Intro to Group Facilitation (online workshop with breaks)
Intro to Group Facilitation (online workshop with breaks)
Part of the "Facilitating Change" community workshop series, by Sarj Lynch, more below.
See all upcoming events here.
So perhaps you've seen the memes* about "holding space" — but what the heck does it mean, anyway, and why is everyone talking about it these days?
To facilitate is to make something easier, or help bring something about — for example, a group process, a conversation, a meeting, a collaboration, or any time that people are coming together around a common goal.
Inclusive, power-critical facilitation is one of the key capacities we’ll need to grow within our movements, to help us build our people power in the years ahead. Done right, facilitation can support groups in cultivating trust and weaving stronger connections, even and especially in tough moments.
If you've been curious about facilitation as a practice, but not sure where to start, this workshop is your perfect next step! Whether you're anticipating holding space for your roommate roundtables, collective meetings, group workshops, team discussions, or even a family dinner, facilitation skills can make it possible to come together in ways that are more socially equitable and — hopefully — effective in reaching our shared goals in ways that are less burnout-prone.
With a mix of conversations, mini activities, and real-world examples, this hands-on workshop will cover the basics of what facilitation is (and isn't), and support you with some mindsets, frameworks and tools to start practicing facilitating in your contexts right away. Here is the rough agenda:
- What is (and isn't) facilitation?
- What is learning/collaboration design?
- What are some challenges of group facilitation?
- What is the role of care in facilitating group spaces?
- What are some ingredients that every agenda should have?
- Q+A
Come prepared to learn, experiment, and have fun!
🎟 Tickets 🎟
12 spots will be offered at four price levels:
- financial privilege - 95€
If you have a visa, a salaried position and health insurance paid in part by an employer, please consider buying one of these tickets to enable those without this financial access to be able to participate. - full price - 65€
- financial need - 35€
- full scholarship - see below*
This pricing distribution helps ensure that I can afford to pay my own bills, while still keeping the group a cozy size.
Not sure where you fall on the scale? Please read https://sarjlynch.notion.site/sliding-scale. I would appreciate if you would take a few minutes to honestly reflect on your situation and access to resources over time before deciding which ticket price to choose. Sliding scale is not about offering discounts or savings. It's about offering the chance for some folks to participate at all.
*I will save three free spots in this round for folks who consistently struggle to pay to cover their basic material needs and non-negotiable expenses, especially due to structural and systemic discrimination — priority goes to multiply-marginalized folks, such as QTBIPOC, refugees, folks without working visas, etc. To apply, please fill in the form on this page and tell me about your situation. I know it sucks to write about this stuff, but it will help me make sure that these spots are going to the persons most in need.
🤓 About your host 🤓
Hi, I'm Sarj. I'm a seasoned facilitator, learning designer and community care organizer. Learn more about me and my practice at https://sarjlynch.notion.site/
♿️ Access info ♿️
Automated captions will be enabled. There are worksheets to serve as a visual and language support. You are very welcome to join the space in whatever way helps you feel most comfortable to participate actively, and we will check in at the beginning to make sure can meet as many group access needs as possible. Stimulation toys and food are very welcome in this workshop. All exercises are invitations.
* Here's the moment that put the phrase "holding space" on the global meme stage:
