Duration: 90 minutes
About the workshop:
Neutrality is something many value about facilitation. However, neutrality can be difficult, especially when the group is engaged in conflict or, even more challenging, when conflict is directed at us.
In this lively, engaging session, we will explore the concept of neutrality, what it means for us as facilitators, and how to navigate issues of neutrality when surrounded by conflict. We'll draw insights from Deep Democracy, a form of facilitation, conflict resolution, and group process that emerged in South Africa as apartheid was beginning to be dismantled. We'll also consider challenges to neutrality, such as those brought by Bernie Meyer and Jackie Font-Guzman in their book, The Neutrality Trap.
Participants will leave with a more nuanced understanding of neutrality and how to remain grounded and effective when surrounded by conflict.
Learning Objectives
In this session, participants will:
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A more nuanced understanding of neutrality and its implications for individual facilitators
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Insights on how to remain grounded and effective when facilitating amidst conflict
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Experience with two Deep Democracy tools that can be used with groups experiencing conflict
NOTE: This workshop will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).
This is a 90-minute online workshop. It will take place at 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST.
Speakers:

Maya Townsend develops human-centered, conflict-positive organizations that bring out the best in people and allow them to collaborate productively across differences. She works with corporations, nonprofits, and coalitions to help identify strategies, mobilize networks, lead change, and resolve conflict. Co-editor of Handbook for Strategic HR (AMACOM), her writing on networks, change leadership, and business ecosystems has appeared in strategy+business, People & Strategy, Nonprofit Quarterly, and other publications. Past clients include the Austin Healthy Adolescent Initiative, Bayer, Biogen, Cambridge Community Development, Fidelity, Hanover Insurance, Headspace, and Open Sky Community Services. She holds an MSOD from American University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership & Change through Antioch University.

Ipek Utun’s passion is to contribute to a world where people dare and commit to live and lead with their full potential, with love and strength. Ipek is an ICF-certified PCC-level Coach, ORSCC Certified Relationship and Systems Coach, Certified Shadow Work Group Facilitator and Personal Coach, and Certified Deep Democracy Facilitator, Trainer, and Elder. She has extensive experience in coaching and training C-level executives, senior leadership teams, women’s leadership groups, as well as facilitating small to big group processes, which hold an emotional charge, polarization, and divisiveness. Ipek’s differentiating edge is her capacity to work with the deeper patterns driving complex situations and enabling personal or systemic transformation.
ONLINE WORKSHOP REMINDERS
- MAFN does not offer refunds for events. Anyone who registers for an event will receive a credit that can be applied to any other MAFN event, or to MAFN membership. Credits must be used within 2 years.
- Registered participants will receive instructions for joining the live session and any additional details 1 day in advance and the morning of the event. Please be sure to look for the link in your email.
- Workshops begin promptly at 12:00PM Eastern. Please log on at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure your internet connections, audio and other settings are functioning properly.
- MAFN Members have access to all online workshop recordings via the MAFN website.