Sandra Miller, of ComMetrics Inc. in Conway, led sixteen participants representing three state agencies, one local agency, and four organizations through the three-day training. Not for the Meek provided vital training for individuals who will be working directly with stakeholders interested in forming a watershed group and developing a watershed management plan. This training provided excellent discussion and valuable resources to further assist the participants.

The second exercise focused on the topic of causal mapping. Causal mapping is a brainstorming activity used to get people to think in terms of cause and effect, as related to an issue, rather than in definitive terms of what may be considered right or wrong. This exercise generates a large diagram to visually determine the root causes associated with a problem. The use of causal mapping helps create ownership in the process and in the solution.

Facilitation, tools for group formation, and qualities of an effective facilitator were the focus of Day 2. Sandra discussed the importance of Environmental Messaging as a tool for Facilitators. Environmental Messaging is a useful tool that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to generate awareness for the group, an event, or the watershed; it can be used to solicit funds or donations from private or corporate stakeholders; and it can be used to educate the general public. As a form of storytelling; the news media help distribute the message.

Workshop participants took part in a role-playing exercise in order to gain first-hand experience with group facilitation. The exercise contained a variety of stakeholders whose goal was to plan for an event in their watershed that would generate awareness, cooperation, and funds. Following this exercise, Sandra directed the group on tools that would help build successful watershed groups, the stages of group formation, and the characteristics of effective facilitators. These tools included:

On Day 3 another activity was used to enact a real life facilitation situation. Participants were divided into two groups and each had the same tools, resources, and instruction. The group was supposed to develop a mission statement and again had a specific time limit to work with. This activity involved teamwork, compromise, and collaboration between everyone involved in order to achieve the desired goal.

This 3-day Watershed Group Facilitation training; Not for the Meek, provided participants with hands-on experience, valuable resources, and instruction from one of the best leaders in facilitation and group organization in the State of Arkansas, Sandra Miller. Just like many of the things watershed group leaders encounter; this workshop was intense and the days were long but the overall experience was well worth the effort.