“Facilitation is the act of engaging participants in creating, discovering, and applying learning insights.” (ATD)

Facilitation is more than leading a discussion—it’s about creating an environment where participants feel engaged, heard, and motivated to explore new ideas. In this interactive session, participants will learn the fundamentals of inclusive facilitation, including how to establish a welcoming space, encourage participation, manage group dynamics and create interactive learning activities. Together we will build a facilitation toolkit, discover facilitation tools, and work towards building confidence in the art of facilitation. This part 1 of our Facilitation Skills Series. Part 2 will be offered in quarter three about virtual facilitation skills.                                                           NOTE- this workshop will last 2 hours instead of 90 mins and lunch will be served. 

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the role of a facilitator in creating engaging & inclusive learning environments.
2. Learn techniques to foster participation, curiosity, and discussion- utilizing active listening, presence, and adaptability skills.
3. Understand how to navigate group dynamics through discussion & practice in small groups.
4. Learn about facilitation opportunities with Shafer Leadership!

About Our Facilitator

Eilis (A-lish) Wasserman is the Program Director at Shafer Leadership Academy focused on overseeing impactful leadership development programming and creating innovative opportunities for Shafer members.  She has a background as a career coach and facilitator, dedicated to cultivating confidence and inspiring self-discovery. She is an introvert and early career professional advocate, empowering introverts to hone their unique strengths and develop their own career stories.  Eilis believes the most valuable skill that you can learn, and practice is the art of connecting- it’s all about telling our story. Eilis is a freelance coach on The Muse and has worked as a career coach with Ball State University and the University of Michigan. Eilis looks forward to working with you to present your best self wherever you may be in your career journey.

Read a book. Lead with inspiration.

SLA in partnership with Muncie Public Library is offering a unique quarterly gathering, highlighting important take-aways from inspirational leadership books. At each event, facilitators will share key leadership development lessons from leadership-focused books. This is not a book club, rather a guided discussion around the key takeaways from each book.

Prior reading of the book is not required but we encourage participants to share about what they learned and check-out one of the books from Muncie Public Library. All participants attending will be entered in a raffle to win a digital copy of one of the books discussed.

All sessions are FREE and open to the public thanks to our sponsor, eKeeper. Registration is required.

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What does it truly mean to be an inclusive leader?

Is it about welcoming diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, or creating spaces where everyone feels valued? The answer is all of the above—and more. This interactive roundtable discussion invites emerging and experienced leaders to explore the meaning and impact of inclusive leadership development in their own leadership journeys.

Rather than focusing on prescriptive solutions, this session will encourage open dialogue, shared experiences, and thought-provoking questions that challenge us to reflect on how we lead. Together, we will examine how inclusivity shapes leadership, how to foster meaningful engagement, and what it takes to create environments where all voices are valued.

NOTE: This is a FREE Community Event. All are welcome to attend; registration is required for lunch.                                    

Discussion Topics may include

• • What does it mean to actively welcome diverse perspectives?
  • How can collaboration create more inclusive decision-making?
  • What challenges do leaders face in implementing inclusivity, and how can we navigate them?

About Our Facilitator

Bobby D. Steele, Ed.D. is the Director of the Center for Student Connections and Opportunity at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Bobby earned a bachelor’s in business and marketing from BGSU, a master’s degree in student affairs administration from Michigan State University (MSU), and a doctorate in higher education from Ball State University (BSU) with a research focus on cultural capital and non-deficit approaches in supporting Black first-generation college students. Bobby has worked in various functional areas within higher education including residence life and identity-based resource centers. Prior to his current role, Bobby was an assistant clinical professor of higher education at BSU.

Practicing Positivity

Positivity is a mindset, just as much or maybe even more than an emotional experience. It’s a skill that can be developed. And because our emotions and attitudes are contagious, it’s important that everyone take time to practice and develop these skills.

Practicing positivity is more than feeling good and being nice. It means being able to see what is working, to celebrate success, to offer up encouragement, and to do all of this in the face of an honest assessment of the challenges individuals and organizations are facing.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the difference between positive feelings and a mindset of positivity
2. Explore ways to expand your vocabulary around positive mindsets
3. Break down the negativity bias and the impact self-protection plays in limiting positive emotions and experiences
4. Build a practical plan for authentic positivity that impacts your work, relationships, and stress management

Cost: Free for SLA Members. $80 non-member. $60 nonprofits.

Individuals who are either unemployed or connected with an employer who is unable to pay can request scholarships for any of our programs.

About Our Facilitator

Adam Bouse founded Optimistic Coaching to help people overcome challenges, navigate emotions, and live with greater intentionality. He’s an International Coaching Federation-certified coach with more than 15 years of leadership experience and over 1000 hours of coaching experience. With training in emotional intelligence and brain-based coaching, Adam empowers clients to achieve their goals while fostering greater resilience and satisfaction. Optimistic Coaching specializes in coaching and training for emotional intelligence, empathy, difficult conversations, mindfulness, resilience, and, of course, optimism.

Boundaries are not about pushing people away; they are about honoring yourself. 

Do boundaries feel harsh or foreign to you? Do you struggle to set them, unsure where to begin? Perhaps the word boundary stirs discomfort, either within yourself or in your relationships. But what if boundaries didn’t have to feel rigid or isolating? What if they could feel deeply authentic to you?  Through life’s experiences—beliefs, teachings, and external pressures—we often lose sight of our own needs. Yet, we hold the power to decide who we allow into our lives, who we keep close, and who we release with love. Join me on a journey from uncertainty to clarity, from fear to empowerment. This session blends mindful movement to shift stagnant energy, personal reflection to uncover limiting patterns, and practical tools to establish and maintain boundaries that align with your truth.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the purpose and impact of authentic boundaries.
2. Identify where you need boundaries in your life.
3. Learn tools and techniques to set and sustain healthy boundaries.
4. Cultivate self-trust and confidence in holding your boundaries.

About Our Facilitator

Nichole Linebaugh is an Empowerment Coach, 500-hour yoga teacher, and founder of Nurturing Rose Yoga and The Yoga Bin. After over a decade in corporate safety, health, and HR, she left to fully step into her purpose—guiding individuals to reduce stress, reclaim their power, and live in alignment with their true selves. With a deep passion for holistic well-being, Nichole combines mindfulness, movement, and personal empowerment to help clients set healthy boundaries, navigate life’s transitions, and break through limiting beliefs. Through yoga, breathwork, coaching, and leadership development, she provides tools to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. At The Yoga Bin, a unique space dedicated to healing and community, Nichole offers workshops, retreats, and coaching sessions that help individuals reconnect with themselves and create lives filled with softness, grace, and purpose. She lives in Union City, IN, where she enjoys spending time with family, being in nature, and continuing her own journey of self-growth. ✨ “You are worthy of a life that feels truly aligned.” ✨