This course teaches strategies for facilitation of discussion and decision-making in meetings, workshops or any other sort of community dialogue. It gives techniques for developing the vision and values that will guide the group's work. It offers guidance on how to ensure that everyone with input contributes their ideas and suggestions; how to keep track of what has been decided and what is still under discussion; and how to allow time for creative thinking, planning and problem-solving.

The course uses principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a way of communicating that focuses on what we are observing, feeling, needing and requesting rather than on judgement or blame. It offers specific techniques for building group rapport and momentum, and for overcoming challenges such as conflict, boredom and lack of participation.

This course will be of interest to people who would like to contribute more effectively in community meetings and events, whether as a volunteer or a committee member. It will enable you to support a vision for a group's future and help the group agree practical next steps.

Course topics

- What is facilitation?

- Your role as facilitator - your rights, your responsibilities

- What is NVC?

- Principles of NVC

- NVC components for meeting facilitation

- Needs and values, not goals or solutions

- Building safety and rapport - the four steps to safety

- Keeping everyone in the conversation

- Getting beyond "yes"/"no" questions