Learn Deep Democracy

Deep Democracy is a toolkit for anyone who experiences conflict in their life and work and wants to get better at working through it. Join a workshop with instructor, Sera Thompson, to learn and practise Deep Democracy.

Co-Resolve: An Introduction to Deep Democracy for Leaders

In today’s complex organizations, the skillful handling of interpersonal and team dynamics has become a vital quality among leaders. CoResolve training increases leaders’ capacity to succeed in turbulent times by offering practical tools for working with differences in a group and turning destructive conflict into creative tension.

Upcoming Co-Resolve Courses: Sept 25 & 26 (Course runs from 9AM-4PM)

CoResolve offers tools to help citizens more readily engage with, and navigate conflict resolution and consensus-based decision making in their workplaces, community organizations, political associations, and personal lives.

Some of those who might find the most value in CoResolve training include:

• community activists and organizers 
• board and committee chairs, executive directors
• current and aspiring elected representatives 
• anyone with an interest in better working through the conflict they encounter in their lives and work

What some people are saying about Deep Democracy:

"Deep democracy may be the most hopeful process that I have seen for universally getting to the heart of what separates us in our big social, cultural challenges.”  

- Danny Graham, Chief Engagement Officer at Engage Nova Scotia, former Liberal Party Leader 

“Sera’s excellent coaching has provided me with powerful learning and helped me grow my leadership. In one instance our coaching session helped me step into my leadership role at a critical juncture. I knew what I needed to do as a leader, but in my heart I wanted to take a different path. Sera’s process really transformed how I addressed this situation and I’m really proud of the results.”  

- Maggy Burns, Managing Director, Ecology Action Centre  

The deep democracy co-resolve course I attended in November offered me clear insight on why and how we can offer an equitable space for all voices to explore their awareness of any issue or opportunity. Moving from "facilitating" the process for others, to being fully part of the dance of discovering what matters to "us."

             - Councillor Jim Mustard, Inverness County 

“I went into the core solve training hoping for a set of tools to address conflict in my work environment, which consists of mainly multi-disciplinary teamwork. I definitely came away with those tools, but what really surprised me is how useful they are in all aspects of my life, especially within my family.”

- Beth Lewis, Business Analyst, First Nation and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada 

CoResolve is based on the Lewis method of Deep Democracy developed in post-apartheid South Africa and practiced in over 20 countries around the world. Deep Democracy is a psychologically based facilitation methodology particularly useful for working with relationship and group dynamics that are emotionally charged or marked by difference. CoResolve gives you the theoretical background, instructions, experiential learning opportunities, and long-term support that you need to begin using the most powerful and essential tools of Deep Democracy in your leadership.

If you'd like to attend but find the cost of the program prohibitive, you can submit a short application for a limited number of Scholarships available for this course. 

Instructor - Sera Thompson 

 Sera has over 12 years of experience locally and internationally supporting diverse stakeholders coming together to launch, sustain and grow innovative projects and initiatives. Her work is rooted in the belief that if we create the right conditions people will organize together and solve their own challenges with surprising ease and effectiveness. She has extensive experience working with a variety of clients including major international businesses, government agencies and local communities. She is the owner & director at New Leaf Innovation.

Sign up for the next course: 

Sept 25/26 (All courses are two days, 9AM-4PM)

If you'd like to take this program, but these dates do not work for you, please complete this form and we'll contact you before scheduling new courses 

Program Costs

Non-Profit Rate / Student Rate: $500.00 

General Rate: $750.00