To assist in institution-building in selected developing countries, the Office of International Programs/Denver Research Institute (OIP/DRI) developed a training component that focused on channeling local input to program design and implementation. The program was initially developed to focus on enhancing the role of women in national development and to assist them in promoting the flow of technology to rural users. It was determined that a need for training in planning and management skills existed among the women in Thailand and Colombia. DRI created the Development Training Forum (DTF), which uses a participatory planning method to teach basic organizational planning and program management skills. A series of training forums was then held in Thailand and Colombia. The DTF was found to have both topical and cross-cultural application and to be able to be modified for organizations at all levels. Local replication of the DTF method has occurred in Thailand. Modifications to adapt the method to local cultural and social influences have included language, focus, participation, time frame, and additional sessions. (Appendixes, amounting to approximately one-half of the report, include summary data from the DTF in Thailand and Colombia). (YLB)