Description: In this introspective and interactive session, attendees will explore the nature and quality of their communications and consider new ways to engage others in both personal and organizational thinking.

Engaging others is a powerful way for individuals to stimulate and think about their own thinking (aka: "InThinking"). In this session, attendees will reflect together on the intersection between communications and community engagement. Join this session to learn about the techniques PR experts and facilitators use to engage constituents, and walk away with concrete ways to put these same skills to use in personal and organizational communications.

Target Audience: Anyone interested in their own and their organization's ability to engage others in effective dialogue.

Organizational Issues: Interpersonal and organizational communications

Objectives:
- Through reflection and interaction with other participants, gain greater
      insights into the personal perceptions, culture, and context we each bring
      to our communications
- Review and practice a variety of proven community engagement techniques
- Learn how to scale these techniques to be applicable in personal, team, and
      organizational contexts

Date: Thursday, April 15th

Length: 3 hours (1:15-4:15pm)

Location: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne - 6633 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park

Cost: None

Handouts: Available for download after the Forum

Biography: Jamie Marie Riche is an expert at helping individuals, teams, organizations, and communities find and capitalize on common ground. With more than a decade of experience in public relations and community engagement, she has established award-winning communication programs to inform and engage diverse and divergent constituents. Using a collaborative, consensus-based approach to facilitation, Jamie is skilled at leading strategic planning and community-based decision-making processes. Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with individuals and groups in a wide range of settings, she supports others as they grow in their own leadership and communication abilities. She has provided training on communication skills, conflict management, de-escalation strategies, strike communications, customer service, listening / feedback, and other leadership and community engagement topics.
 
Jamie is a member of the In2:InThinking Network, the Future Search Network, and the Washington State School Directors Association's Cadre of Trainers. She is also active in the state and national levels of the School Public Relations Association. Industry experience includes public schools, corporations, non-profits, and utilities. She has also been a guest instructor/lecturer for Bellevue (WA) Community College and Seattle Pacific University. Jamie's personal and professional interests overlap through her love of connecting with others. She finds great joy in thinking, learning, and dialoguing about ideas and issues in a holistic way. Pastimes include reading, hiking, traveling, craftwork, and being with her husband, Chris, and a large network of friends and family.

Contact: Jamie can be reached by e-mail at j.marie@idealcommunications.us for additional information about this pre-conference session.