Hosting Impactful Gatherings

"As someone new to my role, I got so many ideas from the workshop. It also introduced me to people that I can now reach out to work together with."

How do we bring people together in ways that matter – whether it’s a team of three, a community group of thirty, or a conference of one hundred? Hosting Impactful Gatherings is a participatory approach to leading, convening, and engaging groups that draws on conversation, collective knowledge, and shared leadership.

This three-day, highly participatory workshop introduces tools and practices that help groups move beyond business-as-usual meetings toward meaningful collaboration and community building. Drawing from the Art of Hosting, the National School Reform Faculty, the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity, and Liberating Structures, participants will learn how to design, host, and facilitate processes that create real connection, shared ownership, and actionable outcomes.

Over the course of three days, participants will:

• Practice methods such as World Café, Circle Practice, and Open Space Technology

• Learn how to integrate frameworks for shared leadership into meetings and gatherings of any size.

• Explore the principles behind participatory leadership

• Experiment with facilitating and being facilitated, gaining confidence in both practical skills and the capacity to hold space for shared understanding.

Participants will experience these tools in action, reflect on their application, and leave with a practical toolkit to strengthen their work in organizations, communities, and networks.

Click here to see a summary of our last workshop. 

"I think it has challenged me to think more about how I participate in my community outside of my job. It is causing me to think more about who I am beyond my job and who I want to be."

Who Should Attend:
This training is designed for anyone who convenes groups: community leaders, educators, nonprofit staff, organizational managers, facilitators, and anyone committed to building stronger, more connected communities.

Location, Travel, & Meals:

Hosting Impactful Gatherings will be held at Yukon Island Retreat Center.

Transportation from Homer to Yukon Island, lodging on the island, and meals are fully provided as part of the registration. Participants will depart together from Homer Harbor at 3:00pm on the 23rd and return to Homer at 3:00pm on the 26th.

Cancellation Policy

Due to the immersive nature of this workshop and the advance costs associated with lodging, meals, and transportation, we ask participants to make a full commitment to attend.

Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the workshop will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the workshop are non-refundable.

If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your registration to another participant at no additional cost (with advance notice). In cases of emergency or unforeseen circumstances, please reach out - we aim to approach each case with flexibility whenever possible.

"Not only did I learn frameworks and discussion strategies, I personally grew in confidence, communication, and friendship. This is true inclusion and the power of this is worth fighting for."