Wanna be an Encompass Trainee? Ask Emma!

On every Encompass programme, we offer one of our UK-based participants the opportunity to join us as a Trainee.

Emma Moseley, a UK participant on the December 2007 ‘Journey of Understanding’ programme, was selected through an application process to be our Trainee Facilitator on our most recent programme in Scotland in February 2010.

So what exactly does a Trainee Facilitator do?

The Trainee works alongside our team of Facilitators to plan, deliver, evaluate and develop the discussion workshops that make up such an important part of the ‘Journey of Understanding’ programme. The Trainee brings his or her own experience of being a participant to the table, using this to help the Facilitators to make sure that the activities used are successful in doing what they set out to do, while at the same time gaining new skills by learning about what goes into the workshops.

And what’s the experience like?

“When I signed up to take part in the Encompass Journey of Understanding in 2007 I had no idea it would have such a big effect on my life. It opened me up to different perspectives and cultures I hadn’t before taken the time to even consider. The intense experience inspired me to volunteer for different charities, get more involved with my youth group and take part in an inter-faith chat show organised by Paddington Arts, which Erika told me about. It even prompted me to do International Relations as part of my university degree. So when I heard about the Trainee Facilitator position I knew it was my chance to develop my skills so I could give more back and I was excited to see Encompass from behind the scenes.

It was very interesting to see all the planning and hard work that goes into the sessions and I enjoyed learning how to plan and run discussions along with how to motivate, lead and control a group. I hope to take these skills and use them to run workshops at my university, in my future career where I hope to work for a charity and in other Facilitator roles. I now feel I am more able to open the minds of those around me and would love to work with Encompass again so I can contribute even more. I would like to thank Erika, Snezana , Helen and Naseera for teaching me. Also as this position is available on every Journey of Understanding I definitely recommend alumni apply as it will give you the skills to make more of a difference in the world.

As one of Encompass’ guests quoted at the closing ceremony…
‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’
Margaret Mead

Emma started off the week wanting to learn as much as possible about all aspects of facilitation, and she certainly achieved her goal! Now we are looking forward to Emma using this experience and her new skills to run her own workshops, for Encompass and beyond!

The Trainee Facilitator opportunity is available to our UK-based alumni on every one of our ‘Journey of Understanding’ programmes, and details will be advertised here. For more information, please email Erika:
erika@encompasstrust.org