Sometimes, without an outside perspective, grassroots groups can get stuck, bumping up against the same problems over and over. Conflict, tension and disagreements between co-organizers can get in the way, making it difficult to problem solve and move forward. An outside facilitator can help a group creatively problem solve and work through tension and disagreement because they are less wrapped up and emotionally involved in the organization.

 

Other times an outside facilitator can be helpful to give a break to organizers who often facilitate meetings, and to allow those folks time and space to participate fully as organizers and project collaborators without having to also preform in a facilitation role.

 

Outside facilitation can also be helpful when a group needs to facilitate a big community meeting or workshop and doesn’t have the capacity or skill to do it alone.

 

Effective facilitation combines the skills of the deep listening, the ability to synthesize ideas and reflect them, a good perception of interpersonal/group dynamics and group energy, the ability to be honest about hard dynamics and work though tense moments, a knowledge of consensus (or the decision making process of the group), and an upbeat and fun energy to keep people feeling good and engaged.

 

I am available to facilitate meetings both big and small, and will work with your group before any facilitation happens to understand the dynamic of your group, what projects you are currently working on, and what your needs are.

 

Some examples of times when an outside facilitator may be helpful:

When a group has been bumping up against the same things over and over, and needs help working through issues that are arising in the group which are holding the group back. These problems could be interpersonal or just not being able to figure out what to do next. This type of facilitation may combine with coaching support as well.

 

Retreats: it is important for groups to have time to get together thought-out the year for all day or multiple day retreats to dive into the work that is being done, to hunker down, get things done, and strategize and plan in ways that can’t be achieved at shorter membership meetings. Having an outside facilitator can be helpful so all members may be able to participate equally without having to carry the burden of facilitation and agenda development. You can learn more about the support I offer by clicking the “retreats” tab.

 

Large community meetings: sometimes your campaigns and initiatives involve bringing community members together to make decisions, and/or to educate people on a certain issue.  Some examples of this are a community meeting to decide where a new community garden should go and how it should be used, or an educational event to educate people on the history of direct action or the particulars of new proposed city council ordinance. Sometimes facilitation and educational support overlap in these instances.

 

I have years of experience facilitating groups as small as 5 people and up to hundreds of people.

 

A suggested donation for facilitation support is typically $0-250, depending on the size of the group, how much pre-planning is needed, and how long of a session is needed.