How Facilitation Builds Connection, Clarity, and Resilience in Times of Change

When I think about facilitating, I often think about holding space. Holding a strong container for difficult conversations, where people feel safe enough to express their true feelings. Holding a session and inviting a group through a process of envisioning what’s next and how to get there. Holding an energetic space for truth to emerge through us.

This summer, I’ve been asked to hold a BIG space. Over the years, I’ve held space for so many diverse groups as they’ve moved through conversations, retreats, and strategic plans. I’ve held space for both women’s circles and public input sessions. I’ve sat at the bedside of both of my grandfathers as they passed. All of these experiences have been beautiful and transformative in their own right — and they’ve all been preparing me for this moment.

In November, my husband Dylan asked me if I would hold space for him as he dreamed about finally doing something on his bucket list he didn’t know if he’d ever get to do — hike the full Continental Divide from the Canada/US border to the Mexico/US border. It’s about 3,000 miles, and he anticipated being away for 4–5 months. As someone who always prioritizes personal growth, I was instantly supportive of his plan. For a man who has always held space for my big dreams and visions, I was so grateful he could ask for what he needed too.

As the departure date got closer, things got harder. After he flew north on the Summer Solstice, I finally allowed myself to break down. I didn’t know if I could hold space this big, or dig this deep to be without him for so long.

And yet, a few weeks into his trip of a lifetime, I’m finding my groove. I’m feeling into my rhythm with work, taking care of the animals, spending time with community and friends, and most importantly, spending time alone with myself. I know this will be an immense time of growth — individually and in partnership. And the most important thing to remember is to keep going (see book recommendation at the end of the newsletter). Joseph M. Marshall III reminds us that the most important step is not the first, nor the last — it’s the next step, no matter how big or small.

The best way you can support us — is to let us know how Sagebrush can support you! With all this spaciousness, I have openings in my calendar and a hungry man to feed along the trail. Our team of facilitators is also primed and ready to support you. Thank you for being with us on this journey — Sagebrush is here to be with you during yours.

If you’ve been holding space recently, big or small, we’d love to hear from you.

ReFocus

The world feels especially messy and chaotic right now — at least to us. With so much uncertainty, it can feel challenging to move forward with big visions and plans while staying true to our values. Are you feeling these challenges in your organization too? With funding shortfalls, policy changes, leadership pivots, and an anticipated increase in demand for services, we know many organizations are working hard just to stay ahead of the game. Y’all are dealing with a LOT — we see you. Hasty decisions, hot tempers, confusion, and communication gaps abound. It’s not an excuse — it’s an invitation. An invitation to really hear what the other person (or people) are trying to say. An invitation to slow down, even just a little, to make more informed decisions. An invitation to bring folks to the table to sit down and really talk about what’s next. We believe we’re all being asked to focus. Focus on what’s important. Focus on innovating new responses to community needs. Focus on how to get there together. To support you best, Sagebrush is refocusing our key services on what we’ve always been known for. You can count on Sagebrush for your organizational needs related to:

Facilitation · Strategic Planning · Stakeholder Engagement · Leadership & Board Development · Nonprofit Consulting · Transformational Change We’re also maintaining strong relationships with our amazing partners who offer supportive services for mission-driven organizations. If you have another need — such as fundraising, capital campaigns, HR, mediation, legal, DEI, financial, and more — we’d be happy to connect you directly. Just reach out!

Moments That Moved Us

Last month, our hearts were full as we gathered with the beautiful community of Mancos Valley Dragonfly Preschool staff, board, family and supporters to celebrate a leadership transition after seven years of deep, heartfelt stewardship. While we didn’t facilitate this transition directly, we’ve supported the school with key retreats and strategy over the years. Being invited to witness and celebrate this pivotal moment of handing the torch from the founding director (Emily C. Palmer) to the new director (Andrea McAlpin) was so sweet and touching.

In a world where leadership changes often go unmarked, this one paid homage to the gifts that everyone brought, and ritualized the transition in meaningful and symbolic ways. True to its Waldorf-inspired philosophy, Dragonfly is a shining example of how to honor beginnings, endings and rites of passage, both for the individuals involved and the organization.  We’re grateful to have been part of it. Good luck in this next chapter, Dragonfly!

Our Team in Action

We’re thrilled to spotlight our dear collaborator, Adrea Bogle—a brilliant facilitator, consultant, and certified leadership coach. With 20+ years in the education and disabilities sector, Adrea brings depth, clarity, and heart to every project. She’s trained in ToP facilitation methods and has partnered with us on strategic planning, board retreats, and leadership transitions. Adrea also leads her own consultancy, Luminary CC, supporting sustainable, inclusive change in rural communities. Most recently, she’s been leading a local leadership transition process with grace and thoughtfulness, helping a team move through change with intention.

Her approach reflects so much of what we believe in at Sagebrush—values-driven facilitation, inclusive strategy, and systems that truly serve the people in them.

We’re so lucky to work alongside Adrea and so grateful for the wisdom, vision, and heart she brings to this work. Want to explore facilitation with us? Reach out here!

Opportunities to Stay Connected

Our dear friend and longtime collaborator, Rachel Turiel, is hosting a drop-in, donation-based Nonviolent Communication (NVC) group this month. Whether you're navigating hard conversations at work, at home, or in your community, this is a space to slow down and practice new ways of relating—with care, clarity, and courage. 🌀 Online Nonviolent Communication Skill Building & Coaching Group Facilitated by Rachel Turiel (she’s the real deal) 📆 Wednesdays: June 25, July 2, 9, 16 | 1–2:15 PM MST 📆 Tuesdays: July 1 & 8 | 6–7:15 PM MST 📍 Zoom | 💲 Donation-based 📩 To register, email: rachelburiel@gmail.com

Each session is stand-alone and deeply welcoming. Feel free to drop in for one or join the full series. We’d love to see you there!

What's Inspiring Us

🎧 Keep Going: The Art of Perseverance by Joseph M. Marshall IIIA powerful listen rooted in Lakota wisdom—this audiobook has helped us navigate change with quiet courage and grace. (Thank you to Andre Redstone for the recommendation!)

We’d love to hear what’s been inspiring you too.Send us your recommendations😊

Thanks for Reading!

As we reflect on the transitions, partnerships, and projects unfolding this season, we’re reminded that facilitation isn’t just a service, it’s a way of being in a relationship. It’s how we hold space for change, for celebration, and for truth to emerge.

Ready to explore what’s possible with Sagebrush by your side? Let’s talk! We’re grateful to be on this path with all of you.

With care, Sandhya + the Sagebrush Team

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