Inspiration for facilitation comes from many sources. In this post, I apply themes from urban planning to facilitation.
“If you build it, they might not come.” When I read this sentence about accessible public recreation spaces, I immediately thought, “If you design a workshop, they may or may not come.”
Adrianna MacPherson’s An article in New Trail, the University of Alberta alumni magazine, discusses research by Josephine Godwyll with the U of A Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. It states: “Urban planners and developers often focus on physical aspects when creating accessible public recreational spaces. However, new research reveals that perceived accessibility plays a crucial role in how communities use these spaces.”
Not Just Proximity
Recreation: “A park might be nearby, but if reaching it involves dangerous
roads or unsafe intersections, it won’t get used. Planners must consider the
entire experience when designing accessible spaces.”
Facilitation: Facilitators should consider the entire journey participants
take. What happens before, during, and after the session? Is it easy for
participants to join—physically, mentally, and emotionally? Are online tools
user-friendly? For in-person sessions, is there adequate parking or childcare?
Godwyll identified themes that could revolutionize urban planning. I apply these themes to the design of facilitated sessions, drawing parallels between urban planning and facilitation, and showing how principles of accessibility can enhance engagement.
Engage Users
Recreation: “Communities need consultation early in the process. Involving
residents in design and decision-making ensures that spaces meet their needs
and cultural expectations, increasing the likelihood of use.”
Facilitation: Early involvement helps participants shape the session and share
their knowledge. Surveys, pre-session conversations, or videos foster
collaboration and ensure sessions meet real needs.
Picture Visitors
Recreation: “The way people interact within and around a space influences
its perceived accessibility.”
Facilitation: Imagining participants’ experiences helps a facilitator
anticipate needs. Where are they coming from? How might they feel? How might
they interact within the session space? Empathy creates a more welcoming
environment.
Rethink Planning
Recreation: “Equity isn’t giving everybody the same thing.
It’s meeting people at their needs.”
Facilitation: How can we support equity, rather than equality? Tailoring
activities to different needs helps ensure all participants feel included and
can engage effectively.
Over to you! What careers have inspired the way you design and deliver in your facilitation and training sessions?