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What is an un-conference?
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How is the agenda set?
It's your day, your agenda, your sessions! All those gathered will have the opportunity to put conference sessions on the agenda. All session ideas are welcome! At the start of the unconference, the whole group will gather together and be guided through
an interactive process to create an agenda. The exact process is not important to understand in advance – the process will become clear as it happens.
an interactive process to create an agenda. The exact process is not important to understand in advance – the process will become clear as it happens.
How do I host a session?
If you have an idea for a session, you'll write it out on an index card for the organizers to review. Bring it to the "Schedule Wall," and we will help you find a slot.
If you convene a session, your only responsibility is to “hold the space” for your session. You hold the space by leading a discussion, by posting a “first question,” or by sharing information to kick of the discussion. Be the facilitator – stay visible, be as involved as necessary, and guide the group. Set clear goals at the top of your session, make sure all attendees introduce themselves, assign a note-taker, then let the conversation unfold.
If you convene a session, your only responsibility is to “hold the space” for your session. You hold the space by leading a discussion, by posting a “first question,” or by sharing information to kick of the discussion. Be the facilitator – stay visible, be as involved as necessary, and guide the group. Set clear goals at the top of your session, make sure all attendees introduce themselves, assign a note-taker, then let the conversation unfold.
- You do not need to have experience hosting to suggest a topic and convene a session so go ahead and take the plunge!
- You do not need to be an expert in the topic to host a session.
- You do not need to do preparation in order to convene a session. If you get an idea the day of the event, call a session.
- There is no ‘right way’ to lead a session. However, there is a suggestion to aim for interaction and discussion.
- Be sure to choose a format for your session will help you achieve your vision (i.e. experiential, discussion, panel.)
- Pro Tip: Take notes and photos of your sessions so you can share them with others either at sessions you lead or in other sessions.
Tips for attending:
Come with an open mind! If you have never been to an unconference, you are in for a treat. The open format, especially at the beginning of the day, can feel chaotic. Participate as much or as little as you would like to, but come with an open mind and
see where the discussions will go.
see where the discussions will go.
- Do think about the ideas that you want to cover in your session, and how you want to cover them. But don’t feel as though you need to prepare a great deal. (If you’re over prepared your session might lose energy.)
- Experiment with the kind of sessions you lead. There is no such thing as “failure” at an unconference.
- Follow your passion – go to the sessions that interest you. We use the Rule of Two Feet: If you aren't learning in a session, use your feet to find a new one!
- Take responsibility for your own learning – if the topics you are interested in don't appear on the agenda, volunteer to host a session on them. Participants are in the driver’s seat!
- Ask for help hosting a session if you need it. Consider co-hosting with another participant who is interested in the same topic. If you are incredibly passionate about a topic, perhaps invite a co-host who offers a different perspective than you to balance the discussion.
- Don’t assume people in the room know more, or less, than you do. You never know who is going to be interested in your session. You might want to start by asking people to hold up their hands if they’ve been involved with the topic for more than five years, for one to five years, or for one year or less.
- Be brave! Others are interested in making your session work!
Citation: Unconference 101
Meet your Organizers:
Katie Asmus, MA, LPC, BMP is a licensed psychotherapist, life coach, teacher, mentor and wilderness guide with over 25 years of professional experience working with people in and out of the wilderness. Katie incorporates body-mind connection, the natural world, expressive arts and contemplative awareness into her work with others. She works with individuals as well as groups to bring forth their innate wisdom and to support them in opening their minds and hearts to greater possibilities. Check out her work at NamasteHealers.com
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Aleya Littleton, MA, is the founder of Wild and Wonderful Life Counseling in Golden, Colorado. With over 15 years experience in education and outdoor guiding, Aleya brings her enthusiasm for movement and metaphor into her work with clients. She serves individuals and groups through mindfulness training, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, rock climbing and mountaineering. She teaches rock climbing at the School of Mines, is the founder of the Adventure Therapy Collective, and hosts the Front Range Adventure Healer's Meetup.
Check out her work at WWLCounseling.com |
