https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/newsletter daily 0.75 2026-01-23 https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/newsletter/edition1 monthly 0.5 2026-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/a7459859-d955-4d1c-8013-8713b67c4f1e/Why+Fireweed+1223.png newsletter - Fireweed turns 1! - A look back at the year While I have been doing consulting work for many years, this past year marked a meaningful shift. I officially founded Fireweed Consulting. It felt scary and exciting, and it turned out to be deeply fulfilling. Over the past year, I had the privilege of working across a wide range of spaces, including climate tech, health care, workforce development, affordable housing, financial services, advocacy, and with B Corps. I remember standing at the decision point, wondering whether to make Fireweed official. I am glad that I did. What grounded me was the chance to work alongside thoughtful people who care deeply about their work, their communities, and the systems they are trying to change. A sincere thank you to my clients for taking a chance on a new company and trusting me with work that matters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/6affb218-485e-4913-871f-5184770f1deb/2025v2.png newsletter - Fireweed turns 1! - Make it stand out A few of my favorite Fireweed moments from the last year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/8a48e90d-236b-42ed-b64d-ae573923460d/Ap%2Bpic.png newsletter - Fireweed turns 1! - A brief hello, if we have not met If we have not crossed paths yet, my name is Andrea Prebys-Williams. I am an organizational development consultant, coach, and leadership educator with twenty years of experience working alongside mission-driven organizations. My work focuses on strengthening communication, collaboration, decision making, and organizational culture, especially in spaces navigating growth, change, or tension. I design and facilitate processes that support strategic direction, help teams work through conflict with care, and align structures and practices with shared values. Through coaching, training, and multi-stakeholder project support, I work with leaders and organizations to build clarity, purpose, and effectiveness in complex environments. I am especially drawn to work that invites reflection, shared learning, and honest conversation about power, responsibility, and care. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/8d3119f9-d31c-4e28-867a-78d788c173af/Facilitation+Handout.png newsletter - Fireweed turns 1! A resource to share One practice I have been working on with several clients this year is facilitation, particularly how we hold space with care in moments of learning and tension. I am sharing a handout I created on holding space with care, which reflects many of the practices I return to when supporting groups through learning, dialogue, and tension. https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/home daily 1.0 2026-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/0a3581f4-6ec8-4ec6-a173-a81498553ac8/leadership.png home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/bc35e753-249c-4ca3-af24-6b64cee2930a/retreat.png home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/b6f83258-1983-4eba-8200-603f9f065855/skill.png home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/24d0a045-36d0-41d5-bcec-429c342153a8/multi.png home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/be6a54a2-c909-4bae-9b04-77af1e4a3e3c/Diverting+Hate.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/7138675d-e1ac-48dc-a9d3-9e826842fb2f/Labor-Center-New-logo-square.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/ad69314b-64fb-4cb5-9c18-7aaba416ae2a/Unity+Council.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/808ae0ea-619e-489b-8d0c-2505d89c61a1/UCB.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/b55a995a-0331-4cc5-a9c5-4a0b408be602/DG%2B.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/2ca662b4-0603-4779-8eeb-4b77d2d578b8/Wild+Health+Alaska.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/225970b3-aa47-4009-9b02-72e87ff77385/JWJSF-Logo-Favicon.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/c778ca0e-e053-4feb-9a99-81714802c03e/Chris+Hess.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1739402429606-328C6VIYQCGDBN1T816B/Sean.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/fa48ef03-e6a6-45af-9a24-4600debb6d05/UC+Santa+Cruz.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/03475ad3-54a3-419e-97d4-ca95a0c2bc93/CPA.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/2ba816cb-aa27-4d0e-b33a-0916f5574adb/Colorado.png https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/acknowledgments daily 0.75 2024-07-10 https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/offerings daily 0.75 2025-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/3877b6ac-4bee-49d9-9a72-c01af70918c7/Finding+Your+Path.jpg offerings Finding Your Path is a transformative training designed for individuals working toward justice who want to lead with greater clarity, intention, and care. Whether you're navigating a career shift, deepening your community commitments, or seeking grounding in turbulent times, this workshop will guide you in clarifying your role within the broader social change ecosystem. The training is a mix of personal reflection, embodied practice, and shared learning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/e659ae06-5cf6-4fcd-9ed5-a000b0a7cccc/Intro.jpg offerings The