Facilitation for College Access

Ryan Fewins-BlissConsultant, Fewins-Bliss Consulting

Collective Impact Coach, Michigan College Access Network

FACILITATION

The process of making something easier…

The process of assisting in the progress of…

Potential LCAN Needs for Facilitation Asset Mapping Network Building Strategic Planning Forming a Common Agenda Data Analysis Action Planning Everyday Meetings &

Convenings

• Flexibility

• Organization

• Energy

• Charisma

• Welcoming

• Inclusive

• Listener

• Nonjudgmental

• Challenging

• Encouraging

• Content Knowledge

• Humor

• Memory

Qualities of a Great Facilitator

Pre-MeetingResponsibilities of the Facilitator

• Send out meeting reminders• Ensure there is an agenda• Gather your materials & resources• Plan the space• Test the technology!• Plan for food and/or drinks• Know the expected attendees• Anticipate potential questions

• Optional: Plant a ringer

In-MeetingResponsibilities of the Facilitator

• Provide a warm, inclusive welcome• If appropriate, allow introductions• Ensure the group understands the

process/plan/goals• Spark & Guide the discussion• Be mindful of time• Ensure notes are being taken• Use names!• Use experience to illustrate points• Speak as little as possible/necessary• Ask clarifying questions• Provide content knowledge• Affirm participation• Boomerang, when necessary

Post-MeetingResponsibilities of the Facilitator

• Follow up as promised• Wrap up loose ends• Distribute minutes/notes• Reach out appropriately to

those not able to attend• Touch base with at least

one attendee to get some feedback

• Move the conversation/initiative forward to next steps or meetings

The Toolbox

ICEBREAKERUsed to build connection

between a team – to learn names – no

content outcome – short – typically not used once

a team has been working together for a

while

EXAMPLE: “Find someone who…”

Bingo

ENERGIZERUsed when a group is

losing energy/interest/focus – often good after a meal

or long meeting – no content outcome – often

physical – very quick

EXAMPLE: Head, Shoulders, Knees and

Toes

ACTIVITYUsed to illustrate or provide content to a group – often time

consuming – sometimes high risk – experiential –

requires a debriefing

EXAMPLE: Stand and Declare or The

Poverty Simulation

Areas of Potential Conflict

• Data• Philosophy of Education (or anything else!)• The process• Blame• Credentials, Manufacturing, Definition of

College• Necessity of post-secondary education• Students who aren’t “college material”• Parents• What college used to be

• Immediate record of what is said + Permanent record for official minutes

• Express complex ideas

• Gives everyone a common concept

• Makes group more accountable

• Addresses multiple learning styles

Graphic Facilitation

Sometimes our work calls us to use technology to reach a larger audience. Often, we meet wholly using technology and just as often one or two participants are using technology to join an in-person meeting. The role of the facilitator is extremely important in these cases.

Conference & Skype Calls

• The facilitator must model inclusion of everyone – sometimes calling on people by name since you cannot see body language.

• Encourage people to use the mute function – or force them to.

• If possible, do a roll call.

• Send materials beforehand.

• Be wary of breaks.

• Have the right equipment – microphones, cameras, internet connection…

Conference & Skype Calls

Do’s, Don’ts & Role of the Facilitator: http://bit.ly/Tqhp2N

Resource:

Ryan Fewins-Bliss

517-898-6353

ryan@micollegeaccess.org

Contact: