Shaping the Magic

Abstract

During an international training course of trainers in India, some years ago, we were asked to define our methodological principles in facilitating processes of social change. Seated on the wide lawn of a campus in the shadow of a tree, a heated discussion took place. After 20 years of work as a facilitator and trainer for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and peace activists in diverse political and cultural contexts around the world, I had to admit that I had never developed a clear, transparent methodology for my work. Participants would ask me: “Why will we never forget that specific moment of learning and understanding? How can we create a moment like that as trainers ourselves?” I felt frustrated, because I had no answer. Maybe it was just “magic.” But if so, then it could be dangerous too. I realized that I had to acknowledge my power and responsibility as a facilitator and be accountable for my methodology.