Three methods. A shared way forward.
- Focused Conversation: Balance all the facts, feelings, ideas, and wisdom at the table.
- Consensus Workshop: Guide groups to true consensus.
- Action Planning: Make action plans that meet goals and gain ownership from the whole team.
ICA’s Technology of Participation (ToP)® methods are group facilitation methods that are applicable in any setting where groups need to make collective decisions or plans. Each of the different tools within the body of work have specific and intended outcomes. Overall, our methods aim to help groups come to consensus on where they are, why they are there, where they would like to be, and what they will do together to help them get to where they need to go.
What these methods make possible
ToP methods support collaboration in decision making and action among individuals, organizations, and communities. They allow for transformative group journeys.
- Host meaningful conversations that result in shared decisions or resolve.
- Reach consensus and focus on areas of shared agreement.
- Hear all voices and draw on group wisdom.
- Recognize and honor everyone's contributions.
- Work with more data in less time.
- Pool individual contributions into larger, more informative patterns.
- Encourage strategic thinking through group wisdom and creativity.
- Promote group ownership of the resulting plan.
- Welcome diversity while minimizing polarization and conflict.
Learning formats
The in-person course focuses on facilitating in a shared physical space and runs for two days. Asheville trainings are held at YMI Cultural Center. See individual events for confirmed daily times.
The online format focuses on facilitating in an online environment. The existing course format is three days, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; ask us about future online dates and their timezone.
Course fees
Tiered pricing is available by organization type and individual or student status. Ask us about current rates for your chosen date.