Format of the Workshops

Each Your Town workshop typically takes place at a distinctive and attractive facility in a rural area. The setting is retreat-like, removed from noise and other distractions. Members meet and eat together, and their room, board, and tuition are fully covered.

The idea behind each workshop is to “train the trainers” and those in decision-making positions as a way to spread design assistance efficiently and effectively. Your Town workshops are targeted for approximately 30 people, chosen from a mix of backgrounds. Organizers strive to select participants who are not professionals in design or planning but who are in a position to make things happen.

The workshops are highly participatory, involving extensive team problem-solving exercises. In some instances, workshops have focused on a real town. Workshops culminate with team presentations of design solutions, and the whole group has an opportunity to discuss alternative approaches and to compare options and solutions.

Typical Schedule

Day One

Registration begins around noon. The first afternoon is devoted to a series of slide lectures on forces changing the U.S. rural landscape and on the process of design. Then participants break into small groups to discuss issues in their own towns. The first evening is devoted to a sit-down dinner for all participants and faculty. After dinner, a keynote speaker addresses the group about some aspect of rural living and design.

Day Two

The morning of the second day features a graphics workshop and slide lectures by faculty on natural and cultural resources or a short field trip. After lunch, issues are introduced. Participants break into their small groups and begin to brainstorm about the problems and potential solutions. The second evening typically features a casual, relaxed dinner.

Day Three

The third day begins with a lecture by faculty on getting design assistance, and a panel presenting successful rural case studies in design. Before lunch, participants break into their groups and continue to brainstorm solutions and methods of presentation. By mid-afternoon, groups are ready to display their solutions. The faculty review the various solutions and then discuss their evaluations with the whole group. Participation certificates are given out, and participants are encouraged to share what they have learned with others in their communities.