Facilitator / Trainer / Presenter

As the facilitator, trainer, or presenter, you are responsible for hosting a program, presentation, or teach-in for the community at an upcoming campaign event.

Here are some suggestions on how to prepare for your training or presentation, as well as how to run icebreakers or breakout groups if you are facilitating.

Trainer / Presenter Checklist

• Agree on a training topic with the organizer

• Prepare and practice your presentation or teach-in before the event

• Include some audience participation in your teach-in if applicable. Ask the audience questions or include activities so that it’s not just a lecture

• Send an outline of your training to the organizer at least two days before the event

• Bring any materials you may need for your presentation or teach-in

• Deliver your workshop at an agreed-upon time during the event (typically following announcements)

Facilitating Icebreakers & Breakout Groups

Facilitating icebreaker activities in pairs or small group breakout sessions can be helpful in fostering connections between community members and for the sharing of ideas as it relates to the campaign. Here are some recommendations for how to run these breakout sessions:

• For pair icebreakers:

  • Have people form lines or concentric circles so they can easily rotate pairs. Pairs are best for building community, while small groups might be better for helping people learn from each other. If you opt for small groups, it’s easier to stay in the group the whole time.

• For small groups:

  • Instruct people to break into small groups of 3-4, rather than larger groups that don’t allow people to talk or connect as much.

• Provide specific prompts for people to discuss. ~4 prompts is good. We want to spark lively discussion and allow enough time for people to discuss each topic and share their ideas

  • Prompt ideas include:

    • Inspiring or frustrating stories while petitioning

    • Things you are struggling with or need advice on

    • Personal experiences related to the presentation or training topic

    • NVC practice about a particular topic

    • Key learnings from your presentation/training, or from activism/communicating with the public

    • Find a hobby or interest you share that isn’t related to animal rights

    • What is one dream or aspiration you have in your personal life?

    • What do you do to unwind?

    • Just do a human knot

  • Spend 2-5 minutes per pair or about 25 minutes total before bringing things back to the larger group. Play the timing by ear: if most groups are still enthusiastically sharing, you can extend it.

  • See if each small group is willing to share one idea, learning, or piece of advice that could benefit the larger group