How is the topic chosen?

Contact Charity R. Warigon to discuss topic ideas and guidance.

Who would be a good facilitator for your group?

Facilitation means "to make facile" or easy. A facilitator's work involves making communication or discussion easier. Your facilitator must have an aptitude for:

  • Getting along with and understanding other people.
  • Paying attention to group dynamics.
  • Keeping the conversation flowing.
  • Monitoring the discussions and mood.
  • Interfering as little as possible.
  • Doing nothing when the conversation falters or disputes arise.
  • Allowing others to find their way.
  • Listening carefully.
  • Welcoming feedback and opposing viewpoints.
  • Admitting mistakes and moving forward.
  • Good facilitators trust themselves. They will have less opportunity to participate in the conversation, so neutrality is important. Facilitators should be present, alert, focused, and inject energy into the group.
Sample of Program

We recommend reserving up to two and half hours for the event, as discussions can be pretty lengthy. Place an attendance sign-up sheet at the entrance (facilitator is to send it back after the event). Below is a sample of a schedule for the event, or an agenda.

5:00-5:50 p.m. Eat and mingle
5:50-6:00 p.m. Announce that the discussion will begin in 10 minutes
6:00-6:15 p.m.

Welcome
Introduction, if needed
Ground Rules -- or values of the discussion
Reveal discussion question
6:15-7:15 p.m. Have a conversation!!
7:15-7:30 p.m. Distribute surveys and ask people to fill out.