YES Institute hosts an annual education weekend on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Our education team leads a profound 12-hour two-day communication course where participants discover for themselves how powerful they truly are in this world.
“I learned I have a voice and with practice, I can find that voice and make a change.” – Participant
Principals, teachers, and administrators from a private school in Minnesota traveled to Miami to experience the course firsthand. National non-profit leaders and board members of various organizations sought out tools to better communicate with their staff, team, and community at large. Therapists wanted to refresh their skills and provide more resources to their clients.
“I have a path forward with how to approach work challenges in the YES Communication model.”
“I came into YES Institute thinking of the experience as another professional development opportunity. Little did I know how transformative it would be, both professionally and personally. Thank you for the gift of meeting beautiful people and recreating meaning for the work I have ahead.” – Participant
“I will stop operating from my agenda, and just have people where they are, and see if there’s a possibility that emerges.” – Participant
“Humongous impact I felt good and it had a deep impact on my life. I’m taking what I learned and heard to my relationship and my work so I can do better and make a difference for others.” – Participant
“I think from a solutions perspective. I see it as getting out of the way … and creating the conditions to place those solutions back within others.” – Participant
“This course had a personal and professional impact on my view of communication in all facets of my life as well as some deep personal reflections.” – Participant
“I thought about a lot of personal matters I want to let go of by being generous in spirit. Further, I feel empowered to use my voice and leverage the model in professional settings.” – Participant
“I’m definitely better equipped to communicate with others whether it be professionally or personally.” – Participant
On the first day of the course, participants immediately began opening up about their relationship breakdowns, especially challenging workplace issues. Within hours, folks were being vulnerable with their personal relationships and found themselves in awe of the power of their voice.
“This course has given me a new way to think about conversation and a strong desire to find my voice and take the ‘about me’ factor out of the conversation.” – Participant
“A lot of connection for me between my work around the white culture I grew up in and how this communication strategy can help disrupt some things.” – Participant
“Gave me a new insight on communication through difficult situations.” – Participant
“It’s so tempting to focus on agreement and I see how that exists within a win-or-lose binary, even when we might frame it as compromising. The model allows for possibilities to exist within people themselves. That makes sense to me and can make me feel lighter over time.” – Participant
Being present to our mind chatter, to self, and then being in community with others, was just the beginning. Participants faced their fears and spoke from a place of authenticity, speaking their truth and listening with generosity.
“I think I’ve been arguing with people who maybe just want to be heard. I’m definitely going to give it a try to be with them authentically, recreate, and give them the gift of generosity.” – Participant
“Grounded me in my purpose. Helped me think about how best to get myself out of the middle. Helped me remember how important thoughtful and intentional communication is. And, personal connections with others are so important.” – Participant
“I’ve learned to stop making it about me and my opinions and to instead be authentic.” – Participant
“I tended to judge myself while communicating, feeling what I was saying wasn’t enough. I can just be authentic and see what happens. I don’t have to control the outcome.” – Participant
“I’m used to being seen as or having others expect me to have the answers or solutions. I now see that is the challenge!” – Participant
“I am more excited to engage in tough conversations, instead of afraid.” – Participant
“It’s not about changing someone’s mind but more so acknowledging that their truth is their own and they deserve to be heard.” – Participant
“I learned some tools for having hard conversations, and I know I’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice. I’m grateful for the community I experienced this weekend.” – Participant
“Finding my voice, feeling confident and believing in myself.” – Participant
Families are highly encouraged to attend our courses together and receive the same tools in communication to strengthen their bonds and create deeper connections. Parents shared that they walked away with the tools to communicate authentically and responsibly with one another.
“The course emboldened me as the father of a gender non-conforming child. I am not going through this alone and I am now better equipped with communication skills to confront this issue with confidence.” – Participant
“The option of taking myself out of the middle will save me energy, and time, and help me meet people where they are – re-create and then keep us moving forward.” – Participant
“Witnessing the courage and love of the participants inspires me and makes life worth living.” – Participant
YES Institute is grateful to all who participated in our education weekend, especially those who flew in from out of town and drove hours to be here with us. A special thanks to co-founder, Martha Fugate, for returning to Miami to co-lead an incredible Communication Solutions™ course!
Stay tuned for another Communication Solutions™ Course this year! Sign up for the YES Institute newsletter to receive the latest news and course schedule.
Join us for our Deciphering Gender & Orientation course on February 24 at 9 am on Zoom. Register here.