The Workshops

The Intentional Model Workshops

These workshops are designed to span 6 months and can include any number of people in a community. The workshops are a combination of presentations and small group work on actual opportunities and initiatives in the community. Individuals, project teams, and people from local entities and institutions are invited to learn how to use the model to move from problems, ideas, and talk to engagement, action, and outcomes.

The workshops are based on the work of Peter Block, and adapt his groundbreaking approaches in a model for building community. The content and practices presented are featured in an upcoming book, “Radical Transitions”, by Cleveland-based workshop designers and facilitators, George Nemeth and Jack Ricchiuto.

1/ Introduction to the Model
An overview of the kinds and success indicators of community
Conversations that prevent and promote building of community
Local history of community building and applications in the present

2/ Dream space conversations
Suggestions for exploring compelling possibilities
How to translate and up-scale short-term goals into longer term vision
Building the core of community: trust

3/ Small acts conversations
How to down-scale dreams and vision to present-time small acts
Guidelines for successfully managing projects of any scope
The power of divergence

4/ Gifts conversations
How to do asset mapping with individuals & entities
The courtesies of engaging each other's gifts
Sustaining a strength-based approach to community building

5/ Invitations conversations
The art of invitations and introductions
Building social networks & using collaborative technologies
The roles of formal & emerging leaders & experts

6/ Transitions among the conversations
Moving through the conversations
Using the conversations to reach beyond the community
Transforming institutions through the conversations