Catalytic
Facilitation
Ariel works with leaders to surface core tensions and concerns, then designs and stewards stakeholders through adaptive learning and decision making processes that build collective alignment and forward momentum. She is particularly effective at developing frameworks that express complex issues in accessible ways so that groups have shared language for nuanced conversations. She leads with candor, humor, and vulnerability to create the conditions for honest dialogue and imaginative problem solving.
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Scroll down for examples of past Catalytic Facilitation projects, or schedule a 30 minute exploratory call.
Catalytic facilitation in action
PLANNING PROCESSES
Ariel supports groups who are feeling stuck, or at a critical inflection point. In addition to curating nuanced, multi-modal agendas that shift teams out of unhelpful patterns, Ariel frequently designs new content and frameworks to support development of shared understanding: For example, a "Politicized History of Nonprofit Boards" workshop for Neighbor 2 Neighbor, an organizing with a goal to bring their governance structure into alignment with their values.
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Other Examples:
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One Project - Strategy Team Theory of Change Design Process
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Phillips Brooks House Association - Five-year Strategic Planning Kick Off
LEARNING COHORTS
Ariel's cohort design process begins with interviews to deeply understand participant needs. She then structures content and program rhythms. As a facilitator, she attends to both individual and collective relationships, to build learning communities that support meaningful growth and transformation.
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Examples:
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Neighborhood Funders Group - Values Aligned Investment Praxis Community
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International Refugee Assistance Project - Inclusive Supervision Cohort (with Rini Fonseca-Sabune)
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Lenny Zakim Fund - Inaugural Transformational Leadership Cohort (image above)
NETWORK GATHERINGS
Network gatherings can be energizing, generative and connective. In partnership with network leaders, Ariel designs agendas that allow for both rich depth and spacious conversations. She provides a clear initial plan, then monitors group energy and adjusts content and flow dynamically throughout events as needed. Ariel has curated and stewarded networks live, virtually and in hybrid formats.
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Examples:
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Wellbeing Economy Alliance & New American - State Coalition Gathering (with Christine Lai; image above)
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Just Transition Funder Organizing Ecosystem