ASA_Facilitation

Here’s a look at an amazing event I facilitated with Angie Asa-Lovstad for a high-capacity community coalition in Polk County, Florida! We took on the Wall of Wonder facilitation method—a technique typically used with smaller groups—and scaled it up for a crowd of 100+! ?? This interactive process is designed to help groups map out their historical journey, highlighting trends, turning points, and catalysts that inform future strategic or sustainability plans. Participants filled the wall with key moments from their coalition’s past, identifying significant eras they named "Reactive, Awareness, Change, Crisis, and Hope." It was a powerful experience seeing this coalition’s journey come to life—uncovering their growth and setting a strong foundation for what’s next. ???? #drugcoalitions #engagement #strategicplanning #communityawareness

What is your WHY statement? If you're unsure, take the time to uncover it. Your WHY serves as your "North Star," guiding you in everything you do. It aligns your work with your deeper purpose, helping to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Simon Sinek challenges us to introduce ourselves through the lens of what gets us up every morning with passion and curiosity. People don't connect with your JOB—that's just WHAT you do. They aren't drawn in by the HOW—the tasks. What truly resonates with others is your WHY. It's this core belief that draws people in and keeps them engaged when they see their own WHY reflected in yours, or in your organization’s mission. This week, I and my colleague/co-trainer, Dave, introduced this concept to participants in Cohort 2 of the Prevention Leaders Masterclass. They discovered shared origin stories and are excited to grow as leaders, finding common ground in their journeys. I also had the privilege of guiding mentor directors and coordinators across Iowa through this discovery process. When you move beyond the "what" and "how," you tap into the draw that attracts future mentors and donors—laying the foundation for sustainability. As you seek out your WHY, remember it’s not about your JOB (as my colleague Dave often reminds us). Instead, consider what has shaped you into the person you are today. What stories in your life continue to pull you in? My WHY fuels my drive to #Connect_Spark_Ignite in all I do. Whether I'm developing a training or facilitating a group, I ask myself: How will this connect with participants, spark understanding, and ignite new ways to be change-makers? My goal is to help people find purpose and connect with one another, leaving them energized and ready to approach their work with fresh perspectives.

“Our best work and greatest contribution to the world comes when we show up as our true imperfect vulnerable selves.” When you grow up in a small town you know everyone. So when someone passes you pause for a moment and read the obituary and reflect on how you knew this person. At the end of this particular obituary of a well respected business man in our community, his family shared this quote which he kept in his bible. As I took a moment to remember him, I recalled being in Rotary with he and his adoring wife years ago. I realize it is people like Tom and his wife that helped shape my life’s journey. RIP Tom and know that you were part of my life’s ripples…and loved by many! #Connect_Spark_Ignite

Ever wondered what goes on beneath the surface for teams? There’s a lot more to achieving effective resilience than we often think ?? #WorkBetterTogether

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When is enough - enough? The interested parties of a planning process may always have something more to contribute, but often that is where plans get stuck in the “starting blocks”. I recall facilitating a community who had completed a pretty thorough data dive and on the day planning was to start, a key contributor was able to join us… with a 10 inch stack of data. To honor and respect this contributor we did pause for the highlights that might inform our planning process. Curious others experience in getting a plan off the “starting block”. Share your stories. #Connect_Spark_Ignite ASA_Facilitation

Want to learn more about what people experience in a cohort when they focus on their issues, their challenges, and most importantly their growth? Reach out to myself or Dave Closson M.S. and we will share our experience in guiding people through this journey. We limit the cohort size for optimum learning experience so reserve your spot today. If you have been with us in a cohort learning - share what your what your experience was. ASA_Facilitation and DJC Solutions LLC #Prevention #Togetherisbetter