Finding guest trainers
Abstract
Mosaica's newsletter Training Briefs, explains that by being creative and resourceful, fantastic guest trainers can be found "right in your own backyard." Possible trainers can be found in your own program, local organizations, government agencies and schools.Issue
A training session is only as effective as the trainer leading the session. Where do programs find guest trainers?Action
According to Mosiaca, when looking for guest trainers include:
Your own agency. Use the expertise among your present and past staff members. This can be particularly useful if you need to provide site-specific information and resources to members.
Community-based organizations and leaders. These include nonprofits that provide services and/or community advocacy. Some examples are:
- after-school or job training programs
- health promotion organizations
- Kiwanas, Lions, Elks clubs
- churches and synagogues
National service community. Look to the Corporation for national service staff, your program officer, and staff from other national service programs in the area. You can also call on former members and volunteers.
Government agencies. These include police departments and housing authorities.
Local schools. College and university faculty and staff have access to the newest research and information. Seek out service-learning coordinators and other student affairs professionals who are likely to be comfortable using experiential learning techniques and facilitating reflection.Also utilize the following for varied educational and training opportunities and skilled presenters:
- local community colleges
- adult education centers
- vocational schools
- secondary high schools
In addition to trainers for your program, many of the resources listed above can also provide access to free or low-cost training.
Context
Mosaica: The Center for Nonprofit Development and Pluralism, provides organizational assessments, strategic and resource development planning, fundraising capacity building, restructuring support, and assistance in financial management and oversight. Other services include board development, program design and delivery, personnel and systems management, volunteer activities, community involvement and community building, community organizing and advocacy, program evaluation, and coalition building.
The goal of Mosaica is to bring together individuals with diverse voices and experience to create an organization with a set of common values. Mosaica was established out of a commitment to social justice and a belief that within the United States and throughout the world, societies that strive for democracy, human rights, peace, individual opportunity, and pluralism must be built and maintained from the bottom up-community by community, group by group-with the active involvement of nonprofit organizations and a strong independent sector. Mosaica helps strengthen nonprofits so they can provide high quality services and advocacy in a sustainable, well-run fashion that supports communities.
Citation
Mosaica's Training Briefs. Washington, D.C.: Corporation for National and Community Service, no. 8, (June 1998).
Training Briefs were produced by Mosaica under Cooperative Agreement #98CADC009 with the Corporation for National and Community Service during July of 1997 through October of 1999.
Posted On
August 28, 2001For More Information
Resources
See Guest Trainers: Where to Find Them for more information and an activity that helps make any presentation by a guest speaker more interactive.Source Documents
Related Practices
Related sites
Starting Strong: A Guide to Pre-Service Training