Introduction to Facilitation

A practical, applied course for people wanting to learn how to facilitate groups

About the course:

The purpose of this facilitation course is to assist people to intentionally develop the necessary skills and confidence to facilitate groups that support and benefit people with disabilities. We want people to strengthen their networks by learning together and from each other.

The workdays will provide comprehensive teaching about foundational principles for facilitating groups of all types – formal work teams to informal community and peer support groups – where skilled facilitation can assist people to achieve their goals. The introductory course is ideal for people with minimal facilitation experience who are keen to develop their skills and increase their confidence

To facilitate means ‘to make easy’ 
The group facilitator’s job is to make it easier for the group to do its work. By providing non-directive leadership, the facilitator helps the group arrive at the understanding and decision that are its task. The facilitator’s focus is on the group and its work.
The role is one of assistance and guidance, not of control.

Topics Covered

• Essential facilitation principles
• Self as facilitator
• Stages of group development
• Group roles
• Preparation for facilitation
• Basics on how to conduct a facilitated session
• Disability sector specific considerations

Structured as three full workdays (Friday 6th October, Friday 3rd November and Monday 4th December) over two months, this course will provide an opportunity to learn about foundational principles for facilitating groups. It is ideal for people with minimal facilitation experience who are keen to develop and share skills with other people.

• Do you find it hard to lead a group discussion or meeting?
• Do you enjoy a conversation with one or two people but freeze up when you are put in front of a group?
• Do you struggle with keeping a group focused on a task without being too bossy?
• Are there people in the groups you are part of who won’t stop talking and others who don’t say anything? Or does everyone go silent and you feel you are talking too much?
• Would you like to assist a group of people to gain clarity about their situation & achieve their goals?

Cost

The course fee is $360 for people with disability and family members, and $600 for workers, friends and allies. 

Please consider carefully whether you can commit to the full course before applying. Due to the limited numbers and significant investment this course represents, there is an Expression of Interest process.
If cost is a barrier for you, please contact CRU to discuss.

About the Presenter 

Catherine Allen is a highly experienced and effective facilitator and coach of leadership development programs with a strong commitment to people experiencing being empowered in their work environments and developing their own leadership abilities.

Catherine has a post graduate diploma in Organisational Psychology and is a member of the International Association of Facilitators 

Catherine will be assisted by CRU Senior Consultant Catherine Laherty.

Participants will be required to:

• Attend three full day workshops (one month apart)
• Have an opportunity to facilitate a group of 3+ people between each of the work days
• Complete pre-course readings and reflections as well as take home tasks

Who should attend?

People with disability and family members as well as people working with or involved with people with disability:

• Who have minimal facilitation experience.
• Who are keen to develop facilitation skills and confidence. 
• Who are currently involved in a group and/or have the opportunity to put course learning into practice, eg. peer group members, community organisers, team leaders, circle facilitators, keyworkers, family members wanting to facilitate visioning conversations with friends & supporters.

How do I Apply?

An Expression of Interest process will be used to allocate available places. 
Expression of Interest forms are to be returned to cru@cru.org.au by close of business Wednesday 6th September 2023. 
Course numbers will be strictly limited to allow optimal involvement of all participants.

Click on this link to download the Expression of Interest (EOI) form

About CRU:

For over 30 years, Community Resource Unit has been working across Queensland to help people with disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community.