Technology of Participation is
an integrated set of facilitation methods and tools. Facilitators lead
meetings which enable the members of the group to participate fully
and focus solely on the quality and outcomes of their work. ToP
was developed by ICA and is used by ICA and ToP facilitators around
the world. ICA has been using ToP methods in its work
with communities, organisations, companies and networks for over 40
years. To connect with a facilitator locally, please contact
an ICA near you.
The Focused
Conversation Method uses
a four level sequence of questions that moves a group’s discussion
from the objective information through their initial responses and
interpretations to clear conclusions.
The Consensus Workshop Method uses the basic method to build consensus about a complex topic. It begins with a focus question, gets the group brainstorming responses, helps the group organize the ideas in clusters, enables the group to identify the core idea in each cluster and helps them determine next steps.
The Action Planning Workshop uses
a series of steps that translates a project idea, strategy or task
into a focused actionable timeline.
The Historical Scan or "Wall
of Wonder" enables
a group to reflect on it's history and current strategic environment.
It begins with events which are written on cards and place on a timeline.
The group reflects on it's experience and focuses on learning from
experience to move into the future. It is also used as a review and
reflection tool.
The Strategic Planning Process begins with developing a shared vision, looks at the contradictions that may restrict progress, develops strategic actions and creates an action plan to implement the strategies.
These basic methods form the foundation
of the ToP approach to facilitation. They are combined and modified
to meet the needs of each specific situation. Each group is unique
and each design is developed with that in mind.
Designing the Objectives - ToP facilitators
begin by asking questions and listening to the needs of a group.
They work with 'client' groups to understand the history, current
situation and desired directions. They help the group move from a
general topic to the specific objectives for a facilitated event.
Designing the Process - Following the initial
meeting, the facilitator develops a proposed design to meet the needs
of the group. It is part of the proposal submited to the organization
and includes fees for preparation, any necessary research, the failitated
event itself and documentation of the results. Contracts and agreements
are developed through collaboration between the ToP facilitator and
the organization involved. When a design is developed, ToP facilitators
and representatives of the organization do whatever research and
preparation is required to make the event itself a success.
Conducting the Event - On the day of the event,
the facilitator arrives early to ensure the atmosphere is conducive
to maximum participation. This involves careful preparation of room
set-up, A/V, graphics and materials. The facilitator conducts the
meeting as designed and frequently checks in with the client to determine
progress. In some cases, design changes are required to acheive the
desired results. Each event is concluded with a reflective conversation
that enable the participants to evaluate the experience, determine
its significance for them and agree on the next steps.
Follow Through - What
happens after the event is
usually determined
by the client. It often includes documentation of the meeting results.
In some cases, it may be a simple recording of the groups' work and
in other situations the creation of a more polished report is necessary.
ToP facilitators strive to put the results of the discussions in
the hands of those who will implement them as quickly as possible;
often immediately following the completion of the event. Follow through
may also involve deeper evaluation of the event, sessions to engage
stakeholders and workshops to review action and enable teams to move
their work forward.
To connect with a facilitator locally, please contact
an ICA near you.
- Rural Health Framework Model Building
- Public Consultation on Municipal By-laws
- Senior Management Values and ActionPlanning
- Joint Board and Staff Strategic Planning Program
- Planning Consultation
- Information Technology Planning
|
- Organizational Reengineering Planning and
Implementation
- Teen Sexuality Community Thinktank
- Health Information Systems
- Joint Executive Visioning and Strategic Planning
- Board Transition Workshop
- Collaborative Service Delivery
- Labour Study Conference
- Interagency Coalition Development
|
- Mission and Values Retreat
- Succession Planning Project Work Group Facilitation
- Interagency Service Integration
- Organizational Strategic Planning
- Departmental Planning Process Evaluation
- Multi Service Agency Public Consultation
- Public Health Legislation Review
|
- "With
company representatives and stakeholders in the
same room, we needed serious expertise in designing the major planning
session to launch our new organization. ICA helped us put the whole
enterprise on a very solid foundation."
- "I
make plans, hold meetings and conduct research using ICA’s
methods of participation. They are the best methods around
to involve people in groups in making sense of lots of information
and making decisions about action."
- "All
of our staff regularly make use of ICA methods and techniques
in programs with colleagues and with the public. It makes them
very effective in working together with others."
- "In
only three days, we had a way for our managers to move the
entire organization toward team-based operations, and an action
plan to get it done. "
- "As
the new president of a large, complex organization, I had to
quickly get our whole management team thinking along the same lines.
With the help of ICA, it took only two days. "
- "ICA just finished facilitating
a strategic planning session with a community group, and the
results were great."
- "We had ICA Associates
lead our strategic planning. It was so effective that we had them
look at and enhance all of our program planning and evaluation
processes.
ToP
Facilitation