As we approach the conclusion of our National Community Cooperative Pilot Project, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the evolving role of the independent facilitator and how our practice has developed through the project’s learnings.
Engaging Decision-Supporters
From the outset, we were determined to ensure coop members could engage in the decision-making process independently, without their supporters overshadowing their voices. However, we quickly learned that this approach sometimes created unintended barriers, particularly for members with specific communication needs. We realized that a more flexible and collaborative approach, where decision-supporters were included as partners, often led to better outcomes. This was crucial for members with fluctuating health or fatigue issues, allowing them to continue participating fully in the coop. Our approach has now shifted toward working closely with each member to determine how they want their decision supporters to be involved, ensuring that these supporters understand their role in amplifying the member’s voice.
Acknowledging Crossover of Roles
Initially, we believed the facilitator role would not overlap with other existing support roles, like advocacy or support coordination. Over time, we recognized that there is inevitably, unintentionally some crossover, particularly when it comes to supporting the whole coop. The Facilitator’s role, however, differs in that it focuses on the collective needs of the group, not individual members. For example, while Support Coordinators can help with funding individual services, the Facilitator can provide a broader understanding of how shared services work for the entire coop.
Understanding Topic Knowledge
Our Pilot Project revealed significant variations in baseline knowledge among different groups. Some found early sessions on consumer rights too basic, while others needed more time to grasp the concepts. Reflecting on this, we now understand the importance of assessing each group’s existing knowledge and familiarity with topics, to tailor content for better engagement and learning outcomes.
Collaborating and Sharing Stories
Throughout the Project, we saw how valuable it was for groups to hear stories from other coops. This not only validated their own experiences but also provided practical insights and solutions. We began proactively sharing these stories to build confidence and knowledge across the groups.
For more insights on the facilitator role and our evolving practices, check out the Facilitator Guide Resource we developed from the learnings of this pilot project.
