Facilitation techniques for Local College Access Networks and Coordinators.

1. Facilitation for College Access
Ryan Fewins-Bliss
Consultant, Fewins-Bliss Consulting
Collective Impact Coach, Michigan College Access
Network

2. FACILITATION
The process of making something easier…
The process of assisting in the progress of…

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

4. Qualities of a
Great Facilitator
• Flexibility • Nonjudgmental
• Organization • Challenging
• Energy • Encouraging
• Charisma • Content
• Welcoming Knowledge
• Inclusive • Humor
• Listener • Memory

5. Pre-Meeting
Responsibilities 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

6. In-Meeting
Responsibilities 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

7. Post-Meeting
Responsibilities 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

8. The Toolbox
ICEBREAKER ENERGIZER ACTIVITY
Used to build connection Used when a group is losing Used to illustrate or provide
between a team – to learn energy/interest/focus – often content to a group – often
names – no content outcome good after a meal or long time consuming – sometimes
– short – typically not used meeting – no content high risk – experiential –
once a team has been outcome – often physical – requires a debriefing
working together for a while very quick
EXAMPLE: “Find someone EXAMPLE: Head, Shoulders, EXAMPLE: Stand and Declare
who…” Bingo Knees and Toes or The Poverty Simulation

9. 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

10. Graphic
Facilitation
• 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

11. Conference &
Skype Calls
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.

12. 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…

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

14. Contact:
Ryan Fewins-Bliss
517-898-6353
ryan@micollegeaccess.org