What can you learn from successful training facilitation networks or communities?

1 The benefits of training facilitation networks or communities

Training facilitation networks or communities are groups of people who have a common interest or goal in facilitating learning. These can be formal or informal, online or offline, local or global, and focused on specific topics or general practices, such as the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), the Association for Talent Development (ATD), and the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI). Such networks or communities can provide access to valuable resources, like tools, templates, best practices, case studies, and research. They also offer opportunities to learn from experts and peers through webinars, workshops, podcasts, blogs, forums, and mentoring. Furthermore, they can provide feedback and support for your work through peer reviews, coaching, and recognition. Additionally, they can offer exposure and visibility for your brand by sharing your work, showcasing your portfolio, and participating in events and awards. Finally, these networks or communities can foster collaboration and innovation by co-creating solutions, joining projects, and forming partnerships.

2 How to join or create a training facilitation network or community

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can join or create a training facilitation network or community that best suits you. To help you get started, identify your goals and interests first. What do you want to learn, share, or achieve? What topics or domains are you passionate about or curious about? Research existing networks or communities to find out what they offer, who they serve, how they operate, and how you can join. Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn, Meetup, or Eventbrite to search for relevant groups or events. Engage actively and authentically by contributing ideas, insights, questions, and feedback to build relationships and trust with other members. Offer help and expertise when needed. Evaluate your experience and value by assessing if the network or community is meeting your goals and interests. If not, what can you do to improve your experience or value? Lastly, if you can't find an existing network or community that meets your needs or preferences, create your own. Use online tools such as Slack, WhatsApp, or Facebook Groups to set up a platform for communication and collaboration. Invite people who share your goals and interests, define the purpose, vision, and values of your network or community, and plan activities such as online meetings, workshops, or challenges to engage and motivate members.

3 What to learn from successful training facilitation networks or communities

By joining or creating a training facilitation network or community, you can learn a lot from the experiences and practices of other facilitators. For example, how to design and deliver learner-centered and outcome-based training, applying adult learning principles, instructional design models, and learning evaluation methods. You can also learn how to facilitate group dynamics and collaboration, using various facilitation techniques such as icebreakers, energizers, brainstorming, discussion, and feedback. Additionally, you can gain insight into developing your own facilitation style and skills, identifying and leveraging your strengths, preferences, and personality as a facilitator. Finally, you can learn how to grow your professional development and career by setting learning goals, tracking progress, reflecting on achievements, showcasing work, building reputation, and finding new opportunities.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?