Holding Space: Generous approaches to problematic statements and conflict
Feel prepared next time someone says something problematic while you’re facilitating.
You don’t have to feel caught off guard when someone says something problematic or conflict-inducing in the groups you lead.
For years I would live in fear that if my groups got too real, if we opened up participation a little too much, someone was going to say something harmful that would throw the group (and me) or into chaos. It felt like I was constantly balancing asking people, “be real, be vulnerable, be open!” with secretly hoping they would do that in ways that everyone in the room would find palatable.
I said it was a safe (and brave) space for them to be open in. But the truth was, I wasn’t really prepared for the fallout of what the vulnerability could mean for them, for me, and for the group.
But there are moves we can make as facilitators that shape the outcome of those moments!
Now that I know what my options are, I feel ready for the moments when a conflict arises.
Imagine If You…
✅ knew how to connect with those who were hurt by a statement and the person who made the statement at the same time
✅ felt confident having multiple moves to make in those high-tension moments
✅ secured your mindset before the session even began
That’s what Holding Space is all about
Join me, Meg Bolger for a 90-minute workshop all about how to navigate conflict and problematic statements in your workshops, meetings, and gatherings.
Structure of the Session
This session will have sections in which you take in new information and time to process and engage with it in live time with fellow facilitators. We will use multiple modalities throughout the session including micro-journaling, live-polling, lecture, breakout groups, and large-group discussions. This will ensure that the session is highly engaging, that you leave with practical take-home tips, and that we source the wisdom of the group as well.
Logistical Details
This session will be 90-minutes and take place on Zoom.
There is a cap of 100 participants for the session.
This session will take place on November 16 3 - 4:30 ET (local times displayed below the header image at the top of the page.)
No late arrivals — doors will close to the workshop after 10 minutes.
Please plan on staying the entire time. If you cannot, please sign up to catch the recording instead :).
Register and you’ll receive:
✅ Access to the live training
✅ Exclusive access to the recording of the training
✅ Access to resources and detailed notes from the workshop
Cost
The cost of the workshop is $49.
If the cost is prohibitive to you attending the workshop, shoot us an email at hello@facilitator.cards and include details about why you’re interested in the workshop and whether you would need a partial (50%) or full (100%) scholarship in order to attend the workshop.
Additional Information
This session will have significant crossover with the session But You’re Wrong: Navigating disagreements. Holding Space is entirely oriented from a facilitator’s perspective and will focus on the options and possibilities that we have when we are leading from the front of the room. If you’ve attended But You’re Wrong with Meg previously and are curious about the details in the overlaps, please shoot us an email at hello@facilitator.cards for more details
Questions
Who is this workshop for?
Anyone who facilitates groups whether that’s leading meetings, trainings, workshops, or in traditional (or non-traditional) classroom settings. If you’re working with people who occasionally say things that aren’t great for you or your group and want more ideas for navigating that moment, this is the workshop for you.
I can’t attend this session are there more?
We will hold this session again but have no firm dates to announce at this time.
Make sure you don't miss the sign up announcement (or any of our other events!) by our events mailing list.
I can’t swing the cost of the session are there ways I can attend for free?
If the cost is prohibitive to you attending the workshop, shoot us an email at hello@facilitator.cards and include details about why you’re interested in the workshop and whether you would need a partial (50%) or full (100%) scholarship in order to attend the workshop.
Who’s Meg Bolger?
Meg Bolger is the head of Facilitator Cards and a long-time social justice educator and facilitator trainer. Meg is the co-founder of The Safe Zone Project, co-author of Unlocking the Magic of Facilitation, and has been facilitating social justice education and training for over a decade. Meg is a geek about all things facilitation and loves to unpack the what, how, when, and why behind the things we can do as facilitators that make all the difference.
Visit the Facilitator Cards YouTube channel to learn about Meg’s philosophy and approach to facilitation.
What is your refund policy?
If you need one, let us know and we’ll make it happen.
Alternatively, you could consider turning your registration cost into a donation to support our scholarship fund!
