Leadership in Action and Reflection

Participants finish the planning of their community service project and take the necessary steps to put their ideas to action. The participants execute their project and are active leaders in their communities. After the project is finished, participants will be involved in activities to reflect on their experiences.

Facilitator leadership 10%, participant leadership 90%

Let’s Begin!

As was shown in the facilitator role table on page nine the facilitators are in charge of 100% of the leadership when preparing for the program. These sections will help in the planning for the program and covers the details that should be arranged before participants arrive.

Where Will It Take Place?

The most important factor in looking for a facility is to be sure it is accessible. Some questions to ask include: Is the building wheelchair accessible? Do the doors have automatic openers? Can the bathrooms be used independently? Is the location near a public transportation stop? Do we need to accommodate participants who are visually impaired or deaf?

The meeting room should be flexible. Can all participants meet around a table? Is there room to form small work groups? Is there space to spread out and play active games? Is there shady grass outside to relax on? Is there space to enjoy your lunch? Is there space available to hold a private conversation? Is there audio visual technology available?

The “Developing a Guide to Community Leadership” a guide by MSU Extension, 2005, suggests that you review the following when selecting an appropriate location:

• Is the facility in a location that is welcoming to all sectors of the community?
• Is the facility centrally located, accessible and barrier free?
• Is the setting suitable for the program theme?
• Are the room, chairs and workspaces comfortable?
• Will the space accommodate the types of learning activities that are planned?
• Is the room temperature and lighting suitable for extended periods of concentration?
• Does the facility provide audio/visual equipment?
• Will the room support your multi-media needs?
• Could the lighting *including windows) affect video viewing?
• Does the facility serve meals or allow catered food to be brought in?

Who Will Staff The Program?

Your staff may include paid and volunteer staff. The number will depend on the size and composition of your participant group. You will need more staff when working with youth or people with more complex disabilities. Whether you work with youth or adults we suggest a minimum of two staff members. In a program like this you need partners to discuss the progression and outcome of the activities.

When looking for facilitators it would be helpful to find people who have disabilities themselves, or who know about the disability rights movement. You want a facilitator who understands the goals of the program, is willing to hand over control of the activities to the participants and is committed to an inclusive and empowering environment for participants with and without disabilities.

We recommend you schedule an orientation day for staff and volunteers during which you focus on creation of a shared understanding of expectations. During this day, solicit ideas from the facilitators. Discover their talents or experience that would be helpful to the program. We Lead! curriculum is designed to be flexible and to meet the specific composition of your group. We want to hear of your adjustments so we might learn from your experience and make the We Lead! curriculum better.

Connections for Community Leadership will provide training for staff of We Lead! on request. If you would like facilitator training contact leadership@prosynergy.org or call toll free (866) 532-2669.