Navigating Conflict training builds the skills and self-awareness needed to engage conflict with clarity, resilience, and intention. Through self-reflection, emotional regulation techniques, and practical frameworks for feedback and brave conversations, participants will learn to navigate difficult dynamics, encourage principled disagreement, and find productive pathways forward in challenging situations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/38c70a72-20e3-4b32-87f3-2d2effb859ba/Organizational+Charter.jpg offerings The Organizational Charter and Team Agreement training guides teams through a collaborative process to co-create shared agreements that foster openness, accountability, and collective care. Through interactive dialogue, cultural assessment, and goal-setting, teams will strengthen connections, identify key cultural anchors, and establish a foundation for actionable, mission-aligned commitments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1741119621412-B1A204I1L746AISGOD4Q/Conflict%252Band%252BDe-escalation%252Btraining.jpg offerings Two day training focused on conflict and de-escalation intended for helping professionals and those in the social change space, such as: front-line workers, managers, educators, community organizers, security personnel. This session will focus on developing individual capacity to navigate conflict through a blend of scenario practice, journaling, reflection, partner role-plays, and small group discussions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/7a486cad-062d-4e5b-a5c7-02d3cac5284c/Giving+and+Receiving+Feedback+.jpg offerings The Giving and Receiving Feedback training equips participants with the skills to communicate feedback effectively, fostering a culture of learning, trust, and accountability. Through practical strategies for clear communication, emotional regulation, and navigating difficult conversations, participants will gain confidence in offering and receiving feedback in ways that strengthen relationships and drive meaningful growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/0a3581f4-6ec8-4ec6-a173-a81498553ac8/leadership.png offerings - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/b6f83258-1983-4eba-8200-603f9f065855/skill.png offerings - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/bc35e753-249c-4ca3-af24-6b64cee2930a/retreat.png offerings - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/24d0a045-36d0-41d5-bcec-429c342153a8/multi.png offerings - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/aboutme daily 0.75 2025-12-08 https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/contact daily 0.75 2025-01-27 https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/portfolio daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511387030-5LI1E5QMVTQ2RY9S00A4/20140228_Trade+151_0046+1.jpg portfolio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618511440608-5BVMHVN4WR2I9YQV1WWR/Aro+Ha_0010+1.jpg portfolio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1666330445457-FVZYLMP876U2UUQRREQA/HRTP%2BLearning%2BLab%2BPeer.jpg portfolio Curriculum design for workshop on peer mentorship as a strategy for building worker voice and worker power, using California Transit Works! as a case study. Designed for High Roads training participants and UC Berkeley Labor Center. Partnered with Deborah Moy of California Transit Works! and Jamaine Gibson of Amalgamated Transit Union International. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/3877b6ac-4bee-49d9-9a72-c01af70918c7/Finding+Your+Path.jpg portfolio Finding Your Path is a transformative training designed for individuals working toward justice who want to lead with greater clarity, intention, and care. Whether you're navigating a career shift, deepening your community commitments, or seeking grounding in turbulent times, this workshop will guide you in clarifying your role within the broader social change ecosystem. The training is a mix of personal reflection, embodied practice, and shared learning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1730313129937-LKKIDFST53FSREOZ0HC7/Worker%2BPower.jpg portfolio Building Worker Power through Workforce Training strives to increase the number of quality, empowered jobs by building power among systematically excluded workers, particularly low wage workers of color. Project is funded and supported by ReWork the Bay. Partnering with four worker organizations (North Bay Jobs with Justice, EBASE, Jobs with Justice, SF, Working Partnerships USA) and four workforce development programs, who collaboratively design and implement a pilot project integrating worker rights education and organizing into workforce training programs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/814a42f8-9128-4f3f-b3af-41e0d8637291/Endless+Becoming.png portfolio This journal is a guiding tool for those moving through the complexities of making commitments, navigating contradictions, and walking a path of personal growth and social change. It offers a structured platform for introspection and dialogue, fostering self-awareness, and clarity of purpose. While the primary focus is personal, this journal is firmly grounded in a broader commitment to systems change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1730313206370-AOZEGYE20DAE2OCICKGM/Connecting%2BWorkers%2527%2BRights%2B%2526%2BSustainability.jpg portfolio A newly created curriculum will showcase how deeply integral workers’ rights are to sustainability. Those with historical power