By Marilyn Oyler
I’m excited to share with you some of the new efforts that are taking place in the ToP Network regarding the work of Public Health professionals! The ToP Network is a national independent nonprofit professional association of facilitators and trainers who use ToP methods 
in their work. The ToP Network launched the Public Health in ToP (PHiT) task force in 2010 to deepen the effectiveness of the methods throughout the sector and create opportunities for cross-learning among practitioners, many of whom have been using ToP methods in the Health sector for more than ten years. This national PHiT task force is doing ongoing work in many arenas, including hosting focus groups, arranging continuing education credits, connecting ToP and Health Evaluation and using ToP in Health Department accreditation.
This month the ToP Network is hosting Focus Groups in 10 cities across the US to explore opportunities to work together even more closely. Practical suggestions from this group and the other focus groups across the country will be compiled to provide ideas for new courses and support activities for ToP in Public Health. (See the invitation below to join the Arizona Focus Group)
The ToP Network has also made it possible for Community Health Educators to receive continuing education credits for their participation in ToP Facilitation Methods training. Contact me to get your special Certificate of Completion for CHES participants.
Another exciting new focus has emerged within the PHiT Team. On Wednesday, July 16, the Evaluation Team met virtually to discover the possibilities for linking ToP methods and tools to the work of public health evaluation activities. Some lively conversation ensued, including how developmental evaluation relates to logic models and the emerging work around collective impact. Other health professionals are initiating an online conversation in how you can utilize ToP methods in accreditation.
You would be welcome to join any of these teams. Email me to let me know if and how you would like to become a part of the conversation.
You’re Invited! Public Health Professionals Luncheon Oct 13th.
Do you work in the field of Public Health? Are you interested in how professional facilitation practices can support Public Health initiatives moving forward? Do you have some familiarity with ToP methods? Won’t you join us for a luncheon Monday, Oct 13th at noon?
We’ll bring the lunch!
You are invited to participate in an effort to explore the opportunities available to develop some ToP training specifically designed for public health professionals in areas such as facilitating meaningful meetings, public forums and community health assessments, planning events and many others. The ToP Network is hosting Focus Groups in 10 cities to see how we can best support your work as public health professionals. We would like to engage your assistance with 1 hour of your time.
When: Monday, Oct 13th at 12 noon
Where: 14th floor at Maricopa County Dept. Public Health, 4041 Central Plaza, Tower Suite, Phoenix AZ 85012 (This is the South East corner of Indian School & Central Avenue.) Ask for the training room.
Parking: Parking is available in the visitor parking garage off of 2nd Street. DO NOT park in the IRS parking lot. IF the visitor section is full, proceed to the upper levels. Please do not park in any space that says “Reserved Parking”. Bring your Visitor Parking ticket with you for validation.
Please click here to RSVP or phone Marilyn Oyler at 602-468-0605.
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