Training of Alliance Facilitators

The Alliance Facilitators' Network Policy (AFN) (Adopted NBoD - June 1995) (Amended NBoD - Jan. 1998) (p. 10)

Training is offered through the advanced course: the Alliance Facilitators' Training Program (AFTP). The goals of the course are to promote the Alliance Facilitators' Network and strengthen PSAC locals through workplace and local-based union education. The AFTP develops members' skills and self-confidence to undertake union education activities within their locals, their Components, and their regions. Participants explore how to identify learning needs, set learning objectives, facilitate discussions and develop workshops and seminars. Through practical exercises, participants learn how to choose and use various techniques and aids and how to foster positive group dynamics. They also learn the principles of popular and adult education and the elements of an effective learning experience.
To further assist Alliance Facilitators in developing and maintaining their facilitating skills, s/he may on occasion be asked to co-facilitate on weekend courses or SATP. Additional training on specific issues can be accessed through the regional office.
The annual regional seminars of Alliance Facilitators should include a training component designed, in consultation with Alliance Facilitators, to meet certain identified training needs.
Alliance Facilitators are encouraged to further develop their facilitator's skills by attending seminars and courses offered by other labour bodies (CLC or Federation of Labour) or community-based organizations. Financial resources can be accessed through the regional office for that purpose.

HOW TO APPLY TO THE AFN

The AFN Policy outlines the Application Process for applying to the AFN and the "Indicators of an Active Alliance Facilitator" as described below. Interested members should contact their PSAC Regional Office.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE ALLIANCE FACILITATORS' NETWORK

The Alliance Facilitators' Network Policy (AFN) (Adoped NBoD - June 1995) (Amended NBoD - Jan. 1998) (p. 10)
In order to be included in the Alliance Facilitators' Network, an interested member must:

apply to become an Alliance Facilitator;
be recommended for the AFN by the regional office; and
demonstrate willingness to commit the time and effort necessary to be an active AF.

A suitable candidate for the AFN is a member who has demonstrated commitment to union principles, has experience as a union activist and knowledge of union issues, has some experience with the Alliance Education Program, and is willing to dedicate the time to be an Alliance Facilitator. The individual should be committed to the objective of local-based education, be known and respected in his or her constituency, and have good communication skills. S/he should also be self-directed and willing to create teaching opportunities and facilitating resources without much direction from a central body.
The "application process" for the AFN will include the following steps:

In response to recruitment initiatives by the RO, members will identify their interest in the AFN.
An introductory letter will be forwarded to interested members, along with information about the AFN and the regional education program.
A follow-up interview (telephone or otherwise) would be organized to further discuss the member's interest in the AFN and to assess the applicant's current level of knowledge and skills. Union references may be requested.
If, at this point, a member wishes to pursue membership in the AFN and the regional office has determined that the applicant is a suitable candidate, s/he will be asked to sign a commitment to become an active AF.
If the kind of training provided by the Alliance Facilitators' Training Program is required for a sufficient number of new AFs, a course will be scheduled.

The following "Indicators of an Active Alliance Facilitator" will be used as a standard to guide consultations involving regional offices, the AFN and potential new Alliance Facilitators: An active AF is one who:

provides members with locally based union training that will address Component issues, local issues and regional issues, on a frequent basis. Examples of locally-based training includes initiating workplace discussions on current issues and campaigns, desk drop/e-mail summaries and lunchtime information sessions;
Initiates learning opportunities (e.g. Component initiatives, in locals and regional committees);
is willing to put a plan in writing;
actively recruits for courses and other union training;
seeks opportunities to cooperate with coalition partners;
participates in the design of the regional education plan;
stays connected with other AFs and the REO;
initiates AF skill development opportunities;
maintains "education links" with the Component;
regularly contributes to the resource pool/tools of the AFN; identifies learning needs as identified by members active in the Component, local and regional structures, and communicates these within the regional planning process;
is an active union member and has achieved a level of development within the union.

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