Young Quakers engage in Facilitation and Leadership training weekend

Nine young people from across the UK gathered at Missenden Abbey, Buckinghamshire, to complete training delivered by Quakers in Britain and Woodbrooke.

group of teenagers in front of building
Facilitation and Leadership participants standing in front of Missenden Abbey.

It was a packed weekend of learning, reflection and role-play, covering concepts such as group development theory and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as well as practical skills for facilitating Quaker (and non-Quaker!) groups. There was also plenty of down time for exploring Great Missenden (home of the Roald Dahl Museum) and community-building, featuring Halloween crafts and some excellent costumes.

Participants included the Junior Yearly Meeting Arrangements Committee as well as young Quakers involved in planning other events, such as Senior Conference and London Teenage Quaker Meeting. Feedback was very positive – here's what some of the young people had to say:

  • Over the weekend it highlighted so many key things to think about in facilitation – it shares many things with just being a nice and accepting human in general.
  • It was really engaging and informative. It felt like a safe and caring environment that I could comfortably share my experiences with.
  • I think it was a simply wonderful time.
  • Very welcoming environment. The sessions were good and I learnt lots but they were nicely balanced with fun downtime.
  • I realise now that I judge myself too harshly, and that I am already doing a lot of it right. That affirmation is so lovely.
  • My hopes were seeing my friends and developing skills and forming new ones, hopes exceeded!

Facilitation and Leadership runs yearly in October and is open to young Quakers aged 16-21 who want to learn more about how to build community and reflect Quaker beliefs, values and practices in facilitating groups. No previous experience of facilitation is necessary! Bursaries are available for those who need financial assistance to attend; we also encourage young people to look at Quaker grants and/or to see if their Area Meetings would be able to fund their place.

Keep an eye out on the Quaker events page for next year's course.

Quaker events