Voices and Views: Facilitator Safety
In Season 2, Episode 5 of Voices & Views, the panel tackles the often-overlooked topic of facilitator safety. In a discussion led by Krista Rowe, facilitators Dilhara Muthukuda and Aaron Wolowiec share essential insights on maintaining their own psychological and emotional well-being amidst the challenges of facilitating diverse and sometimes intense group dynamics. The panel addresses the importance of safety beyond the physical, covering topics like emotional resilience, power dynamics, and the subtle cues facilitators use to support each other in real time. They also explore how a facilitator’s social identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—affect their experiences and the strategies they employ for safety, both in solo and co-facilitation settings. Through real-life stories and examples, Krista, Dilhara, and Aaron offer practical tips, grounding techniques, and resources for facilitators to protect themselves and manage burnout, even in the face of challenging content. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for any facilitator looking to foster a safer environment for themselves and their participants alike.
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