How to run workshops

The development processes for centres, networks and other online initiatives require creativity, partnerships and new ways of working. Some of that can be done online - but the best way to start is face-to-face with the other people involved.

Early in the process it is important to make contact with key interests informally - by networking. Later it will be more effective to organise workshops, which might take only a couple of hours or could run for two days.

The benefits of workshops

Workshops have a number of advantages:

• They can be programmed into the development process as a series of milestones. They create deadlines by which research and networking must be done.
  
  
• Workshops - if properly managed - produce a lot of good content which gives a boost to the next stage of development.
  
  
• They build both concensus and commitment, so that everyone agrees what needs to be done next, and has some stake in making it happen.
  
  
• They help build relationships and trust, which are essential for partnerships.
  
  
• After workshops people are far more likely to participate online, because they know each other and what they are trying to achieve.

Running workshops

When running a workshop

1 Plan space and equipment:

• Wall space or stands for charts.
• Space for separate group working.
• Coloured pens, Post-it notes, chart paper and blutack, coloured stickers/stars.

2 Agree with participants what is going to happen in the session

3 If using charts or handouts, check literacy and colour-blindness. Working in pairs or small groups can help to overcome problems.

4 Stick to an agreed timetable - keep an eye on the clock.

5 Write clearly, and encourage others to write on the charts - but don't force them.

6 Encourage work in small group (3-7), even if there is a lot of talking and input in the whole group sessions.

7 Speak clearly, and listen carefully to what people are saying - both in groups and in plenary sessions.

8 Check out understanding before writing on charts.

9 Be happy to make mistakes and admit them.

10 Don't establish yourself as the expert. Ask naive questions.

Source: Guide to Effective Participation.

Workshops in the development process

Several workshops are recommended in the development process (click the map for details):

A SWOT workshop where participants determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in their area of field of operation. (1,2,3)

A projects workshop to develop ideas for projects and activities, and prioritise them, perhaps using the projects game or a roles game. (3)

A planning workshop when the core group involved in the development process identifies the key issues likely to arise during the development process. (any stages)

A delivery workshop where agencies and other supporters work through which projects and activities they will support, and in what way. (5,6)