Introduction to Dialogue Facilitation: Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange (November - December Call) ONLINE

Facilitators are an important part of Virtual Exchange programmes. They are third parties who help a group have a constructive, respectful and authentic dialogue on various topics of (mutual) interest.

Facilitators are multi-partial and neutral process leaders: they do not participate in the content of the conversation but do their best to ensure all participants feel free to express themselves and are heard by others, respecting certain agreed-upon ground rules and following the indications of programme curriculum as well as the group’s needs and interests.

Facilitators seek to elicit self-group awareness and understanding by providing a safe and effective learning environment where participants learn tools to hold an effective cross-cultural dialogue and are inspired to take the skills and understanding beyond their participation in Virtual Exchange.

Facilitators are trained in utilizing a diverse set of facilitation tools to foster such awareness and learning and address group dynamics. Virtual Exchange facilitators are curious learners, good listeners, multi-taskers and team workers. As a facilitator, you will actively strive to improve your facilitation skills and knowledge with the Erasmus+ facilitator community.

Introduction to Facilitation: 10 hours of asynchronous, paced online course

The Facilitation Training was developed with the expert contribution of various conflict resolution, mediation and facilitation practitioners, invested in 21st century education and in broadening knowledge and use of peacebuilding methodologies in a diverse and global context. Successful completion of training and practicum qualifies trainees to UN endorsed certificates.

Through the Facilitation Training participants will enhance key 21st Century Skills including:

• Leadership and initiative: Trainees will lead a Virtual Exchange group through a semester of intercultural dialogue. They will plan weekly sessions and guide participants through a dialogue and learning process.

• Critical thinking and problem solving: Trainees will learn how to become more self‐aware of their triggers and biases, discuss assumptions and beliefs, and practice neutrality. Trainees will practice how to bring forth critical thinking in a discussion, and how address challenging group dynamics.

• Cross‐cultural collaboration: Trainees will work with international group of peers and learn about culturally sensitive topics from each other; they will discuss how to approach and lead difficult conversations in multicultural settings.

• Teamwork: Trainees will work closely with a co‐facilitator and will be part of an international community of professionals and conflict resolution experts.