The ripple effect of our training work
At Urban Initiatives, we believe great facilitation creates ripple effects that stretch far beyond a single training session. Every time our team steps into a Chicago school, recreation center, or community space, we’re not just teaching games – we’re modeling the kind of connection and care that help entire neighborhoods thrive.
Each session is a chance to equip more caring adults across Chicago with the tools and confidence to build safe, welcoming environments for kids. These adults – educators, recess staff, school leaders, and coaches – become the heart of stronger, more connected communities.
That’s what makes our facilitators so effective. As one participant shared,
“Alec was so engaging and knowledgeable. We all enjoyed the session – especially the modeling of the games and scenarios.”
When adults experience what it feels like to be welcomed, supported, and encouraged, they carry that same energy back to their schools.
They start to see that even small moments – a warm greeting, a structured activity, or a reflective closing – can completely shift the tone of a classroom or a recess yard.
Another participant reflected,
“Andy was amazing at explaining everything. I got so many procedures I’m excited to implement with my students.”
Those moments of clarity are what our coaching methodology is all about. We believe the way adults show up for kids can change systems. Our approach emphasizes simple but powerful practices: greeting every participant by name, creating safe spaces where everyone belongs, breaking learning into achievable steps, and closing each session with reflection.
These standards – used across all our programming – work just as well with adults as they do with students.
When facilitators model these behaviors, they don’t just deliver content; they demonstrate empathy, structure, and joy in action.
One educator summed it up perfectly:
“Elyse was engaging and fun. I love it! I think my colleagues would benefit from this.”
That’s the ripple effect of great facilitation. One well-led training can inspire an educator, strengthen a school, and contribute to a safer, more connected Chicago.
At Urban Initiatives, that’s how we build change – one coach, one conversation, and one joyful learning moment at a time.
