MU Extension specialists complete advanced facilitation training

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Three University of Missouri Extension professionals recently completed advanced training designed to strengthen their ability to guide productive discussions, help groups find common ground and support local decision-making.

Jackie Spainhower, Randa Doty and Allison Gunter completed the Extension Professional Advancement, Networking, and Development (EXPAND): Facilitation course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in October. Spainhower is a field specialist in community development for MU Extension’s Northwest Region, Doty is a Northwest Region engagement specialist and Gunter is a West Central Region engagement specialist.

The course is designed for experienced extension professionals seeking to strengthen their facilitation skills, learn new approaches and exchange ideas with colleagues and experts from across the region. Participants learned tools for leading discussions, engaging diverse stakeholders, navigating complex issues and helping groups identify next steps.

“Effective facilitation is essential to helping communities identify priorities, build partnerships and create meaningful solutions,” said Spainhower. “This training provided additional strategies and resources to help communities work together toward common goals.”

The skills gained through the course will support MU Extension’s work with communities across Missouri.

Spainhower, Doty and Gunter are part of a statewide network of MU Extension professionals trained in facilitation who can assist communities, organizations, boards, committees and local leaders with strategic planning, community meetings, focus groups, stakeholder engagement, consensus building and other collaborative processes.

For more information about facilitation services available through MU Extension, contact your local MU Extension center.