FACILITATION
Leading community-driven organizations is never easy — especially when you’re committed to including the voices of diverse stakeholders. You know your work demands bringing the entire community along, yet today’s polarized issues can make this feel daunting.
At Spark & Compass, our experienced facilitators create inclusive, productive spaces that help you navigate challenges and move forward with clarity. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, school district, or public organization, we bring the tools and structure to elevate your work and foster trust.
We specialize in:
Focused Conversations to surface insight and promote understanding
Consensus Workshops to align priorities and deepen collaboration
Action Planning to move from vision to implementation
Strong governance requires clarity, collaboration, and intentionality. Our facilitation services support boards and leadership teams in navigating critical conversations, setting strategic priorities, and strengthening governance practices. With Spark & Compass by your side, you’ll gain the confidence and capacity to lead your organization toward the future your community deserves.
We design our facilitation services to align with our clients’needs. Common workshops include:
Summer Pre-Election Retreat: Laying the Groundwork for Leadership
Purpose: Prepare the board and community for upcoming board elections by setting the stage for effective governance and informed leadership transitions.
Focus Areas include:
Crafting a Community Connections Plan
Design a clear, customized stakeholder engagement plan that ensures future board members understand the values and priorities of the community they serve.
Introduction to Being a School Board Candidate
Provide potential candidates and community leaders with insight into governance roles and responsibilities—promoting informed decision-making and stronger candidate pools.
Board Communication Norms
Establish or revisit shared communication expectations to support effective collaboration through and beyond the election cycle.
Recommended for: Boards looking to increase transparency, trust, and readiness ahead of an election.
Post-Election Governance Team Retreat: Building a Cohesive Governance Team
Purpose: Equip the newly formed board with the clarity, alignment, and shared purpose needed to govern effectively.
Focus Areas include:
Board Roles & Responsibilities
Clarify the distinct functions of governance, build shared understanding among new and returning members, and create a foundation for collaboration.
Board Principles & Agreements
Facilitate the development of core governance principles and team agreements that guide decision-making and build a united board culture.
Designing a Governance Calendar
Co-create an annual governance roadmap to ensure proactive planning, strategic focus, and aligned priorities throughout the year.
Recommended for: Boards with new members or leadership changes seeking alignment, trust, and strategic clarity.
Lean In and Rise Above When Conflicts Hit
Boardroom conflicts are inevitable, but they don’t have to be destructive. This session equips your board with the skills to navigate disagreements productively, ensuring that tensions lead to growth rather than division. We focus on fostering trust, effective communication, and decision-making strategies that keep your board focused on mission-driven outcomes.
Recommended for: Boards or administrative teams experiencing tension, communication challenges, or significant differences in perspectives.
Navigating with a Governance Compass
Effective governance requires a guiding framework. Our Governance Compass provides a structured approach to decision-making, helping boards evaluate actions based on policies, priorities, relationships, and resource impact. This session ensures your board stays aligned with its mission while making informed, strategic choices.
Recommended for: Boards seeking a structured approach to decision-making and alignment with governance best practices.
Crafting a Community Connections Plan
Going beyond public comment, this session helps boards design a comprehensive stakeholder connection plan that actively engages stakeholders and identifies their core values. A key element of the board’s role, knowing the values of those on whose behalf you govern is often seen as overwhelming—this workshop breaks it down into bite-sized, actionable steps. Participants will explore strategies for gathering input, fostering two-way communication, and building lasting relationships with their community. The result is a customized, perpetual plan that strengthens governance and ensures stakeholder voices inform decision-making.
Recommended for: Boards looking to deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen community relationships, and improve the effectiveness of governance input.
Introduction to Being a School Board Candidate Session
This professional development session is designed to prepare individuals considering school board candidacy by providing an informative and interactive experience. Participants will gain insight into board service, governance structures, and best practices for effective leadership. The goal is to inform potential board members on the district and their role as a board member, while also strengthening trust and engagement within the community.
Recommended for: Organizations wanting to prepare individuals considering school board candidacy, including community leaders and others interested in understanding governance roles before running for office.
