Learning
Liberating
Structures
What is Liberating Structures?
Liberating Structures are simple, principle-centered processes that change how people work together. We call these methods “LS”These methods are playful, but conceived to help you get serious work done. By design, they are open source — anyone can learn and use LS to have better meetings.By experience, when used in meetings and events — for any purpose, really — participants will feel more connected, more grounded, more heard, and more productive.LS are used for strategic planning, scenario planning, developing common language, annual events, etc.
What is this Site About?
Much of this site focuses on events: LS is best learned experientially, so knowing where to go to practice is helpful!Some of the events will be in-person, some will be virtual, Some will be very short (30 minutes!) and some will be quite lengthy (multi-day). Some will be free, some will be paid.This site is meant to be a resource for those who practice or want to know more about LS. Unlike more static web pages, it will be updated weekly to share the latest and greatest resources around LS.
FAQs
How do I get my event added to this list?
Submit a request via the form on this site.
How often are the event listings updated?
Typically weekly, usually on Fridays.
Are these events in-person or virtual?
Yes! There are both kinds of events listed. The event card will include the information we have.
Are these events free or paid?
It varies! They’re hosted by a variety of people and teams. The event card will include the information we have.
Who’s behind this website?
It was conceived by Ann Blocker, a facilitator based in Austin, Texas. She hosts some of these events, but most are hosted by a wide variety of organizations and groups.
Do you have a mailing list?
We don’t send out regular event listings, but we do have a quarterly mailing. Sign up to get updates below.
Subscribe for Occasional Updates
Upcoming Events
You bring the use case and we'll help bring it alive with one structure and some possible riffs. Oh, and have a lot of fun while doing it!Each 30-40 minute session will take a single LS method and explore how it might be applied to a specific, attendee-submitted use case .
paid, virtual workshop
The Roots of Liberating Structures
a 3 part series beginning on
Thu, May 8th, 2025 10-12:30pm (CT)
This session will provide a history and a perspective that’s new to even the most well-versed practitioners. Come learn about the deep relationship between health and the science of complexity. Discover the ways that Liberating Structures drew inspiration from this workWith help from our special guests, we revisit the early scholarship, review a few intoxicating concepts, and tell a story of what we have been learning over the last 25 years.
free, virtual workshop
Central Texas(ish) LS User Group
a recurring, monthly series the second week of each month
Fri, May 9th, 11:30am-1pm (CT)
Uncovering Possibility in Times of Uncertainty
Join us and the Austin Social Sector Consultants. Together, we’ll explore how Liberating Structures can help you navigate uncertainty and find possibility right now, in your life and work.***
Everyone is welcome, regardless of location or level of experience!
free, virtual workshop
Washington DC CoP
a recurring, monthly series held the second Wed each month
Wed, May 14, 6:00-7:30 PM (ET)
Reimagining Conferences: More Connection, Less Lecture
with Lee Gimpel and Barb BickfordConferences are full of potential—so why do they often feel flat and forgettable? This interactive session is for facilitators, planners, speakers, and attendees who want more connection and less passive listening. Whether you run events or influence them from the sidelines, you’ll leave with ideas worth sharing.
free, virtual workshop
Liberating Structures Practice
Wed, May 21st, 2025 9-10:30am (PT)
Integrated~Autonomy
How to move beyond the "either-or" dilemma and unlock the potential of "both-and."An open and free event for all Practitioners! 😃
paid, in-person workshop
Global Gathering
hosted in person in Belgium
Thu-Fri, Jun 19-20, 2025
paid, in-person workshop
Immersion Workshop
Wed Jun 25th and Thu Jun 26th, 2025
In-Person; 9-5pm (CT) each day
Liberating Structures are simple yet powerful methods that change how people work together in classrooms, meetings and workshops of any size.The very best way to learn Liberating Structures is to experience it, and that's what an Immersion offers! In much the same way you can immerse yourself in a language, you will be immersed in two (full) days of Liberating Structures: we'll overview a structure, give you the opportunity to experience the structure personally, and then debrief the experience and discuss what you learned (and what questions you still have).
paid, in-person workshop
Ampersand Conference
a 3-day, in-person event for creative minds
Wed-Fri, Sep 10-12, 2025
Bringing together facilitators, coaches, instructors, instructional designers, consultants, and creatives from the DC metro area.
Submit an Event
Resources
LS are made available through a Creative Commons License by Keith McCandless & Henri Lipmanowicz.
Liberating Structures SitePrinciples
LS DNA
Menu of 33+ Liberating Structures explained
The LS “Matchmaker”
Email / Social ChannelsQiqochat - for weekly emails with LS events
LS Slack Channel
free, virtual workshop
Washington DC CoP
a recurring, monthly series held the second Wed each month
Wed, April 9, 2025 5-6:30pm (CT)
Seeing and Shaping Collaborative Frames
Elise KeithWhen groups are trapped in narrow or misaligned perspectives, they get stuck. To move forward, they need to uncover hidden assumptions, realign their views, and reframe their approach. See how 5D Thinking Maps can help.
paid, virtual workshop
Title
4 part series happening every-other week beginning on
Wed, March 19, 2025 2-2:40pm (CT)
Description
free, virtual workshop
Title
Wed, Apr 2nd, 11:00am-12:30pm (CT)
Description
paid, virtual workshop
Title
a recurring, monthly series held the second week of each month
Wed, April 9, 2025 5-6:30pm (CT)
Description
Central Texas(ish) LS User Group
(virtual)A monthly practice space for long-time and novice practitioners of LS.Events are hosted the second Thursday of even-numbered months, and the second Friday of odd-numbered months.Join their mailing list.
Fri, May 9th from 11:30am-1:00pm (CT)
Free! Register here.
Washington DC Liberating Structures CoP
(virtual)The LS community of practice in the Washington, DC area, also includes Virginia and Maryland. As an online series, they're open to anyone in the world.They meet monthly to learn new techniques, try them out, and experiment with new ideas around group facilitation.
Wed, May 14th from 5:00pm-6:30pm (CT)
Hosted by: Lee Gimpel and Barb Bickford
Free! Register here.