Petra de Boer

I am a facilitator of change in complexity. I connect worlds of people, ideas and actions for the common good.

I am intrigued by social challenges and how to create ownership for collective action. For this I design and facilitate dialogue and deliberation processes that enable people to discover common ground. I foster safe spaces in which knowledge and ideas are freely shared, so that new insights can emerge. I like working in short cycles towards tangible results.

I use language and imagery to act as catalysts for change. From formulating urgent and inspiring questions and creative ideation sessions to designing inspiring communications. I help to make progress visible, nurture vital connections and spread the harvest widely. People like how I translate complex matter and a multitude of information into clear, engaging and surprising communication.

I am internationally educated in images (visual arts), words (Business Communications & PR) and numbers (Business Administration). I have over 30 years of experience as a communications specialist and dialogue facilitator, especially in the areas of social welfare, international cooperation and higher education. I am a voluntary member of the Participation Council in the municipality of Velsen.

After living for many years in amazing cities including Berlin, Boston, Barcelona and Amsterdam, my partner and I decided to move out to greener areas. We now enjoy our (vegetable) garden, the dune forest and the sea around the corner. 

Expertise

Examples of what I do

Reading and Writing Foundation harvests effects

Reading and Writing Foundation harvests effects

The Reading and Writing Foundation wants to better understand how its support to municipalities contributes to better policy and implementation. So that people with low literacy can be helped even better. The foundation already reports annually on the activities carried out but want to gain more insight into what all those efforts achieve. Using Outcome Harvesting as a methodology.

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Book review: Future Search

Book review: Future Search

The ‘Complete Guide’ on how to conduct a Future Search, including its history, principles, planning steps, lots of examples and in the appendix even a step-by-step facilitator guide with worksheets and all.

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What do we all want?

What do we all want?

The Future Search methodology is built on four principles. In a new blog series, we take a closer look at all four principles. First: why focus on the future and common ground is more effective than solving problems and conflicts.

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