AWC Pre-Conference CML Workshops

Wednesday, June 18
9 – 11:30 am

AWC pre-conference workshops require a separate registration fee ($40 member/$80 non-member). Please select only one session. Explore issues in more depth and earn 2 CML credits by attending a session.

Communicating with Your Citizens—It’s a Two-Way Street
Jurassic Parliament: Running Great Meetings Using Parliamentary Procedure
Getting Everyone on the Same Page: Situational Leadership for Councils

Communicating with Your Citizens – It’s a Two-Way Street

Looking for ways to broaden public participation? Not sure if the loudest voices are speaking for the whole community? Wish more citizens understood the tough budget choices your city has to make? Want a dialogue with citizens that doesn't always get off on tangents? Wonder if there’s a better way to get the word out and keep citizens informed?

This session explores communications and outreach strategies to better listen, inform and connect with citizens. You’ll leave with formulas and ideas for successful interaction.

Build trust as a base for effective two-way communications.
Go with more engagement and fewer speeches.
Find out what matters to your citizens—strategic planning with the public.
Format formulas for successful interaction.
Share ideas that are already working in your community.

Jurassic Parliament: Running Great Meetings Using Parliamentary Procedure

Back by popular demand, this session is a must for newly elected and a great refresher for council veterans. Everyone is acquainted with parliamentary procedure but few have mastered it. The book “Robert’s Rules of Order” can seem overwhelming, and the system of rules too complicated for ordinary use. But actually anyone can learn the key principles in a morning. You’ll never be intimidated by parliamentary procedures again and you’ll leave with the tools for running a smooth council meeting.

Master the essence of Robert’s Rules of Order using toy dinosaurs. Learn about the paradoxical role of the presider at a meeting; the three golden rules for a fair and efficient discussion; and what “precedence of motions” really means!

Describe the most effective way to preside at a meeting.
Recognize the customary procedure for proposing, amending, and voting on motions.
Know what to do with “friendly amendments.”
Process the “call for the previous question” correctly.
Recognize how to handle a “point of order.”
Use “general consent” to speed up your meetings.
Protect your council against liability issues.

Getting Everyone on the Same Page: Situational Leadership for Councils

Is your council sometimes out ahead of the community? Are you trying to get something done in your community, but can’t seem to get everyone to the same place at the same time? Do you need help in working through an issue?

Situational leadership in a team environment cultivates productive attitudes and behaviors. It’s all about timing and learning how to incubate an idea or issue until it’s ready to succeed. You’ll leave this workshop with practical tools you can use to bring a plan together, and build understanding and involvement.

Define the five key questions that drive your situational leadership skills.
Practice the four basic group readiness levels of situational leadership, from absolute chaos to a group that’s able, willing and ready to manage itself smoothly.
Figure out your team’s readiness stage, and select the leadership style you can wear to help them move forward: telling, selling, participating, delegating.
Explore the four interventions you can use to successfully facilitate group readiness.
Discover what helps and hinders the roles that group members play, and how you can create a place that makes everyone feel involved.