A “process observer” is a position that some boards and committees choose to appoint. This individual’s responsibility is exactly what the title suggests – to observe the process. Throughout the meeting, the process observer takes note of things that are …
Making Group Decisions – Six Options
As you know, one of the primary functions of groups is to make decisions. We have a problem → we need to change something → we need a decision. At times though, this is easier said than done.
Some groups …
Teaching Community Development to Children
I was recently thinking about ways that citizenship skills and the concept of community are conveyed to young children. Part of this thought process led me to wonder how young is too young to introduce the concept of community capacity…
Jane E Haskell, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Jane Haskell is a Community Development Educator with University of Maine Cooperative Extension. She thrives in designing and implementing experiential community development programs for youth and adults. As a result of her community facilitation work, she collaboratively created two curricula, …
In a meeting, is there a difference between the chair and the facilitator?
While, in reality, the Chair and the Facilitator are often the same person, each role has different and distinct responsibilities. The Chair is the elected (or appointed) head of the team. The Chair is responsible for the meeting’s outcomes and …
Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics
Understanding Communities and Their Dynamics, level one of the Foundations of Practice in Community Development program, provides an introduction to the seven core competencies that focuses on the ability to understand community of place, the nature of public issues,
… Is there a "best" size for a committee?
The “best size” for a committee or working group is the size that enables the group to get its work done effectively and efficiently. Thus, the best number of people for one project might be five, while the best size …