Facilitating Connection: Training for UUCC Group Leaders

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“Small groups are where transformation happens.”
Rev. Randy Partain

Facilitators do not make that transformation happen by themselves. They help create the conditions for it: a covenant people can use, room for different voices, careful listening, and ways to respond when a group gets stuck.

UUCC is offering this participatory training twice. Both sessions cover the same material. Choose the one that works for you.

  • Sunday, September 20, 3:00–7:30 p.m. Supper included.
  • Saturday, October 3, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Lunch included.

Register for Facilitating Connection. Please register by September 14 so we can plan the training sessions, meals, childcare, and access support.

Who should attend?

This training is for:

  • People who currently lead or facilitate a UUCC group
  • People interested in facilitating one of our new Chalice Circles
  • Anyone who wants to develop facilitation skills for a future role at UUCC

You do not need previous facilitation experience to attend. If you are interested but unsure about taking on a facilitation role, the training gives you a chance to learn, practice, and explore before deciding. Curiosity can open opportunities we didn’t know existed.

What will we do?

We will experience some of the practices ourselves and then look at what a facilitator is paying attention to. Together, we will work on:

  • Creating a covenant made of mutual promises
  • Listening without immediately advising, fixing, or redirecting the conversation
  • Helping more people participate
  • Responding when one person dominates, the group moves off track, or someone makes a harmful comment
  • Knowing when to handle something within the group and when to ask for support

We will try out brief responses to situations that arise in real groups rather than spending the day talking about facilitation in theory.

Why this matters

Facilitating a UU group is a form of shared ministry. It is one of the places where we practice our values, learn to live in covenant, and help create a congregation where more people can participate and belong.

Having people with different levels of experience will strengthen the training. Current leaders can bring real situations and practices that have worked, while newer facilitators can bring the questions they are still exploring.

The registration form includes space to share dietary needs and request childcare or other access support.

Choose your training session and register here. Please register by September 14 so we can plan the training sessions, meals, childcare, and access support.

Questions? Contact Jenni Papp, Director of Lifespan Faith Development, at jenni.papp@uucleveland.org.