Signature workshops & TRAINING

CONFLICT RESOLUTION & COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE

Communicating through Conflict

Designed to strengthen our interactions with co-workers, the public, and those in our personal lives, this interactive, skill-building workshop covers:

• why conflict occurs
• about your own style in conflict, and the styles of others
• how to listen and communicate effectively when conflicts arise
• how anger and other strong emotions affect our ability to resolve conflicts
• to identify triggers, and use self-talk to help you manage yourself in a conflict
• how to make requests in a positive, assertive way
   

Understanding Conflict: the Journey Inside Ourselves

This shorter, introductory workshop explores the dynamics of conflict and the power of strong emotions. Each participant will learn about their own innate style in conflict, and how to manage strong emotions and our triggers to respond more effectively when differences arise. 
 

The Reconciliation Toolkit for Faith Communities

This workshop provides spiritual context for reconciliation work, explores the dynamics of conflict, and allows participants to learn their innate style in conflict. Learn about handling strong emotions, and processes for conflict resolution through a restorative lens. Based on the principles of restorative justice and interest-based mediation and negotiation, this workshop takes participants on a journey of discovery about themselves and how they can help provide healing and hope when conflict arises.  Includes the training manual The Reconciliation Toolkit: Training in Conflict Resolution and Restorative Practices for Faith-based Communities.” 

The Communication Toolkit for Collaborative Practice

Working effectively in collaborative ways requires a variety of communication skills and a mindset that fosters teamwork, mutual respect, effective listening, and creative problem-solving. This workshop explores what effective collaboration looks like, with skill-building activities and active participation.
 

FOR EDUCATORS AND PARENTS

Growing great kids through restorative practices

The practices of restorative justice are transforming not just our legal system but also our schools. Discover how restorative practices can help you create respectful, safe, caring homes and classrooms in which children are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, have empathy and respect for others, and how to listen and forgive.

Building Strength:  a trauma-informed perspective on bullying and inner resilience

Helping children deal with conflict and bullying is a hot topic in schools today. This workshop explores how traumatic experiences influence how children experience conflict and bullying, and explores ways parents and teachers can foster resilience, coping skills, and inner strength. Strategies that foster safe, caring, and respectful school communities create the best antidote to bullying, by increasing protective factors and reducing risks through a trauma-informed and restorative approach.

Child Today, Leader Tomorrow:  Building moral character and emotional intelligence in our children

At the heart of every good leader is a principled, ethical core, enhanced by emotional intelligence and people skills. This seminar explores the cognitive development of moral reasoning and principled thinking in children and how to foster emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion, and collaboration to help children today become the leaders of tomorrow.

Are the kids alright?  The effects of trauma and loss on children and youth.

Students today face many life difficulties, including deaths of family members or school friends, and other significant stresses when families break down or face serious struggles. This session provides insight into how students are affected by trauma and loss, and how we can play a significant role in helping students navigate these challenges in the most troubling of times. Trauma-informed practice is an important competency for today’s educators. Participants will gain understanding from a theoretical and a practical perspective, with real life stories to bring the skills to life.
 

TRAUMA, GRIEF AND LOSS

From Darkness to Dawn:  Healing from Traumatic Loss

The loss of a loved one can be a devastating time, but grief complicated by homicide, suicide, accidents or other complex factors produces additional challenges for mourners and those who support them.  This workshop explores the effects of complicated grief, trauma, and the challenges for volunteers and other support personnel who want to provide sensitive and compassionate support.  Interactive learning opportunities will encourage participants to explore Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s “companioning” philosophy of grief support in a setting that balances theory with practical application, skill-building, and human story.

Are the kids alright?  The effects of trauma and loss on children and youth.

Students today face many life difficulties, including deaths of family members or school friends, and other significant stresses when families break down or face serious struggles. This session provides insight into how students are affected by trauma and loss, and how we can play a significant role in helping students navigate these challenges in the most troubling of times.  Trauma-informed practice is an important competency for today’s educators. Participants will gain understanding from a theoretical and a practical perspective, with real life stories to bring the skills to life.
 

LEADERSHIP

Effective Leadership in the Public Sector

*This workshop is easily adaptable for leaders in other sectors.

Good leadership requires people with a strong ethical core, who inspire trust and confidence from those around them. Discover the key behaviours of good leaders, their aspirations and skills, and how they create a collaborative environment of high performing team members. 
Text:  The Essentials of Leadership in Government:  Understanding the Basics, 2nd ed. By Darryl Plecas, Colette Squires and Len Garis.  Developed for the Emerging Leaders Program at the City of Surrey.

Paperback available on Amazon.ca

Free download here

PROGRAM DESIGN AND EVALUATION

From Passion to Proof:  the Power of Program Evaluation

Funders, stakeholders, and government need assurance that not-for-profit and charitable programs really deliver.  Join us for an interactive workshop that will help you design your programs to be evidence-based, with built-in tools for ongoing program evaluation.  Discover how you can translate your values and passion into measurable results! Includes training manual/workbook, which can also be purchased separately. 

Contact Colette to purchase

This workshop is offered to individual organizations for in-service training, and to large groups with participants from various organizations.
It can also include:

• Funding Proposals:  What Government is Looking For from Special Guest:  Professor Emeritus Dr. Darryl Plecas, former Speaker of the BC Legislature and MLA for Abbotsford South.

Need something different?  We are happy to create a new training experience for you and your organization!

Contact us and let us know what you have in mind.