Leadership, Organising and Community Engagement Workshop Series

Dunn Street is offering a series of professional development workshops in the practice of leadership, community organising, and electorate engagement for Members of Parliament and Electorate Office staff.

The workshops focus on practical skills to support staff in their work engaging with local communities, stakeholders and organisations to address shared challenges and support stronger civic participation across Victoria.

This training series is non-partisan and is eligible to be funded under the Victorian Parliament's professional development budget for Electorate Office staff.

Why Leadership and Community Engagement?

The work of leadership involves enabling others to achieve shared goals, especially under conditions of uncertainty. These workshops explore adaptive leadership – understanding how to respond effectively to emerging community issues, build relationships, and work collaboratively across electorates.

This type of leadership is viewed as a practice – not dependent on position or hierarchy – but something that can be exercised by anyone seeking to support positive, community-driven outcomes.

Program Facilitator

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for:

• Members of Parliament (new or returning), and

• Electorate Office staff with roles in constituency or community engagement.

The content supports staff who want to strengthen their skills in building relationships, engaging diverse community groups, and working together with local stakeholders to address shared priorities.

Key Themes and Topics

The curriculum is based on six foundational leadership practices:

• Public Narrative: Crafting and communicating purpose through story – including personal motivation, shared values, and timely action.

• Relationship Building: Establishing trust and shared interests across your electorate.

• Structured Leadership Teams: Building effective teams with clear roles and shared goals.

• Shared Strategy: Developing practical approaches for engaging constituents and achieving shared community outcomes.

• Motivating Action: Encouraging and sustaining involvement from constituents and community partners.

Each topic is delivered across structured 90-minute workshops, with a focus on applied learning, reflection, and collaboration.

Delivery Format and Timeline

• 14 x 90-minute workshops

• Delivered weekly

• Online

• Running from late XXXX to XXXXXX

All materials are provided in advance, including readings, worksheets and templates.

Teaching Approach

The program follows an adult learning model:

• Pre-reading and resources

• Facilitated concept exploration

• Skills demonstrations

• Group and individual practice

• Peer discussion and reflection

The course accommodates a variety of learning styles and promotes skill development through active participation.

Registration and Cost

• Course fee: $4,500 + GST

• This cost is eligible under the Victorian Parliamentary professional development allowance

• Payment is required prior to commencement

• Course materials and reflection paper are included

• Limited to 12 participants per cohort

To apply, complete the registration form. Applications close on [insert date].

Registration

Dunn Street is a member of the Leading Change Network and is licensed to use workshop materials developed by Professor Marshall Ganz and the Harvard Kennedy School.