Edie Carr
ecarr@isd2142.k12.mn.us
Edie Carr uses the ToP methods for many things in her work as well as some independent facilitation for non-profits, schools and government agencies. The most exciting recent experience is a strategic plan with a local school district. They are excited about their plan and working hard at implementation and soon will be having their first quarterly review meeting. They are using the Strategic Plan to help get their operating referendum passed this fall. It failed by a small margin last year. Participant quote: “WOW, we really came up with some good ideas!”
Quote from the local newspaper about the Strategic Planning process: “The district now is unified and is clearly assessing from the ground up what’s lacking, what’s needed and ways to keep the district viable five years ahead."
Howard Bode
www.newinsights.biz
I trained about 20 people from Faribault on how to conduct a focused conversation for a school board forum held here last week. It was to get the public's reaction to the vision and mission statement the board developed. Wednesday morning I will lead a focused conversation on the same subject for the facilitators. My MTOP training continues to help me in so many situations.
Executive Secretary – Hispanic/Latino Ministries
General Board of Global Ministries
New York, NY
MToP 2006
Attending and completing the MToPTM year long intensive course was one of the best training experiences of my career. It enabled me to hone my facilitation, leadership and organizational development skills. I gained a comprehensive understanding of the Technology of Participation methods and techniques. These methods are highly effective for engaging large and small groups in shared meaning and decision-making processes that build teamwork, form consensus, and develop ownership.
The MToPTM training course provided me with community engagement and development tools for successfully writing and acquiring a $750,000 capacity building grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This grant was awarded to a faith-based non-profit organization that I established in Austin, Texas.
I currently use MToPTM methods and workshops in my work with the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). This organization is the mission agency of the United Methodist Church. I provide facilitation, strategic planning and leadership workshops for planning groups and churches throughout the United Methodist denomination in the United States.
MToPTM taught me the value of engaging and working with groups in a more focused, intentional and strategic manner. Planning and ministry groups that I facilitate are continuously happy with the results and outcomes. I owe this success to the MToPTM course.
Gary Davis
Gary Davis facilitates meetings using the Technology of Participation. A product of the international Masters of Technology of Participation program, Gary works with all types of groups ranging from cardiologists to pork producers. Gary has facilitated more than 300 retreats throughout the United States. He has also worked in Canada and Great Britain. Although most of his work has focused on governance and strategic planning, Gary likes to customize his approach in order to meet the client's immediate needs. There is no charge for an initial consultation. References are available upon request. Gary's web site is: www.boardsolutions.info. He lives in Lincoln, Illinois, where he retired after 34 years in higher education.
Beth Marie Ward
BethMarie Ward is currently in the Minnesota Technology of Participation’s certification program. She has over 15 years experience working with non-profit, philanthropic, political, and educational agencies. She received her Master’s Degree in Organizational Development with an emphasis on sustainability from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. BethMarie is also active with many community organizing projects where she utilizes her skills to bring multiple perspectives together to create positive action. She thrives on strategic thinking and design to incite change.
I don't think that I can remember learning so much in such a short time. I
really enjoyed watching, taking notes, and trying to see how this new
information would enhance what I already can provide to my clients. The
(Group Facilitation Methods) two days weren't just a brush up. The time was
filled with critique, encouragement, support from other very qualified
facilitators, and a genuine sense of accomplishment. Thank you!
-Peg Thomas, Strategeries: NonProfit Business Directions
November 2007
We are continuing support with brown bag lunches about every two weeks. As ToP Facilitators about 6-8 came to practice sessions and presented at a community Sobriety Event to host Community Planning Consensus Walls, for various visiting tribal groups to take home, at end of Sept. One person has hosted several community sessions to address Housing Issues. Another group has had two planning meetings/practice sessions to host a community meeting on creating a Food Policy for Oneida Nov. 28th. The Youth Educational Services department (sent 7 staff in Aug)uses GFM for staff meetings and hosted a Youth Summit in Sept, where they used the process to gather information from youth regarding issues in our community. We are using the ToP facilitations methods in our involvement with the Oneida Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response (CCR)Team and the Prevention Sub-Committee. Participants include Oneida programs, DV Shelters from two counties, DA’s, Probation and Parole, Police Officer…[Linda Alton]
-Wise Women Gathering Place
Thank you so much for working with us on the action planning process with family shelter service providers. I can't tell you enough how big of an impact this has made. The facilitators did a great job guiding the discussion and moving us toward action. We have been operating as part of a politically charged collaborative that was literally at a stand still. The work done today and with the support of the facilitators navigating through the challenges made it possible for us to move forward. People left seeing possbilities and the dynamics have changed. Very exciting
-Jim Durdle, Family Service Center, Housing and Emergency Services
Catholic Charities, St. Paul, Minnesota
Has anyone from the Council sent you a note letting you know how often and successfully we have used our TOP training around here? Since April, we’ve used it for our strategic planning with staff and board, for a key consensus building workshop with staff board and ‘external’ participants, for designing our project workplans and for myriad other internal needs…thought you’d like to know!
—Susan Smoluchowski, VP, Council on Crime and Justice
October 2007
Group Facilitation Methods gave me the training I needed to gain confidence in the area of facilitaion. The classroom provided a safe environment to try out new skills and techniques. And the trainers are real pros!"
- Audrey Thomas, of "Organizing Audrey"
"Group Facilitation Methods is simply the best facilitation training I have ever taken.
Great job!
- Lyle H. Iron Moccasin, American Indian OIC
"This is what I have been searching for…the role of guiding others to their knowledge rather than imparting mine. This is the first time I've left a training wanting to be part of the group I'm leaving."
- Brenda Norman, Minnesota Governors Workforce Development Council
One Day Courses 
