Explore Connection:
Talks & Workshops
Want a quick introduction to why connection matters and some actionable strategies you can implement immediately? Invite ProjectConnect Founder, Jessica Gifford, to give a fun, engaging talk or workshop. If you’re ready to go a little deeper, you can build a longer team-building program into a retreat or training, or host “day of connection.”
“This was AMAZING! It’s been a very long time since I have seen people in our community so engaged with a presenter and each other. Jessica presented information in such a practical and funny way. You could feel the incredible energy in the room. She brought out the best in us as a community.”
2. Experience Connection: programs that connect
Here’s the truth: one-off events (talks and workshops) rarely create lasting change. Yes, they can be a great introduction to the topic and help get people engaged, but if you want to build lasting relationships and develop connection skills, you’ll need to invest a little more time. We offer delivered-for-you multi-session programs that build connection.
For workplaces
You can use a connection program to help employees build stronger teams, reduce silos, and/or help new employees build relationships and connect with your organization quickly. You can read more about multi-session connection programs for workplaces HERE.
For colleges
Connection program can be used to build relationships within a specific group, community, or team, to help incoming students make friends before they even get to campus (and ease their transition), and/or to develop social intelligence skills crucial to college success. You can read more about multi-session connection programs for colleges HERE.
For individuals: The Secret to Making Friends as an Adult
If you want to be less lonely, make new friends, and/or feel more connected to the people in your life, our Secret to Making Friends course helps people do exactly that. Participants can expect to:
Learn the nitty-gritty, “how to” of developing fulfilling friendships.
Create meaningful connection with other participants in their core group.
Leave with a personalized connection plan to develop more rewarding relationships.
The course meets for 6 weekly 90-minute sessions, live over Zoom, starting in January 2025. Facilitated by ProjectConnect Founder, Jessica Gifford. You can learn more HERE.
Become a ProjectConnect Facilitator
3. Expand Connection: Lead ProjectConnect Groups
If you want to create a culture of connection in your workplace, on your campus, or in your community, consider becoming a certified ProjectConnect group facilitator. This gives you a proven step-by-step roadmap for creating connection in small groups. ProjectConnect facilitators help their group members get to know each other, have deeper conversations, and build positive relationships over the course of 6 sessions.
Check out the Benefits of certification!
- Prepares you to facilitate ProjectConnect groups and build connection with people in your organization or community.
- Certification lasts a lifetime and can be used anywhere connection is needed (in your workplace, school, college, senior center, church, etc.). No re-certification needed.
- Facilitators have lifetime access to the ProjectConnect Facilitators' Resource HUB, which includes:
- Instructions to successfully launch groups
- The Facilitator’s Guide with step-by-step session outlines
- Editable templates for advertising ProjectConnect and recruiting participants
- Editable program evaluation forms and optional assessment scales
- For colleges: an editable peer facilitator position description and application form
- Physical Materials (Connection Cards with the conversation prompts used in groups, and Appreciation Stationery, used in the mini connection project in session 4).
- Hosting a training includes 10 decks of Connection Cards and 10 boxes of Appreciation Stationery.
- Attending a training includes 1 deck of Connection Cards and 1 box of Appreciation Stationery per participant.
- Membership in the private ProjectConnect listserv to post questions and share information with other facilitators.
- Invitation to participate in quarterly ProjectConnect facilitators' Zooms with the Founder to ask questions, exchange information, and discuss topics related to successful implementation
- Discounted rate for all future trainings. You may use the group rate to attend a training or take 25% off to host a training.
- License to use the ProjectConnect name and logo to promote the program within your organization.
3 Steps to building connection.
1
Identify Facilitators!
Identify who will facilitate ProjectConnect groups. Facilitators can employees or college/graduate students. Designate a point person (or two) to oversee the program.
2
Get Certified!
Host a training specifically for your organization/group. Or, attend a virtual Facilitator Certification Training (offered every January and August.) Once certified, facilitators can lead groups year after year.
3
Create Connection!
Schedule groups, enroll participants, and launch! Participants get to know each other and develop stronger relationships over the course of 6 sessions. Repeat step 3 indefinitely.
Options for becoming certified
Attend a Facilitator Certification Training
Register individuals to attend a live Zoom certification course with participants from schools, colleges, and organizations around the country.
Check dates of the next training and/or register HERE.
Host a Facilitator Certification Training
Host a training for 4-16 participants to become certified ProjectConnect facilitators. This 5-hour training is scheduled at your convenience, can be offered virtually or in-person, and will help build your team. Schedule a conversation to decide if this is right for you HERE.