ToP Network Professional Development Workshops

Building on the energy and spirit from our 2021 and 2022 virtual Annual Gatherings, the ToP Network is hosting monthly workshops to continue supporting the development of our ToP Community. Join us to connect live with other facilitators from across the globe and to learn how to expand your use of the ToP methods. The registration fees will be donated to the ToP Network Scholarship Fund. The scholarship was created to assist with Gathering registration costs for individuals who demonstrate strong investment in the future of ToP methods.  We value diverse experiences that contribute to the body of knowledge that helps us all improve our understanding and ToP practice.

Session Description: In this session, Krista Rowe and Aaron Wolowiec will introduce their understanding of nonviolent communication (NVC), the four distinct steps, how they map onto other models like the focused conversation, and special attributes of NVC that facilitators may find particularly useful with groups. 

Rational Aims:

  • Describe the language and framework for having an NVC conversation
  • Explore key components of NVC and their application in a variety of contexts
  • Consider application of NVC in your personal/professional relationships

Experiential Aims: 

  • Stretch around a new method
  • Be reflective and curious
  • Participate in a generative conversation

Presenters:

  • Aaron Wolowiec, [email protected], founder and president, Event Garde, Aaron (he/him) is a learning/meetings strategist, certified ToP facilitator/mentor trainer, and author, coach, and speaker. He designs engaging, multisensory learning experiences, resulting in the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, forging of new relationships, and applied learning and perspective in the workplace. Aaron is also a serial learner and entrepreneur who is nationally recognized for his professional development and facilitation work with boards, learners, staff, and volunteers.
  • Krista Rowe, [email protected], Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Event Garde, Krista Rowe (pronouns: she/her) has extensive experience in facilitating, training, and providing technical assistance to local, state, and national non-profit, government and private sector organizations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is known for taking great care and patience with participants when assisting organizations in establishing a baseline of understanding, developing methods for systems change, and establishing practical skills for equitable practice. Krista is a graduate of Michigan State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Advocacy and Governance with a concentration in Political Science and is certified in Technology of Participation (ToP) Facilitation Methods. 

ToP Competencies  

  • Create a Participatory Environment
  • Model positive professional attitudes

Registration:

  • $10 Members
  • $40 Nonmembers

To register, please click here.

  • Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details in advance of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email and to add the event to your calendar! 
  • Events begin promptly at the designated hour.  Please log on at least five to ten minutes in advance to ensure your internet connections, audio and other settings are functioning properly.
  • Download the latest version of Zoom in advance. If you do not have a Zoom account, please sign up for one before the workshop by visiting: https://us02web.zoom.us/ 
  • Help us create community. Be prepared to use a camera if possible. We will have an active event and seeing each other will help us connect.
  • We are assuming that you will be joining us for the 90 minutes of the events. There will be content shared at the start of the event that will set the stage.
  • To honor and support the process and space, we won’t be able to admit folks that attempt to join after teh first 15 minutes of the program. Therefore, we ask that you join us a few minutes before and no later than 15 mins after event start time.