On January 23rd, we had the privilege of facilitating and coordinating the third Adult Charter Schools Mini-Conference.

First and foremost, thank you to the leaders of DC Adult Charter schools for entrusting us with this opportunity. Creating space for meaningful peer learning requires trust — and we are grateful for the confidence placed in us.

We are also deeply appreciative of the Steering Committee and to Maya Angelou YALC for hosting and helping bring the day to life.

Adult education leaders rarely have protected time to pause and think together. This convening was intentionally designed to create that space — structured, focused, and highly collaborative.

The day centered on three key areas:

• Workforce Development

• Recruitment & Enrollment

• Virtual & Asynchronous Instruction

Rather than traditional presentations, we prioritized active problem-solving. A highlight was the use of the Consultancy Protocol — a structured process that allows one leader to present a real dilemma while peers engage through clarifying questions, probing questions, and facilitated discussion.

The result?

• Deeper thinking.

• Sharpened strategies.

• Stronger relationships.

Several leaders shared that the structured format helped them think about persistent challenges in new ways.

Leaders exchanged approaches to strengthening workforce partnerships, navigating enrollment volatility, and refining virtual models — while building connections that extend beyond a single day.

We anchored the experience in norms such as “Mine the brilliance in the room” and “Expect non-closure” — reinforcing that the goal was not immediate resolution, but sustained collaboration.

At BMC Solutions Group, we believe well-designed convenings can be low-lift, high-value investments. When thoughtfully facilitated, they create alignment and forward momentum — without adding operational strain.

If you are considering a similar engagement — cross-school collaboration, strategic planning, or focused problem-solving — let’s talk about designing a tailored, low-lift, high-value engagement for your team.

— Brian McNamee