions.  It allows “competing” parties to challenge and debate with each other in a constructive, respectful and civil manner.

Our facilitators excel at assisting all involved parties in finding their points of common interest from which to move forward.  They are experienced at providing policy makers and civic leaders with clear, concise summaries of public comment that will help inform their future actions at the policy level.

Community Boards’ facilitators can help when:

• Groups are confronted with multiples issues.
• Decision-making and actions involve multiple parties.
• Changes in mission or service delivery need to be addressed.
• There is limited time to achieve a goal.
• Consensus from all parties is essential.
• Groups are at impasse and unable to move forward.
• There are changes in staffing or budgeting.
• An organization or agency is restructuring.
• Public or private hearings, meetings or forums are held.

Community Boards can also custom design a facilitation training for your organization or agency.  Learn more here.

To learn more about our services and affordable rates, or to discuss your specific needs, contact Cordell Wesselink, Mediation Program Manager at (415) 920-3820 x109 or email him at cwesselink@communityboards.org.