Thank you to those of you who have submitted a proposal to lead a workshop at IAFNAC 2018. We are thrilled with the quality of the submissions we’ve received.  

The Call for Workshop Leaders is now closed and the review process has commenced. 

Proposal Selection Process 

We truly appreciate the time and energy put into all submissions. Based on previous IAF conference experience, we anticipate a high volume of submissions. There are a limited number of sessions in the conference program and we will consider each proposal with equal care and consideration. All applications will be reviewed by the Planning Committee (PC). We plan to let you know by mid-December whether or not your submission has been accepted. 

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by members of the PC using the following criteria:

The session:

• Supports the IAF Code of Ethics and the IAF Core Competencies for facilitators (Yes/No)
• Supports the theme of Expanding Our Facilitation Horizons (5 point scale)
• Aligns with a minimum of one of the four questions - for conference sessions only (5 point scale)
• Includes a balanced mix of approaches and methods for the expected participants, and a highly participatory/interactive delivery (5 point scale)
• Adds special content and unique value to the conference, including clear and defined takeaways for the audience, tools, techniques, processes, relevant new research, or cultural context (5 point scale)

Submissions directed at the sale or promotion of any particular product or service at any time during the session presentation(s) will be disqualified during the review process. Sponsorship packages which include exhibit booths and demonstration opportunities are available. Please contact us at iafnac2018@iaf-world.org for details.

Additional Guidelines 

• To foster diversity at the conference, we ask that you submit no more than two proposals for the same workshop leader. Each proposal requires a separate submission, sessions cannot be submitted together. 
• Submissions will not be accepted after the cut off date of Friday, October 27th at 12PM EST, 2017.

Compensation

Pre-Conference Executive Program

An honorarium will be provided for one-day and two-day workshops in the Pre-conference Executive Program. Further details to follow. 

Pre-conference workshop leaders will also receive a discounted speaker registration rate, and must register by Thursday, January 11th at 5PM EST, 2018.

Conference Workshops

No honorarium will be provided for 90-minute or half-day conference workshops.

Conference workshop leaders will receive a discounted speaker registration rate, and must register by Thursday, January 11th at 5PM EST, 2018.

Conference Focus Questions 

Please ensure your application addresses one or all of our conference focus questions for conference proposals. Proposals for the pre-conference executive program are not required to address the conference focus questions. 

• Philosophy of Facilitation | What are the philosophical roots of facilitation, and how do they influence our work?

The past influences our work in the present and future! When we take time to look at the philosophies that are the foundation of facilitation, and ask why we do what we do, we can renew our purpose and bring clarity and focus to our practice. We want to provide opportunities to reflect on the philosophies that influence our work in the present.

• Facilitation for the World | How can facilitators positively contribute to organizations, communities, and the world in transition?

The world is in transition from what was, to what is, to what will be. The roles that people play and the rules that govern groups, organizations, and communities are changing. Currently, our world appears to face many polarized and divisive views. We want to provide opportunities to explore how facilitation can positively impact global needs, can foster dialogue and thinking together, and can help people live successfully and harmoniously within the contemporary transitional world.

• Facilitation in the Digital Era | How can we enrich our facilitation horizons in the digital era?

Shifts in digital communication, and how we interact with and disseminate information, mean that groups of people can come together without being physically present in the same location. We want to provide opportunities to discuss the impacts of changes in digital communication on the understanding and practice of facilitation.

• Facilitation with and for other professions | How does facilitation aid and support other professions, and how are other professions influencing the practice of facilitation?

Facilitation is frequently used within other professions such as public participation, urban planning, community development, health services, marketing, education, and the list goes on… Facilitators support and enrich these professions and in turn, are influenced by them. We want to provide opportunities to learn and share the benefits and challenges of working with other professions.

IAF’s Core Competencies

Each workshop should also be aligned to at least one of the IAF Core Competencies:

• Create Collaborative Client Relationships
• Plan Appropriate Group Processes
• Create and Sustain a Participatory Environment
• Guide Group to Appropriate and Useful Outcomes
• Build and Maintain Professional Knowledge
• Model Positive Professional Attitude

Workshop proposal assessments are confidential, and are only seen by the Co-Chairs and lead reviewers. The names of individual reviewers are confidential and will not be included with the summary assessments.  All correspondence between a proposal reviewer, lead reviewer and the Program Co-Chairs is confidential.

Questions

If you have any questions about the overall process for submitting workshop proposals, please contact Sarah Stockton.

Sarah Stockton, Event Coordinator, iafnac2018@iaf-world.org, 647 346 3336 x 238