Mid-Atlantic Facilitators Network upcoming events

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION: Jumpstart Your MAFN Journey (04/10/2026)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Duration: 90 minutes

About the event:

Join us for our April New Member Orientation!! This New Member Orientation allows members to quickly get up to speed with all things MAFN. These sessions are designed to:

Introduce MAFN's benefits and resources, ensuring you know how to access and use them.

Connect you with fellow new members and MAFN leaders, building your professional network.

Engage you with interactive discussions about effective facilitation and navigating our community.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or connect with like-minded professionals, our orientation is the perfect start. And even if you have been part of MAFN for a while yet are not totally sure you know about all the organization has to offer - please join us!

NOTE: This meeting will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).

MAFN Online Workshop: Facilitating Meetings with Clients Dealing with Adversity (04/24/2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Duration: 90 minutes

About the workshop:

Many organizations are facing adversity due to cuts in federal funding and other changes in federal policies. This means that many clients are facing ongoing hardship. Adversity can cause leaders and staff to become indecisive, hopeless, or unmotivated, thus lessening the impact clients seek to have.

Addressing adversity must be part of our work with clients. Facilitators need to consider the challenges that clients may face to provide effective support and ensure that project outcomes are successful.

The workshop will explore what happens to organizations when they encounter adversity, and learn strategies and approaches to enhance consultant effectiveness and client satisfaction.

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

Gain a deeper understanding of how adversity appears in individuals and groups

Learn a tool for supporting clients to deal with adversity

Learn strategies that can help clients facing adverse hardship

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 EDT.

Speaker:

Valerie Graff offers 40 years of working successfully at a senior level, advising and influencing leaders, collaboratively working with senior executives in the areas of organizational change, leadership development, strategic and long-range planning, improving communications and teamwork, assessing culture, strategy, leadership and people processes in meeting organizational mission and goals. Additionally, she has coached senior executives and executive teams to enhance their performance. Valerie has been responsible for developing and implementing culture change, communications, leadership and team initiatives that changed entire agencies and organizations.

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.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

MAFN Online Workshop Series: Facilitation Skills for Peacebuilding Wherever You Are (05/05/2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Duration: 3-part Series, 90 minutes each.

Session 1: 05/05/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Session 2: 05/12/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Session 3: 05/19/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

About the workshop:

The United States stands at a pivotal moment. We’re living through a time of deepening political divides, strained relationships, and fraying trust in democratic systems. But amid these challenges lies an opportunity — to choose connection over conflict, curiosity over contempt, and courage over fear. Facilitators — in workplaces, communities, classrooms, congregations, and beyond — have a unique power to guide people through difficult conversations, toward shared understanding, and into collective action.

Join us for a highly engaging, experiential training series designed to equip facilitators to lead groups wherever they are with practical and proven methods that promote resilience and peace.

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

Discover how neuroscience and bias influence facilitation
Determine how to get grounded and centered to lead with clarity
Practice deliberative facilitation methods through a hands-on Citizens' Assembly simulation
Learn and practice a Facilitated Dialogue Approach rooted in mediation to help groups listen deeply, find common ground and move forward together
Develop an action plan to apply peacebuilding skills to your work

NOTE: This series will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).

This is a 90-minute online workshop series. All 3 sessions will be held from 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT.

Speakers:

Susan Levin is the founder and president of Dialogue for Solutions, a global consulting firm dedicated to amplifying individual and organizational strengths to create lasting, impactful results. As a certified PCC coach and certified mediator, she has worked in more than 40 countries providing facilitation, strategic planning, teambuilding, leadership development and change management services. Some of her clients include Daimler/Mercedes-Benz, , U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the United Nations, National Institutes of Health, Women in Aerospace and the former U.S. Agency for International Development. Susan is an instructor at Columbia University in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution graduate program, and holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University.

Danielle M. Reiff is a peacebuilder, writer, and editor of the upcoming book “Overcoming Information Chaos: A Guide to Building Peaceful Communities in the Digital Age.” Before retiring from the U.S. diplomatic corps, she specialized in supporting democratic transitions and peace processes around the world. She is the founder of the non-partisan Peacebuilders initiative to promote empathy, dialogue, consultation, and other forms of nonviolence as essential for advancing peaceful social change. Danielle earned a graduate degree in International Relations and Peace as a member of the first ever cadre of Rotary Peace Fellows. She was a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso (West Africa) from 1998-2000.

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.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

MAFN Online Workshop Series: Facilitation Skills for Peacebuilding Wherever You Are (05/12/2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Duration: 3-part Series, 90 minutes each.

Session 1: 05/05/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Session 2: 05/12/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Session 3: 05/19/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

About the workshop:

Join us for a highly engaging, experiential training series designed to equip facilitators to lead groups wherever they are with practical and proven methods that promote resilience and peace.

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

Discover how neuroscience and bias influence facilitation
Determine how to get grounded and centered to lead with clarity
Practice deliberative facilitation methods through a hands-on Citizens' Assembly simulation
Learn and practice a Facilitated Dialogue Approach rooted in mediation to help groups listen deeply, find common ground and move forward together
Develop an action plan to apply peacebuilding skills to your work

NOTE: This series will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).

This is a 90-minute online workshop series. All 3 sessions will be held from 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT.

Speakers:

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.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

MAFN Online Workshop: From Stress To Success: The Power of Laughter (05/15/2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Duration: 90 minutes

About the workshop:

From Stress to Success is a high-energy, interactive session that uses humor to tackle workplace burnout. It begins with a comedic personal story, then dives into the impact of stress on teams, backed by science and real-life data. Participants learn actionable humor-based tools to reduce stress, boost morale, and foster connection.

