Winter 2010 Workshop Series
Whether formal or informal, small or large, volunteer-based or work-related, groups have a tendency to generate a wide range of ideas. This is one of the strengths of groups, which tend to be more creative than individuals, in part due to the interaction of diverse perspectives. However, without sufficient awareness of how to facilitate this potential richness, it can become a road block that breeds conflict, lack of understanding and unnecessary power struggles.
These three workshops offer participants both information and practical tools to help them harness the potential of their groups. Although not required, we encourage you to attend all three workshops, as there is a foundation and flow from one topic to the next which will allow you to gain the most benefit from your participation.
Finding Common Ground: Using Dialogue for Better Solutions
Monday, January 25th, 1 - 4 pm
This participatory workshop is designed for anyone who facilitates or leads any type of group. The workshop will provide an overview of the concept and practice of dialogue in groups and will assist in:
- Distinguishing between dialogue and debate as styles of group discussion;
- Identifying the ways in which dialogue builds cooperation, increases understanding and enlarges one's point of view to reach better solutions;
- Encouraging you to experiment with the dialogue approach through interactive exercises.
Deciding How to Decide: Choosing and Using Decision-Making Processes
Monday, February 1st, 1 - 4 pm
How do you get the best buy-in for any decision that is reached? Whether you are a manager, staff person or peer group facilitator, this interactive workshop will present a range of decision-making processes for you to work with. In addition, it will give you some tools to:
- Understand the basic concepts and practice of a range of decision-making processes;
- Understand what consensus decision-making is and is not;
- Facilitate or participate in consensus or dotmocracy processes when making important decisions.
When the Going Gets Tough - Dealing with Conflict
Wednesday, March 10th, 1 - 4 pm
Conflict is a normal part of any group's dynamics. Conflict resolution improves with openness, clear process and practice. In this workshop we will explore our personal reactions to conflict, discuss common conflicts in groups, and practice conflict resolution skills. The workshop will include:
- Examples of behaviours that can trigger conflict;
- Stages at which conflict can occur in the life of a group or team and how to identify which conflict resolution approach to use when.
- Since not all conflicts are easily resolved, we will also look at how to accept that reality and still move forward as a fully functioning and respectful group.
Workshops co-led by Simone Arsenault-May and Spencer Brennan
Spencer Brennan, Provincial Outreach Coordinator, Self-Help Resource Centre
Over the past 25 years Spencer Brennan has worked as an addiction therapist, life skills coach and adult educator and has managed the volunteer programs for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, Cecil St. Community Centre, and the Donwood site of the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health. He is the coordinator for the Ontario Self-Help Network at the Self-Help Resource Centre of Toronto. In this capacity, Spencer supports the development of both local and regional self-help/mutual aid initiatives by providing free consultation, networking support, training workshops and resource materials. Spencer holds a diploma in human services counseling and a degree in adult education. He is a published writer and has presented workshops on a variety of topics in Canada, the U.S. and Australia.
Simone Arsenault-May
Over the past 10 years, Simone Arsenault-May has coordinated a number of community development and health promotion projects while working in the not-for-profit sector. Currently working in volunteer management, she is also consulting part-time as a facilitator and trainer on topics related to interpersonal communication and group effectiveness. Simone has presented workshops on a variety of topics at professional development conferences, for community organisations, environmental groups and schools in Ontario and Quebec. Simone holds a degree in applied social science and a Masters in environmental studies.
Enrollment is limited to 20 people. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
The $50 registration fee includes materials and refreshments.
To register complete and return the registration form. Info 416-487-4355 x21 or email to shrc@selfhelp.on.ca
Workshops take place in Room 200 or 224, 40 Orchard View Blvd. (One block north of Yonge & Eglinton)
We can also arrange Group Training at your location - contact us for more information and pricing.
Cancellation Policy: Self-Help Resource Centre reserves the right to cancel or postpone workshops due to under-enrollment, instructor illness or inclement weather. If a workshop is cancelled by SHRC, you may transfer to another workshop or receive a full refund.
If you cannot attend a workshop you have registered for, you can either:
- Send a substitute to take your place, but please send the name of the substitute in advance or as soon as possible so that we can update our records for check-in purposes; or
- Transfer to another workshop, provided you give us 48 hours notice by fax, email or telephone prior to the workshop you were originally scheduled for.
- We do not offer refunds for workshops you or your substitute cannot attend.