Facilitator Training
A group of well-trained facilitators is a key component to the dialogue process.
Considering being trained as a facilitator? Learn more below.
Facilitators ensure a quality and equitable discussion in each circle.
People seeking to become facilitators need to be comfortable with all kinds of people; have the ability to listen well and “read” group dynamics
Our facilitator training teaches trainees how to move conversations forward, deal with different communication styles, and guide a dialogue activity without adding one’s own opinion.
To guide the dialogue series, we aim to recruit potential facilitators from every sector of our community and thereby consider racial and ethnic diversity, religion, political view, sexual orientation, age, profession, and neighborhood. Having diverse facilitators helps participants feel comfortable opening up and trusting the process.
Co-facilitators are assigned for each dialogue.
This offers several advantages:
The pair can model diversity in race, age, gender, and other differences.
Pairing experienced facilitators with beginners helps give new people more skills.
It is easier for two people to monitor the conversation.
Responsibility for planning and implementing can be shared.
Working in teams brings different skills to the process.
If one facilitator can’t make it to a dialogue session, the group can still meet.
Training schedule
Facilitators are trained 4-6 weeks before the dialogues begin.
— Basic trainings require at least a full day – or two half days.
— Additional practice time may be scheduled to provide more experience for new facilitators.
— The more training and practice facilitators have in preparation for the dialogues, the more successful they will be.
Interested in becoming a dialogue facilitator?
There are two levels of facilitator training:
Level 1
This training prepares participants to facilitate the dialogue series: Toward a More Perfect Union in An Age of Diversity from Everyday Democracy.
Facilitators are given a step-by-step outline of each of the sessions, including approximate times for each part of the discussion.
Level 2
This workshop is for facilitators who have completed the Level 1 training and are ready to learn skills for handling more “delicate, confrontational or explosive moments” effectively. The resources that inform the design of this training are provided by Essential Partners.