Strengthening Community Leadership
in the Mat-Su: Workshop Series

A Free Workshop Series to Support Dialogue, Connection, and Action in the Mat-Su.

Applications open June 16th to August 5th! 

The Alaska Humanities Forum invites the Mat-Su to join a new workshop series focused on supporting residents who want to build stronger, more connected communities.

As our region grows and changes, so do the challenges of navigating division, distrust, and polarization. Many people are feeling the effects—shifting relationships, rising tensions, and uncertainty about how to stay connected across differences. But we believe in the power of conversation, listening, and storytelling to bridge those divides—and we believe the people of Mat-Su are taking the lead.

“Top notch instruction, equipping anyone who convenes groups of people, or cares about elevating the quality of our collective dialogue.”

Why This Matters

When people with different backgrounds come together to share experiences and perspectives, they build trust, hope, and a deeper sense of belonging. That hope inspires action—and sustained change becomes possible when communities have the tools to talk about what matters most.

That’s what this series is all about: helping Mat-Su residents grow the skills and confidence to lead conversations, foster understanding, and call others into meaningful community action.

The Workshop Series

This three-part series will bring together a cohort of community-minded individuals from across the Mat-Su. Participants will move through the workshops together, building skills and relationships over time. 

There is no cost to participate. Workshops take place in-person in the Mat-Su. Each are scheduled to be hosted at the MatSu Health Foundation in Wasilla. 

Thank you to MatSu Health Foundation for their support of this workshop series! Because of their support, we are able to offer this cohort free of charge to Mat-Su residents (true cost to participate is $2100/participant). 

Leading Conversations to Build Community

October 7th & 8th, 2025

This two-day workshop equips participants with tools and practices to plan and lead conversations that bridge divides and strengthen community. Through hands-on experience, participants practice designing conversations, facilitate with purpose, and give and receive feedback to grow their skills.

During the workshop, participants learn to:

• Understand both the value and limitations of conversations for building community;

• Develop a concrete set of tools for planning and facilitating meaningful conversations;

• Co-design and facilitate a conversation;

• Experience a variety of conversation designs and facilitation styles; and 

• Practice both giving and receiving feedback in order to learn and grow as a facilitator.

Depolarizing Conversations to Build Community

December 4th & 5th, 2025

This full-day workshop equips participants with the skills to constructively engage with their neighbors across perspectives, and introduces tools for strengthening communities during times of conflict and distrust. This workshop focuses on one-on-one interactions and builds a strong foundation for future engagement.

You’ll gain:

• Tools for talking across divides;
  

• Deeper awareness of how your own experiences shape your views; and 
  

• Skills to build stronger relationships with those who see the world differently.
  
  

Storytelling to Build Community

March 26th & 27th, 2026
This two-day workshop helps participants uncover what drives them and share their purpose through storytelling. Each person develops a Public Narrative—Story of Self, Us, and Now —to inspire hope, build connection, and call others to collective action.

You’ll leave with:

• A powerful story of why you care;
  

• A sense of shared identity and community; and 
  

• A call to action others can connect with. 

Who Should Attend

This series is for anyone who cares about the future of the Mat-Su and wants to build stronger communities—teachers, parents, Tribal members, business owners, service providers, faith leaders, artists, young leaders, elders, and anyone else who wants to connect across difference.

We’re especially looking for a core group of participants who can commit to all three workshops and help shape the series alongside us.

Why Now?

The Mat-Su is changing fast. With growth comes opportunity—but also conflict. Residents have experienced rising political tensions, debates over education and culture, and increasing social isolation.These workshops offer a chance to connect, reflect, and build practical tools for stronger relationships and community health. Research shows that communities with high social trust experience better mental and emotional well-being. We want to help Mat-Su get there—together.

Our Commitment

• Open to all perspectives. This space is for everyone, not just one side or viewpoint.
  

• Locally rooted. We’re working with Mat-Su leaders, organizations, and Tribal leaders to shape this project in ways that reflect the community.

• Meaningful follow-up. We’ll be inviting participants to share what they’ve learned and experienced through a collaborative community session in Spring 2026.

Thanks to our sponsor, MatSu Health Foundation!