Foundations of Sociocracy – The Sociocracy Consulting Group

Our first level of comprehensive training gives you the essential tools for applying sociocracy (dynamic governance) in your existing or forming organization.

Rave reviews!

"The Foundations of Sociocracy course was one of the most practical and engaging online courses I have attended. The facilitators and other participants were supportive and the process of learning was an excellent simulation that had context and really set the scene for applying this effective, transparent and equitable method in my business. I absolutely use sociocracy with my fellow directors with the help of the guides and resources provided in the training. Our policy meetings are now enjoyable!"

- Tonielle Christensen, Director of Organic Motion Permaculture, Kuranda, QLD, Australia

The class sessions include:

Introduction to sociocratic values, principles and practices
Consent decision making - implementing equivalence and effectiveness
Circle (policy) meetings, roles, and elections - organizing work
Organizational structure - how to scale equivalence, consent, feedback, and transparency.
Operational effectiveness strategies
Inclusive facilitation and leadership skills

A mix of interactive simulations, practice sessions, and exercises, presentation of essential information, and time for participant questions and feedback are part of every training session.

This training is offered online and in person - see our events calendar for the next scheduled Foundations of Sociocracy trainings.

Online as a series of six 2 1/2 hour interactive video conference classes, combined with between-class assignments. Online contact time is a minimum of 15 hours and instructor feedback between classes is included in the class fees.
In person as a two to three day intensive training with a minimum of 15 hours contact time (other formats available by special arrangement).

Pricing - to support entrepreneurship and small businesses, nonprofits, and cooperatives with limited resources, we offer two price levels:

Tier 1 - $895

Organizations: annual revenue > $400K

Individuals: annual income > $110K

Tier 2 - $360

Organizations: annual revenue < $400K

Individuals: annual income < $110K

There is a 15% discount for two or more registering together, and for a limited number of "early bird" individual registrations.

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Additional information for online courses:

There is approximately half an hour to one and a half hours of between-class homework assignments, with instructor feedback.
We record all sessions so that you can listen and catch up if you miss a class.
We provide a certificate of completion for students who attend at least four classes live, and verify they have audited the recordings of sessions they are not able to attend.

In-House Foundations of Sociocracy Option
We offer our Foundations of Sociocracy training in-house by arrangement. The required workshop contact time and between-class assignments can be scheduled to meet your organization’s needs and objectives. In-house training is an excellent method for building organizational capacity and effective leadership within your organization.

Creative Solutions & Good Vibes

What a valuable tool sociocracy is. I have been working with Sheella Mierson, a gifted instructor of this process, and she is great! With only one of the techniques I learned from her we were able to cut through a thorny impasse in our Board and generate a creative solution with good vibes all around. WOW.

Rabbi Marcia Prager, P'nai Or Jewish Renewal community of Philadelphia, and Director and Dean of Ordination Programs for ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal

Better Model for the Children

We're always talking to the children about being creative. We're always wanting them to be inspired and to use their own intuition and creativity. Now they're seeing a much better model among the adults in the organization because we're being more creative and we're working together in a much better fashion than we were before.

Renee Owen, Executive Director, Rainbow Community School, Asheville, North Carolina

Better Workload Balance

We are deeply concerned...about work/life balance...using sociocracy, I led an effort to start cutting back on workload... As a result we work more effectively. Our enrollment this year is up 10%, much better than the rest of the university is doing, and we've just landed a $7 million dollar grant that will let us set up two more departments in the school.

Dr. Edward Clift, Dean, The School of Media Culture and Design at Woodbury University, Burbank, CA

Incredible Results

I recommend sociocracy. It's completely, really taken us by surprise. We didn't expect to adopt it, then we didn't expect to adopt it so quickly, and we had no idea the results would be so incredible. I would like to find a way to let more organizations know about it.

Renee Owen, Executive Director, Rainbow Community School, Asheville, North Carolina

Increased Profits the First Year

Sociocracy has made a big difference in Creative Urethanes’ ability to withstand the economic downturn. We saw increased profits within the first year of using the method. Over time we have applied it to many areas of the company. As a result we have better communication throughout the company, lower employee turnover, more energy in staff members due to increased involvement, more creative ideas that help us thrive in our industry, and continuous improvement within the organization. Best for me is I have more assistance—having everyone’s help during hard economic times has lifted some weight off my shoulders.

Richard Heitfield, President, Creative Urethanes, Winchester, Virginia