The Community of Practice Workshops bring together County staff and community partners who are interested in strengthening their ability to lead for measurable and equitable results in Santa Cruz County.
Grounded in the Results Count™ framework from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Community of Practice offers opportunities throughout the year to learn and practice tools that help people:
- Clarify the results they are working toward
- Use data to understand challenges and opportunities
- Align actions across organizations and systems
- Strengthen leadership, coaching, and facilitation skills
- Work collaboratively to improve outcomes for the community
Learning opportunities may include workshops, peer learning sessions, coaching opportunities, and practice labs focused on applying results-based leadership tools to real work. Sessions are offered periodically throughout the year based on community interest, partner collaboration, and emerging opportunities.
How the Community of Practice Works
The Community of Practice is designed as an ongoing learning network rather than a fixed training series. Some opportunities are planned in advance, while others are offered in response to current needs, leadership questions, or partnership opportunities.
This approach allows County staff and community partners to build skills over time, practice with real challenges, and learn alongside others working to strengthen results, trust, and collaboration across Santa Cruz County.
Recent Learning Sessions
Below are recent Community of Practice sessions and materials that participants can use to continue learning and practice.
Session Materials
March 2026 – Powerful Questions and Difficult Conversations
This workshop explored how powerful questions and thoughtful preparation can help leaders navigate difficult conversations. Participants practiced tools for listening deeply, asking long-lever questions, and preparing for conversations that build trust and move work forward across teams and organizations.
June 12-13, 2025 – Introduction to Coaching
March 27-28, 2025 – Results Count 101
Interested in Hosting or Joining a Session?
Community of Practice learning opportunities are developed in partnership with County departments, community-based organizations, and facilitators. If you are interested in joining a future session, sharing a learning need, or exploring a workshop for your team or network, please reach out.
Interested in Participating?
If you are interested in joining future Community of Practice sessions, workshops, or peer learning opportunities, click the button below to contact Sven Stafford for more information.
Email for More Information