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

Understanding the Impact of Laughter on Team Dynamics – Explore how laughter cultivates trust, builds rapport, and strengthens bonds, creating a more resilient and cohesive team.
Reducing Workplace Stress through Laughter-Based Activities – Learn practical laughter exercises and techniques that help lower stress, enhance well-being, and create a healthier workplace environment
Enhancing Employee Engagement and Morale – Dive into the role of laughter in making work environments more enjoyable, inspiring employees to engage more fully and bring their authentic selves to work.

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 EDT.

Speakers:

Stefano Iaboni is the founder of Smile Solution LLC, a company dedicated to enhancing workplace creativity, bonding, and well-being through humor-driven experiential training.

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.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

MAFN Online Workshop Series: Facilitation Skills for Peacebuilding Wherever You Are (05/19/2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Duration: 3-part Series, 90 minutes each.

Session 1: 05/05/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Session 2: 05/12/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
Session 3: 05/19/2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

About the workshop:

Join us for a highly engaging, experiential training series designed to equip facilitators to lead groups wherever they are with practical and proven methods that promote resilience and peace.

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

Discover how neuroscience and bias influence facilitation
Determine how to get grounded and centered to lead with clarity
Practice deliberative facilitation methods through a hands-on Citizens' Assembly simulation
Learn and practice a Facilitated Dialogue Approach rooted in mediation to help groups listen deeply, find common ground and move forward together
Develop an action plan to apply peacebuilding skills to your work

NOTE: This series will be recorded for distribution to all who register (breakout rooms will not be recorded).

This is a 90-minute online workshop series. All 3 sessions will be held from 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT.

Speakers:

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.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

(FREE) MAFN Networking: Connecting Differently: A Play-Based Networking Experience (06/02/2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This event is FREE for everyone to join!

Duration: 90 minutes

About the event:

Let’s face it: even the best facilitators can find traditional networking... less than inspiring. Awkward intros, surface-level small talk, and that familiar “what am I doing here?” feeling. We've all been there.

This virtual networking event is designed to connect through play, not pressure. We’ll engage in light, structured activities that spark real conversation, fresh ideas, and potential collaborations.

No awkward icebreakers. No forced small talk. Just a space to show up as you are, connect with others who do what you do, and leave feeling energized — not drained.

Come curious, come playful — and leave with new connections that matter

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

1) Get to know other MAFN members and guests.

2) Explore shared interests and best practices related to facilitation.

3) Learning a few games you can incorporate into your facilitation engagements.

NOTE:

We will NOT be recording our Networking sessions.
These sessions are FREE for everyone.

This is a 90-minute online networking event. It will take place at 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT.

Speaker:

Alex Suchman is the CEO and co-founder of Barometer XP, whose mission is to create cultures where people are excited about their work because they feel a strong sense of purpose and belonging. She uses games and play to strengthen interpersonal dynamics, such as trust, accountability, and psychological safety, in the workplace.

ONLINE EVENT REMINDERS

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.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

2026 Annual Meeting - and Networking (06/11/2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Duration: 90 minutes

About the workshop:

Come join your fellow MAFN members for our Annual Meeting. We will have networking, a review of our FY25 accomplishments, along with a preview of our updated strategic plan and FY26 goals.

This is an opportunity for you to share your ideas about MAFN's future activities and growth.

We will also introduce our newly elected Board members!

See you there!

NOTE: This meeting will NOT be recorded, so please join us live!

Please note that this is for MAFN members only.

For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.

MAFN Online Workshop: Revealing and Transforming Invisible Dynamics with Organizational Constellations (06/12/2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Duration: 90 minutes

About the workshop:

Constellations offer a powerful experiential methodology for uncovering the invisible dynamics that shape team, community and organizational relationships, culture and impact. In this highly interactive session, participants will experience firsthand how spatial representation and embodied knowing can reveal systemic patterns that traditional analytical approaches often miss. Together we'll explore how often-unseen forces – hidden loyalties, excluded voices, and unexplored inner resources - can either block or catalyze the outcomes we seek. Participants will leave with both a visceral understanding of systemic dynamics and practical tools for integrating constellations into their facilitation tool kits.

Learning Objectives

In this session, participants will:

Understanding of Constellation Methodology: Core principles, brief history, and theoretical foundations of organizational constellation work, including when and why to use this approach in OD practice.
Embodied Awareness of Invisible Systemic Forces: Through interactive activities, participants will gain a visceral experience of organizational systems through spatial relationships, energy patterns, and collective unconscious dynamics. They'll develop the ability to recognize hidden forces such as excluded stakeholders, unacknowledged conflicts, and systemic entanglements.
Strategies for Applying Constellations in Practice: Practical approaches for integrating constellation insights into OD consulting, coaching, team facilitation, and other organizational interventions to amplify effectiveness and impact.

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 EDT.

Speaker:

Margarita Rozenfeld is the CEO of Incite International, an award-winning leadership and organizational development company providing consulting, strategic planning, facilitation, and training services to non-profit, corporate, and public sector clients. Organizations that have benefited from her services include Pew Charitable Trusts, Melwood, World Bank, and Federal Transit Administration.

Margarita is a frequent speaker on topics of strategy, leadership, employee engagement, cross-cultural communications, and organizational development. Her expertise has been featured in The Atlantic, Washington Business Journal, Washington Post, and several books on organizational effectiveness. She is a member of Leadership Greater Washington and serves on the board of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement.

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.
For registration or membership questions contact info@mafn.org.