Needs and expectations
Ask participants about their needs and expectations concerning
- other group members,
- topic,
- facilitator
Make the diversity and the differences public.
Discussion
Let the group experience that a discussion does not have to end with one “winning” or “loosing” side but is rather there to widen horizons and get to know other perspectives better.
Let the group discuss the seminar rules and add their own, reflecting on their personal needs and goals.
Interactive group activities
These ease the atmosphere and support the group feeling and capacity for empathy. By activating one’s own sensory perception, one’s sensitivity to other participants is increased.
Handbook for Facilitators: Steps toward Action
M. Gawinek-Dagargulia (ed.), N. Zimmermann (ed.), E. Skowron (ed.) (2016). Steps toward action. Empowerment for self-responsible initiative. Help your learners to discover their vision and to turn it into concrete civic engagement. Competendo Handbook for Facilitators.
Marta Anna Gawinek-Dagargulia
Facilitator, coordinator of empowerment programs, author and program manager in the fields of cultural activism and civi education. Lives in Warsaw (Poland), head of SKORO association.