In a lively and interactive session, we will dive into Liberating Structures (http://www.liberatingstructures.com/), a set of facilitation techniques that quickly fosters lively, meaningful participation to mobilize groups of any size. Liberating Structures are designed to create a safe space to amplify all voices and unleash innovation. These tested techniques are being used all over the world, in hospitals, universities, nonprofits, and corporate settings, for better outcomes. In a quick-paced and energetic session, we will focus on some techniques that can be used in a training setting to help break the ice, share learning, build knowledge, and more. Come prepared to learn by doing!
Our facilitators for the evening are Mae Cooper and Erin Stock who have organized the DC Liberating Structures User Group which is dedicated to the practice of Liberating Structures.
Mae Cooper is a trainer and facilitator with a focus in collaborative and interactive approaches to learning and meeting design. Using experiential learning practices, Mae harnesses the experience, diversity, and knowledge of a group to address strategic challenges. Currently, she manages training, professional development, and team retreats for the George Washington University Division of Development and Alumni Relations. She holds a Master of Education in Community Development from Vanderbilt University, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from George Washington University, and is certified in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and Strengths Finder.
Erin Stock is a D.C.-based nonprofit communications professional with a passion for helping groups perform better. As a facilitator, she uses techniques that include and unleash everyone, and designs purpose-driven meetings that enable teams to achieve more together. A Liberating Structures (LS) practitioner, Erin has been using the methodology in her work since 2012, when she studied at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. She has designed and facilitated meetings for various groups, including teams at The World Bank, USAID, and YNPNDC. In addition to her Master's of Public Service, she holds a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University. She is currently the communications director at ICFJ.
Please note: Programs begin at 6:00 with informal networking and refreshments until around 6:20 when the evening's formal program begins. Programs end at 8:00. We provide light snacks and bottled water. Attendees are encouraged to bring light meals with them, such as sandwiches, wraps or salads. There are several limited service eating establishments within a few blocks of Founders Hall that offer such fare. There is also a limited service restaurant in the lobby of Founders Hall that remains open until 8:30.
If you register and are no longer able to attend, please send an email to cop_instructional_design@dcatd.org.
Venue: George Mason University Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA. (Room 207)
Directions to Founders Hall:
From Washington, DC:
Cross over the Roosevelt Bridge; follow signs to the George Washington Parkway. Once on the parkway, exit at Spout Run (left exit). Cross over Route 29 (Lee Highway). Spout Run is now Kirkwood Road. Cross over Washington Boulevard. Founders Hall is on the right, at North Fairfax Drive.
From I-66 heading east:
Exit I-66 at Glebe Road/Fairfax Drive (exit 71). The exit ramp turns into Fairfax Drive. After traveling one mile on North Fairfax Drive, you will see the FDIC building on the left. Founders Hall is past the FDIC building.
*Note: All eastbound lanes of I-66 inside the Beltway are restricted to HOV-2 from 6:30 am to 9:00 am and all westbound lanes of I-66 inside the Beltway are restricted to HOV-2 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
From I-66 heading west:
Exit I-66 at Glebe Road (exit 71). Turn left onto Washington Boulevard. Stay on Washington Boulevard until you pass the Giant Supermarket; then turn right onto Kirkwood Road. Founders Hall is on the right, at North Fairfax Drive.
*Note: All eastbound lanes of I-66 inside the Beltway are restricted to HOV-2 from 6:30 am to 9:00 am and all westbound lanes of I-66 inside the Beltway are restricted to HOV-2 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
From I-395:
Exit I-395 at Glebe Road North. Continue on Glebe Road, passing Ballston Common Mall on the right. Cross over Wilson Boulevard, then turn right onto Fairfax Drive. After one mile you will see the FDIC building on the left. Founders Hall is past the FDIC building.
From Fairfax and Points West, via Route 50:
Go east on Route 50 (Arlington Blvd.). Exit at Glebe Road, and turn left on Glebe. Turn right on Fairfax Drive. The Arlington Campus is one mile down on North Fairfax Drive, past the FDIC building, on the left.
Please note: Paid visitor garage parking ($3/hr) is available onsite at Founders Hall as is limited street parking outside the building. We do not provide validation for attendees who park in the visitor garage.
By Metro:
Take the Orange Line to the Virginia Square/GMU station. The Arlington Campus is approximately 2 blocks Take the escalator to the street level, and turn to face Fairfax Drive. Across the street and to the right, you will see the FDIC building. Cross the street and continue past the FDIC building. Founders Hall is on the left.