Consensus is highly valued in group problem-solving and coming together for a common purpose to make decisions and plans. Following are comments by people who have been part of our consensus-based sessions.
Maggie Lorenz, Executive Director, Lower Phalen Creek Project
Session attended: Strategic Planning Board and Staff Facilitation
We brought in Lesley and Paul from Indigenous Collaboration to help our organization clarify our goals around our newest development project and our overall organizational structure. Through the shared history activity, we all realized we have been struggling with our identity and focus for much longer than we realized. Over the course of the two day retreat, we spent time tackling some big issues that had been lingering for far too long. The end result was a clear path forward with all of our staff and board members excited about the work ahead.
The facilitators made the work look easy, but the task was difficult and at the onset, I was unsure about how things would go. Times of transition can be difficult to navigate and Paul and Lesley helped us all come to a consensus and find a clear path towards the future of our organization and project. I would highly recommend their team to facilitate difficult dialogues and transitional planning initiatives.
Submitted: Nov 18, 2019
Mike Tedesco, Executive Director Spokane Tribe of Indians
Session attended: Executive Retreat
Paul and Lesley are the best! Their process is thoughtful and capable of exploring hard conversations without diminishing into petty finger pointing. Their expert facilitation will serve you well. I highly recommend them!
Submitted: Sep 04, 2019
Vince Olson, Board Member, White Earth Land Recovery Project
Session attended: WELRP Strategic Planning Session, first day and part of second day
It was very good. Kept everything focused and made sure that it is what the group wanted.
Submitted: Sep 03, 2019
Maggie, Interim Executive Director, White Earth Land Recovery Project
Session attended: WELRP Strategic Planning, August 27-29, 2019, Mahnomen, MN
Indigenous Collaboration's team members provide a process to bring all together. They took everyone's ideas and suggestions, asked the right questions that allowed us as an organization to build consensus as we move forward. This process allowed for all voices to be heard, from my position as IED, staff positions, and community voices. Everyone that participated, in the end of the process, walked out excited for the future of White Earth Land Recovery Project. Everyone left with a sense of hope for the future of the organization. Thank you Indigenous Collaboration for helping our organization build consensus that will move us, in good way, into the future! MIIGWECH!
Submitted: Apr 12, 2019
Lorenzo Serna - Media Production Specialist - Unicorn Riot
Session attended: IllumiNative Minnesota, We Are Still Here
They were amazing. I have a hard time explaining all the reasons why, but I felt comfortable, and at ease as we talked through big lofty ideas. The conversations always felt as though we were building towards something. And the facilitators took the time they had to provide us a path towards reaching our goals. It didn't feel rushed, even though we didn't have as much time as we probably needed.
The experience just showed me facilitation skills that I wish existed in every meeting I've ever attended. It was LIT when it comes to consensus based decision making process. If you want help facilitating a meeting where everyone's voices are involved. Here you go.
Indigenous Collaboration will get you where you got to be.
Session attended: Native American Fatherhood and Families Association Strategic Planning session
Hi Paul and Lesley:
I just wanted to take a minute to email you about the experience I had with your strategic planning sessions. I just absolutely loved it!! I had just done some research on strategic planning through another company online and what strategic planning was in the first place the week before to understand the process. Nothing compared to what you have done.
You have blown me away. It was such a great experience for me personally and helped me formulate my ideas for the organization which has helped us move forward in our goals. The time went by so quickly and I love the report you sent us which I have been reviewing over and over to get a handle of what we need to do to move ahead.
Thank you again for all of your time and effort in our behalf.