Communication
Facilitators
(See Communication Forum to participate.)
We are taking the first step to
launch a communication initiative for our organization. Our desire is to bring people together in
local and regional areas to discuss and give input on issues that are important
to our organization. In order to begin
this process, we are looking for one, two, or three Communication Facilitators
in your area.
Here’s what the Communication
Facilitators would do:
1. Receive from our
soon-to-be-placed communication facilitation staff person a topic or topics
that need to receive field input with appropriate background information. This might include a proposed policy with
background teaching and former policies.
Or, it might be a proposed action we need field opinions on. It could be a new process for some aspect of
our mission.
2. Organize local
people to review the information and come to consensus on additions or
alterations that need to be made. This
can be done at monthly community meetings, by telephone, e-mail, or whatever
format works best for your group. The
idea is that as many people as possible be included, if they are interested in
helping shape our work on important topics.
3. Return those
additions, opinions, alterations, or revised proposals to the communication
facilitation staff person for review and continuing dialogue with the local
group on various elements of the topic.
4. Disseminate
accurate information to local members from the communication facilitation staff
person on the results of these discussions and finalization of policies,
processes or actions.
Qualifications of a Communication Facilitator:
1. Facilitators are
positive about our organization and vision for the future.
2. Facilitators have
a strong interest in and commitment to collaborative communication between
local and regional groups and headquarters, and between members of their local
groups and regions.
3. They are good
listeners.
4. They are good
facilitators. This does not require
professional training. It means making
sure everyone who wants to speak has a chance to be heard. Facilitators should also be sensitive to
finding a middle way when strong opposite opinions are expressed.
5. Communication
Facilitators are able to organize people, or help them organize themselves.
Who should be a Communication Facilitator?
Group leaders or board members are welcome to be
Communication Facilitators, however it is not
necessary to be a group leader or board member to be a facilitator. Anyone who has the skills and qualities
described above would be a great fit.
How do you pick the Communication
Facilitator?
That is up to you. You can see who is interested and appoint
appropriate people who are willing to help.
Your group can elect someone. We
are hoping you will be able to have a Communication Facilitator by
When you have found your Communication Facilitators, please contact the person
who called you and give them the person’s name, address, telephone, and e-mail
address.
Many thanks for your
help and commitment to assist us in developing a dialogue process.
Ever
Onward,
Patrick
Daniel
Stewardship
Program Development
The facilitators for our local area are Dave and Theresa. (Theresa is not currently participating.)