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Connection Sessions Guide

The wisdom is in the room.

Connection Sessions

Connection Sessions are a model for organizing a "low-lift" virtual gathering to share professional approaches and resources on specific topics.

Guide Contents

How to Organize a Connection Session:

How to Facilitate a Connection Session:

Topic Ideas

Download this guide:

Connection Session Guide.pdf

How to Organize a Connection Session:

If you want to collaborate with us to get something set up, contact Lindsey Scalera with your idea. Otherwise, follow the steps below to put out the idea to the larger group:

Step One - Invite Participation:

Send an email to the listserv with the subject line: "Connection Session Proposal"

- Pick a clear and engaging title
- Describe the topic you want to discuss in 1-5 sentences.
- Include a scheduling poll or a zoom/virtual meeting registration link if you've already got a date selected.

Step Two - Host the Session:

Work with us to organize a virtual meeting link or provide one of your own.
Utilize the facilitation ideas below for some inspiration on how to facilitate the session.
Record the session (with participants consent) and share back with us to post. And/or share a list/summary of major takeaways to document and amplify what you learned for the rest of the NCoP members.

How to Facilitate a Connection Session:

Below are some basic facilitation options to offer some inspiration!

Nutshells

Nutshells is designed to give each participant a chance to share a broad overview of their approach to the topic at hand with the group.

This can be ad hoc where speakers are determined at the top of the meeting, or hosts can pre-select individuals willing to share their work. This is similar to a panel session, but with much less formality.

Participant Preparation

Participants should come prepared with either a) an approach to share based on the topic at hand or b) a readiness to listen and ask clarifying questions.

The focus is on listening and learning from each other. The goal is to make time for each participant willing to share their approach to have a designated amount of time to share with the group, followed by time questions and discussion.

Process

Welcome & Introductions (in the chat or out-loud, depending on time and number of participants)
Host describes the purpose/goal of the session and goes over the facilitation process
If speakers are pre-selected, start with them - hear their examples and build in time after each for some clarifying questions. If speakers are not pre-selected, open it up to the group for volunteers to share.
Bring it together at the end with some final words or time for everyone to offer a takeaway: What is something you heard today that you'll keep thinking about?

Story Frame

Story frame is a facilitation model that allows participants to prepare a brief story illustrating something essential about the topic at hand.

This can be ad hoc - speakers determined at the top of the meeting, or hosts can pre-select individuals willing to share their work. This is similar to a speaker session, but with much less formality.

Participant Preparation

Participants should come prepared to share a brief story related to the topic. Check out the frameworks below for some help thinking about how to frame your story:

Stone Soup: Great things happening as a result of collaboration or unusual partnerships
Special Sauce: A story of transformative moments or models
Apple Cider: Insights or new approaches gained from failure, mistakes, or unexpected changes
Seasoning: A story of Small Successes -- it may not be the ultimate goal, but it's a step in the right direction
Menu Change: Policy campaigns or Grassroots Organizing Examples

Process

Welcome & Introductions (in the chat or out-loud, depending on time and number of participants)
Host describes the purpose/goal of the session and goes over the facilitation process
If speakers are pre-selected, start with them - hear their examples and build in time after each for some clarifying questions. If speakers are not pre-selected, open it up to the group for volunteers to share.
Share learnings and takeaways at the end

Community Consultation

Community Consultation is designed to give participants the opportunity to workshop a challenge in small groups.

The goal is to incorporate outside perspectives they might not have considered and have support to draw out their own wisdom about the challenge so they move beyond a sticking point in their work.

This can be run as an activity in pairs, or the host can call for a community consultation where they are the Coachee and participants serve in the role of coaches.

Participant Preparation

Participants should arrive with a challenge they are facing in their food systems work. The host will provide guidance that is adapted from two models you may find helpful: Troika Consulting and GROW.

Process (Pairs)

Welcome & Introductions (in the chat or out-loud, depending on time and number of participants)
Host describes the purpose/goal of the session and goes over the facilitation process, outline timing & GROW model

People are split into pairs via breakout rooms. In your breakouts, start with two roles: Coachee & Coach. Start with one round of about 20 minutes, then switch roles. The coach uses the handout to walk people through establishing their goal of the conversation, what they’ve already tried, what options they have for moving forward, and what they will do next, and what support they need.

Large Group Reassemble - Share takeaways: What is one thing that worked for you about this?

Topic Ideas

Looking for topic ideas? Below, we’ve gathered just a few of requested topics from our previous outreach and design sessions!

Best practices for facilitating community discussion, prioritization, and feedback, including community surveys, listening sessions, and focus groups with stipends for local facilitation.
Best practices for analyzing community data and connecting findings to university food system research labs and indicators.
Comparing outcome domains of food charters, such as their effects on culture, ecosystem services, and livelihoods.
Branding your state or region to support broader public engagement and education about food systems.
Strategies for expanding the impact of food systems work beyond the sector, including public education on what a food system is.

Lessons learned from regions that are further along in similar processes.
Development training focused on securing funding from small and large donors, and exploring options beyond traditional grants.
Skill-sharing opportunities for tools like Miro boards, P2A, Salesforce, and Google Suite.
Tips for effective language translation and interpretation services to support inclusive engagement.
Urban agriculture policy and equity-focused discussions, especially those embedded within broader food plans.

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