Facilitation Cases

Resource Allocation

Problem: The Denver HIV Resource Council had a history of conflict in deciding how to allocate funding to a number of different agencies and organizations all needing funding for their HIV services/programs. Previous meetings to allocate resources resulted in essential tasks not being completed within the limited time available. Connection Partners, Inc. was asked to design an effective meeting process and to facilitate the meeting.

Results: Connection Partners, Inc. facilitated a two-hour meeting of about 25 participants representing community agencies and the HIV community that met all of the Council’s goals. Participants were able to prioritize and allocate funding for the remainder of the year.

---

Public Information and Input Meeting

Problem: The Boulder Homeless Shelter wanted to relocate to a centrally located building that would enable the Shelter to double its housing capacity. The move was highly controversial because of the proposed location's proximity to schools and residences. In order to win citizens' acceptance and city approval, the Shelter Board of Directors decided to hold a series of public information and feedback meetings. The Shelter Board decided that a facilitator was needed due to the highly emotional topic and the number of people expected to participate in each meeting.

Results: Connection Partners, Inc. designed and facilitated three highly interactive meetings with between 50 — 70 participants each. The Shelter Board Members presented their case and community members were able to voice their diverse points of views productively. After the meetings Bob Mann, Executive Director, Boulder Homeless Shelter said:

"There were several things about Tom Bache-Wiig’s facilitation that stand out compared to the other facilitators we used. First, Tom was able to create a setting for a productive meeting by deciding on and clearly articulating the steps or process for the meeting so participants knew what to expect. Second, he was able to project a sense of calmness and strength that kept the meeting productive. Third, he was able to question the participants, extrapolate out and neutrally restate their key points."

---

Annual Strategic Planning Meeting

Problem: The Grass Roots Recycling Network sought facilitation for their annual retreat because past retreats had not produced desired results. Connection Partners, Inc. worked with the key stakeholders to plan the meeting. They clarified the desired goals for the retreat, which included time to describe and get feedback on past projects, solicit ideas for new projects, and commit to no more than five projects for the coming year.

Results: Connection Partners, Inc. facilitated the day-and-a-half meeting for 40 participants from around the world. Following discussion about the years' past achievements, participants generated a list of 33 new ideas for projects. The project ideas were narrowed to the five of highest priority. Participants then worked in small groups that resulted in their committing time and resources to the projects and action plans to achieve the groups' identified goals.