Council facilitation training I

August 16 & 17, 2025

EUGENE, OR

 
 
 

WHAT IS COUNCIL?

Council is a type of talking circle—both an ancient way and a modern practice— whose roots are deep within the natural world. This practice elicits an experience of deep community, recognizing that each voice has value; every person has a gift, a story to share, and an important piece of the puzzle.

Council is a useful tool for groups that want to achieve “power-with” dynamics. It has been used in schools, prisons, churches, intentional communities, activist groups, and more. It is a cornerstone of our nature ceremonies.

COUNCIL FACILITATION TRAINING

This training provides basic understandings needed to start council circles in your communities. Learn the format and structure for successfully engaging your group and guiding them through what can be a vulnerable practice. You will get to experience both being in and leading councils. Personalized feedback will be provided. This is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to lead Cascadia Quest councils.

Whether you are experienced in council or not, our trainings will:

  • Give you facilitation tools for holding space, co-visioning, conflict resolution, soul-centric nature ritual, and empathic group cohesion

  • Deepen your skills in attentive, heartfelt leadership

  • Teach you how to make a safe container

  • Expand your ability to lead groups through difficult conversations

  • Provide in-person practice and mentorship

  • Give you the basic understandings needed for starting councils in your community

Details and registration

council facilitation training I

When: August 16 & 17, 2025 10 am - 6 pm

Where: Cascadia Quest Headquarters, 31740 Owl Rd., Eugene, OR

We will meet outdoors in a forested setting. Some uphill walking on uneven ground will be required.

You will be responsible for your own food and overnight accommodations.

Cost: Review our Tiered Equity Pricing page to understand which tier to pay.

Tier One: $240 - $380 (fill out this form to be eligible)

Tier Two: $400 - $580

Tier Three: $600 - $780

Tier Four: $800 - $1200 or more

Teacher: Rob Miller

Participants: Limited to 20 participants. For ages 18 and up. Under 18 on a case-by-case basis.

Review our registration policy.
Cancellations made less than four weeks prior to the start of program are non-refundable.

Council Facilitation Training I Topics

  • Council Facilitation Step-by-Step

  • Underpinning of Council Practice and Facilitation

  • The Golden Thread: Energetics and Council Magic

  • The Role and Power of Witness

  • Council Forms and Formats

  • To Prompt or Not to Prompt: Do I Give Them A Question?

  • ...And More!

 

If you want to practice heartfelt leadership; help people attain deeper self-awareness; offer connective practices to your groups; increase your facilitation skills; lead councils for Cascadia Quest; increase understanding in your communities; and otherwise make the world a better place by making a space for people to experience presence, trust, and authenticity, then sign up today!

 
 
 
 

the way of council

Council spans diverse cultures and spiritual traditions. When we sit in council, we remember and listen to the whole: the people, the place and all living things. Council deepens emotional bonds and assists people in understanding the many perspectives and experiences of a single subject. Here are the principles of Council that we practice and teach at Cascadia Quest.

Speak from the heart 

1. The first intention is to “speak from the heart.” This means to speak not only with your head and your ideas, but with your feelings as well. It means to tell your own story as honestly as you can trust in the moment. We have countless important and meaningful experiences. When we speak about them truthfully, we are speaking from the heart.

Listen from the heart 

2. The second intention is to “listen from the heart” when another person has the talking piece. This means to listen without judgment, to listen with an open mind, even if you disagree with what the person is saying. Listen not just with your mind, but with your heart as well. The success of a circle is largely determined by the quality of listening.

Speak spontaneously 

3. The third intention is to “speak spontaneously.” This means that we wait until it is our turn to speak before we decide what we want to say. If you are thinking about what you are going to say, then you are not listening completely to the person who is speaking. When you don’t preplan what you are going to say, you will often be surprised what comes to you when it is your turn.

Be lean of expression

4. The last intention is to “speak leanly.” Something that is “lean” doesn’t have anything extra on it. When you speak, keep in mind that many others would like a chance to speak, and that there is only so much time. Use only those words necessary to get your point or story across. Please remember that no one is required to speak.

Confidentiality

Essential for the sake of trust and respect, Confidentiality is the fifth intention held outside of circle times. What is said within the circle, stays within the circle unless you have permission from the speaker.