have used it in devastating ways: to attack workers, harm the planet, and further white supremacy. Social movements, while shifting this power, often exist in isolation and are up against a well-financed, political and social infrastructure. By understanding this power and our inter-connections, we can unite in building a more just world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/e659ae06-5cf6-4fcd-9ed5-a000b0a7cccc/Intro.jpg portfolio The Navigating Conflict training builds the skills and self-awareness needed to engage conflict with clarity, resilience, and intention. Through self-reflection, emotional regulation techniques, and practical frameworks for feedback and brave conversations, participants will learn to navigate difficult dynamics, encourage principled disagreement, and find productive pathways forward in challenging situations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1730313154429-8QG7752CRMTD4BLPZRR3/CPA.jpg portfolio Conducted research for Chinese Progressive Association to support the development of their workforce development pilot program. I interviewed 24 leaders and experts in the broader workforce development space to identify potential opportunities for partnership and determine best practices to consider for the program design. Conducted brief industry research on four industries their survey participants would like to work in: homecare, childcare, hotel, and janitorial/custodial. Also included recommendations on future research needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/8d3119f9-d31c-4e28-867a-78d788c173af/Facilitation+Handout.png portfolio Facilitation is not neutral. The ways we design space, invite participation, and respond to tension can either reproduce harm or cultivate equity and belonging. These practices offer guidance for holding space in anti-oppressive ways, centering connection, presence, justice, and care. They are not a checklist, but reminders to approach facilitation as an ongoing practice of learning, accountability, and possibility. This overview is not intended to be comprehensive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/e201bb0a-3fcc-4385-bf3f-aecc2bdff218/JwJ+Plan.png portfolio Building worker power through workforce development project strategy designed and created for Jobs with Justice San Francisco. Goals: Assess the current workforce development landscape in San Francisco to identify opportunities for collaboration between workforce development providers and JwJ SF. Partner with Office of Economic and Workforce Development to recruit low-wage workers and unemployed candidates of color in San Francisco for workforce development services. Incorporate a workers’ rights training specifically for newly recruited candidates that are traditionally left out of the WFD space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/38c70a72-20e3-4b32-87f3-2d2effb859ba/Organizational+Charter.jpg portfolio The Organizational Charter and Team Agreement training guides teams through a collaborative process to co-create shared agreements that foster openness, accountability, and collective care. Through interactive dialogue, cultural assessment, and goal-setting, teams will strengthen connections, identify key cultural anchors, and establish a foundation for actionable, mission-aligned commitments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/8badd991-6853-400b-9604-a1fa82b3f69a/Highlight+of+Key+Lessons.png portfolio Landscape analysis to understand the breadth of existing research on low-wage work, and the overall make-up of the ecosystem. Sixty people were interviewed with representatives from worker centers, community organizations, policymakers, unions, government officials, researchers and academics. Key findings are included in the report. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1730136464633-JMN64FIY1UG1NQ2IP7YP/Community%2BConnected%2BCover.jpg portfolio This workbook is grounded in the idea that individuals play a crucial role in shaping the future of their local communities through active participation. This workbook guides you through a process of building critical consciousness, while suggesting activities to get involved with in your community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/013648a2-a559-4701-8536-f906924902ed/HRTP+Learning+Lab+Power.png portfolio Curriculum design for workshop on worker power and the various dimensions of power, including formal, hidden and invisible power. Explored strategy guiding questions and ways to build power in the various dimensions. Designed for High Roads training participants and UC Berkeley Labor Center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/1741119621412-B1A204I1L746AISGOD4Q/Conflict%252Band%252BDe-escalation%252Btraining.jpg portfolio Two day training focused on conflict and de-escalation intended for helping professionals and those in the social change space, such as: front-line workers, managers, educators, community organizers, security personnel. This session will focus on developing individual capacity to navigate conflict through a blend of scenario practice, journaling, reflection, partner role-plays, and small group discussions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/2ec55f8e-9547-4cca-8118-f5fe792eb319/Central+Valley.png portfolio While California has been leading the way on many fronts benefiting low-wage workers, the benefits have not been evenly distributed. The Central Valley, in particular, ranks last or near-last among California’s