Facilitation Training: Leading Effective Collaboration
Better Conversations. Stronger Decisions. Real Progress.
In a time of complexity, polarization, and big decisions, facilitation isn’t optional—it’s essential.
This two-day, in-person training goes beyond tools to help you think and lead like a facilitator. You’ll learn how to hold space for diverse perspectives, navigate conflict productively, and guide groups from conversation to action.
You’ll Gain
- A facilitator mindset grounded in curiosity, discovery, and the ability to hold multiple perspectives
- A deeper understanding of how groups move from dialogue → deliberation → decision-making
- Core skills including active listening, reflective responses, and powerful question design
- Tools and frameworks for structuring effective, inclusive, and action-oriented meetings
- Hands-on practice facilitating, with real-time feedback
I would recommend a partnership because of the amazing guidance and compassion shown. I felt completely lost at first, but Civic Canopy leadership not only coached me and motivated me, I was also connected to invaluable resources.
Who’s it for?
Many of us have been called to step into a role as a facilitator with little or no formal training. You may naturally be someone who provides support to groups in the moments that shape what comes next. Or you may have been the title of “facilitator” for a collaborative because of your experience on an issue, but lack the tools to move a group toward shared decision-making and action.
This training is for anyone who wants to improve their ability to help groups collaborate toward their shared goals, including:
- Team leaders trying to improve their team’s performance
- Individuals growing their leadership skills by harnessing the power of a collective
- Government staff engaging their community in decision-making
- Non-profits working with other organizations to increase impact
- Community organizers seeking to authentically include the voices of their community
Meet Your Instructor
Kale McMonagle
Collaboration Director
Kale began facilitating transformative conversations in 2010. She brings her 15+ years of experience to help organizations, coalitions, and collectives take action toward their most ambitious goals for community well-being. To share the skills needed for effective collaboration to all Coloradans, Kale leads the development of Civic Canopy’s facilitation training, Colorado Civic Collaboratory, and Canopy Learning Online. Kale received her BA and MA in Communication Studies, Deliberative Studies Specialization from Colorado State University. Kale serves as a member and facilitator for Citizen University’s National Civic Collaboratory. In 2026 CiviCo selected her as a Governors Leadership Fellow.
Pricing & Logistics
The two-day course costs $1,000 for a single registration. This rate includes course materials, breakfast and lunch, and a certification of completion. For groups of 3 or more, groups receive 25% off registration.
Next Offering
- Tramway Nonprofit Center, Denver, CO
- July 16-17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Includes meals, materials, and certificate
Space is limited. Register to join this in-person learning cohort.
Additional Opportunities
If the next offering doesn’t work for you, join the waitlist, and we’ll notify you about upcoming opportunities.
Bring the training facilitation to your group for a reduced rate. You need a minimum of 10 participants to get started. Trainers can customize the curriculum to the needs of your group. Get in touch with Kale to learn more.
Canopy Learning Online
Canopy Learning Online (CLO) provides on-demand training you can access and watch when it’s convenient for you. There are a variety of workshops available on topics such as Sustaining Commitment with Community Partners, Strengthening Decision-Making, and Systems Change. Each course includes additional take-away tools and resources you can use to apply what you have learned. Start today by accessing our free training, Introduction to Systems Change.
Training and Coaching
In addition to these pre-built offerings, we can provide custom training and coaching to your organization. We provide training that increases partners’ ability to:
- Create effective collaboration
- Engage diverse stakeholders
- Foster dialogue
- Take a results-based approach
- Work with data
- Reflect on past practices to improve future work
- Take the next steps on your project