Engaging and Energizing Participants Using Liberating Structures

Participants will be immersed in learning Liberating Structures, a set of facilitation techniques that quickly fosters lively, meaningful participation to mobilize groups of any size. Liberating Structures create a safe space to amplify all voices and unleash innovation. These tested techniques are being used all over the world, in hospitals, universities, nonprofits, and corporate settings, for better outcomes. In a quick-paced and energetic session, participants will engage in Liberating Structures practices to reflect on their own work while learning more about what these techniques are and how they engage and energize participants.  Through this workshop, participants will:

• Learn to integrate Liberating Structures into their practice;

• Gain the ability to explain the philosophy behind liberating structures and where to find more information;

• Share challenges around energizing and engaging groups; and

• Identify techniques to engage a group of any size based on the goal of their discussion

About the presenters:

Erin Stock is a D.C.-based nonprofit communications professional with a passion for helping groups perform better. As a facilitator, she uses techniques that include and unleash everyone, and designs purpose-driven meetings that enable teams to achieve more together. A Liberating Structures (LS) practitioner, Erin has been using the methodology in her work since 2012, when she studied at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. She has designed and facilitated meetings for various groups, including teams at The World Bank, USAID, and YNPNDC. In addition to her Master of Public Service degree, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Mae Cooper is a trainer and facilitator with a focus in collaborative and interactive approaches to learning and meeting design. Using experiential learning practices, Ms. Cooper harnesses the experience, diversity, and knowledge of a group to address strategic challenges. Currently, she manages training, professional development, and team retreats for the George Washington University Division of Development and Alumni Relations. Ms. Cooper holds a Master of Education in Community Development from Vanderbilt University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from George Washington University, and is certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Strengths Finder.