twelve regions in education, employment, household income, immigrant naturalization, and a number of other key indicators. Yet, the Central Valley only received 1.15% total giving. That means regionally, those with the greatest problems are getting the least support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/cf430365-3c3b-4ac7-8cd5-291903420569/Circle+of+Care+%28front%29.png portfolio Building a sustainable path in justice and leadership requires connection and support. The Circle of Care is a tool to help you reflect on the relationships, communities, and systems that sustain you and the ways you also show up for others. Use these guiding questions to identify the people and networks that offer support, accountability, and honest dialogue, and to consider how you can nurture these connections for your own growth and resilience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/7a486cad-062d-4e5b-a5c7-02d3cac5284c/Giving+and+Receiving+Feedback+.jpg portfolio The Giving and Receiving Feedback training equips participants with the skills to communicate feedback effectively, fostering a culture of learning, trust, and accountability. Through practical strategies for clear communication, emotional regulation, and navigating difficult conversations, participants will gain confidence in offering and receiving feedback in ways that strengthen relationships and drive meaningful growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/ccb6903f-5db5-4885-8bb3-41acb89fbeb7/Finding+Your+Path+Handout.png portfolio Over the years, I’ve heard from many people wonder: Where do I fit in? Or even, Do I belong here if I’m not an activist, or if I don’t lead in the ways I see others lead? But the truth is: movements need all, need expertise in so many areas. Not just the front-facing ones. Not just the loudest voices. We need creatives, dreamers, cooks, healers, finance folks, educators, analysts, and more. Each of these paths listed here contributes to the infrastructure of liberation. They reflect the diverse paths and gifts that sustain change. How can I better understand and use my gifts to help build the movement we need?'' https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/endlessbelonging daily 0.75 2025-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/de73e7ae-0529-4030-820c-7e6cd36944b9/Brianna.png endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/a158d394-9a13-4b31-9a46-c298550e6809/Tomas.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/7b0b0515-9b32-4980-8164-383722438f7e/Class2.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/4b71dfd0-3845-4ff3-8aa0-88a10b006e99/Sean.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/baf2a842-a0cd-4b4b-acf0-179fb46784a9/Chris+Hess+2.png endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/a416ceae-a82d-40a0-b42a-ef56763c1545/Class.jpg endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/7bea15ad-4c55-45ff-b323-90a6f8c90a8f/Kelly.png endless becoming journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/e1ca92d1-3b7a-4950-8063-e0350c08bb5d/EB+v2.png endless becoming journal - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.fireweedconsulting.org/events daily 0.75 2025-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/881285d8-28be-4a7a-9779-11aae106a53a/BLD+B+Corp+%26+COOP+Mixer.png events October 20: Bay Area B Corp and Coop Mixer. Understory (3340 International Blvd., Oakland) Bay Area cooperators & B Corp community: we’re hosting a gathering next month for you! Certified B Corps and worker-owned businesses share a lot in common-they are working to make things better for their communities, the planet, and their workers. Often misunderstood by folks on the outside, they stand to benefit from increased connection and collaboration since both communities are thriving in the Bay Area. Get your tickets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/63a4d52f-ae9f-4322-b99e-bc977a1c02db/BLD+2025.png events October 21: Finding Your Path. B Local Bay Area - 2025 BLD Bay Area Finding Your Path is an interactive practice lab for individuals navigating uncertainty in their roles and seeking clarity on how they fit within the broader movement ecosystem. Through mindfulness, journaling, and partner reflection, participants will engage the guiding question: How can I better understand and use my gifts to help build the movement infrastructure we need? Rather than a lecture, this session creates space for grounding, self-discovery, and shared connection, supporting participants to lead with greater clarity, intention, and care in times of change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62be059747e163686fa5b8d3/28ed9a15-5f7d-4cb7-8b9f-fe3d8b6aed5e/CSNhero-2048x1242.jpg events November 6: Champagne Supernova Ignite Talks The Lawrence Hall of Science Why?” to “What Now?”: How Childhood Curiosity Prepares Us to Navigate Conflict: Children are natural scientists, asking up to 40,000 questions between ages two and five. Yet by middle school, questioning—and creativity—plummets as education rewards answers over inquiry. Those early skills of open-ended questioning and persistence are not just for learning facts; they are essential tools for adulthood. In times of conflict, curiosity helps us pause, seek understanding, and test new possibilities. By reviving childlike curiosity, we can move through disagreement with integrity and transform conflict from a source of division into an opportunity for growth, connection, and collective problem-solving.