I started my facilitation business to help individuals in groups hold meaningful and productive discussions and make beneficial decisions. I facilitate meetings, workshops, sessions, community events ... and any other gathering where people want to have great conversations leading to decisions and actions. I enjoy facilitating in-person and online (virtual). Please visit my website for information about services and a list of clients: www.barbpedersen.caAs a facilitator, I help a group decide what it wants to achieve; then hold meaningful and at times, difficult, conversations; and, ultimately, reach beneficial and well-supported decisions. I incorporate Focus on the important information and perspectives, Fervour and passion about the topic and decisions, and Fun activities into discussions.As a trainer, I believe in "learn to do by doing"; and therefore, use experiential activities and practical examples to help participants understand and apply information. I train in group facilitation, community development and engagement, and team building.Facilitating strategic planning:I combine my facilitation skills and knowledge of strategic planning processes to assist organizations with developing effective, realistic, and motivating strategic plans for three to fifty years. I facilitate planning processes lasting from one day to ten months. Organizations that I work with say that the plans are never left on the shelf.Facilitating team building:I am certified in the Better Teams Model through the Better Teams Academy. This model starts with five components that comprise an effective team. Using the model, I offer team assessments, team building activities, and team planning.Examples of projects and clients:Over 26 years, I have enjoyed and been challenged by many wonderful individuals in fascinating projects. Please see projects and clients at my website: www.barbpedersen.ca

In addition to my facilitation services, I provide grant proposal writing for a select number of clients. This gives me ongoing insight into governance and operations of non-profit organizations and goals and priorities of corporate and government entities re: community projects; all useful in my facilitation work.

My work with the Canadian Cancer Society is an example of the ways in which I collaborate with an agency over several years to create and deliver a project. In this role, I facilitated sessions with multiple stakeholders in the cities in Alberta as part of the Smoke-free Policy in Multi-Unit Housing accommodation; I advised, consulted, and coached staff about community engagement processes; and trained staff in facilitation skills.

In this role, I provided municipal government services, community leadership development, and public engagement to non-profit organizations. I started my journey to my facilitation career by helping create successful meetings, strategic plans, and community events with 100s of volunteers.