This course is about transforming your consulting work to more effectively be the change you want to see; and then building the business side of your practice to reflect that work. Learning to simply “do new things” is a small part of what it will take to transform the work of the Community Benefit Sector. The more important (and often more difficult) step is to transform the assumptions and expectations that undergird those skills.

For that reason, the Immersion Level course in the Community-Driven Consulting curriculum is aimed first and foremost at transforming the way consultants think about the work they do with their clients, to move their practice to the next level of effectiveness.

When a consultant has worked with and internalized Community-Driven ways of seeing, thinking and being with their work, they can then apply those approaches to any content area. Whether you specialize in governance, planning, resource development, etc., your consulting work will be aligned firmly behind the end goal of creating significant improvement to the quality of life in your clients’ communities.

Students must have at least one year experience in consulting to Community Benefit Organizations (or its equivalent) prior to participating in this course. If you are not sure if your experience is “equivalent,” please ask us.

We understand that often consultants would prefer to learn alongside those who are at similar places in their careers - seasoned consultants with seasoned consultants, for example. However our experience shows that when a group is learning new ways of thinking, having seasoned and newer consultants learning together is actually a benefit, as both bring much to the discussion.

Program Outcomes

Program Format

Course Content

The following is just a taste of what you can expect when you participate in this 5-day immersion course.

• Expect to learn from the instructors and from other students, and expect to share your own experience, wisdom and ideas, in a highly interactive environment. Expect to form a trusting Community of Practice with your classmates, that will last beyond just the 5 days.

• Expect to be stretched and challenged, as you begin holding yourself accountable for the community outcomes your clients (and you) have the potential to achieve.

• Expect to change your own assumptions, views, belief systems and expectations about how you integrate your life and your work with your community and your world.

• Expect to leave with approaches you can put into practice with your clients immediately.

• Expect to be inspired and energized. And expect to laugh and have a lot of fun.

For Registration Infomation (including program dates and fees)