Below is a review of the 4th class of PACE: People’s Academy for Community Engagement. This seven-month, civic leadership development program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods builds the skills of emerging community leaders in a multicultural and participatory adult learning environment. This program is led by a team of our Neighborhood District Coordinators for 30 selected participants who will complete the program in October.
Council meetings, design charettes, world cafés, and government presentations – these were some of the meeting formats explored by PACE participants in the 4th session entitled “Event Planning and Meeting Facilitation.” Two community facilitators led participants in an exploration of what makes for good meetings and events: Lee Harper, director of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, and Karl de Jong, founder of Visualize Increased Engagement West Seattle (VIEWS), secretary of the Southwest District Council, and vice-president of the Admiral Neighborhood Association. Participants simulated four types of meetings to get a sense of their advantages and disadvantages. They also learned about developing a strategic agenda, decision-making, and meeting follow-up. In addition, the facilitators highlighted event planning tips and demonstrated reverse-calendar event planning.
We look forward to the next session, which will be on August 23 on “Community Project Management, Resource Development, and Problem Solving.”
– Ed Pottharst
