From the Kitchen Table to the Community: Session Topics

Question Title

* 1. To ensure that session topics offered are useful, relevant, and high quality to families we are asking you to select your top 4 selections.

Yes, You Can Become a Natural at Public Speaking

o Learn tips and tricks to overcome anxiety surrounding public speaking and learn how to become an effective and engaging presenter

Working in Groups

o Strategies for ensuring good group dynamics and intra-group relationships

Community Organizing and Recruitment

o Learn strategies for leveraging power in numbers and recruiting individuals to your cause

Telling Your Story

o A comprehensive look at the importance of personal narratives, specifically situated within the realm of special education and family engagement

Collaborating with School Professionals

o Learn ways to foster productive and positive relationships with school staff

Rural Outreach

o Tips for building interest momentum in small town and rural settings

Youth Leadership

o Evidence based practices to engage youth in meaningful ways to participate in groups with adults

Going from Planning to Action

o Move through the cycle of action and learn how to pivot a group from planning to implementation

Advocacy Basics

o A guide for groups to begin engaging with local political players

Relationship Building and Networking

o Strategies for connecting to support with the right people your efforts

Collecting and Using Data

o Learn about resources to find and analyze data that support your efforts and ways to leverage it

Maximizing Potential through Technology

o In this session get an overview of several different technologies that will make your work easier

Social Media and Spreading the Word

o Maximize your online presence by learning best practices for engaging with your audience on social media

Managing Transitions in Leadership

o When founders of an establish group move on and the next generation of leaders steps up, learn how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Building Cultural Competency

o Diversity is a strength, but cultural competency is key. Take away valuable strategies for ensuring your group is culturally aware.

Caring for Self + Others: Building a sustainable and resilient group

o Prevent burnout and ensure your group is in it for the long haul with strategies for self-care.

Mapping Opportunities and Assets for Your Cause

o Identify potential partners and assets that can support your work, learn how to conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis of your community.

Facilitation Techniques

o Practice being an effective facilitator that fosters meaningful participation from participants.

Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving

o Practice de-escalating tense situations and managing during times of group crisis. Leave with tips for mediating and creative problem solving.

Styles of Leadership

o Take a deep dive into different leadership styles and decide which might work best for you and/or your group

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. If you know of anyone who would be an excellent facilitator for one of the session topics above, please list their name, affiliation, and contact information here. If there is anything else we should consider, please describe that here as well.