Listening Sessions

Listening Sessions are a tool most appropriate for agency staff or for ad hoc committees. 

Resources

Recommended Components ​PDF   Word
Facilitator Guide    ​PDF   Word 
​Conduct & Person-First Language  PDF  Word
Form:   PDF   Word

Recommended Components ​PDF   Word

1) Facilitators – Meet with small group facilitators in advance to review the “Facilitator Guide”, “Conduct” and "Person-First Language". (Facilitators can be mental/behavioral health agency staff, or individuals from the community organization)
2) Room(s) that can accommodate small group conversation(s) (ideally no more than 6 people per conversation group). 
3) Opening remarks - At the beginning of the event, opening remarks should come from Organizational Leadership & Mental/Behavioral Health Staff, that includes

• Description of objectives, such as: To learn people’s personal experience (“stories”) related to mental/behavioral health, including issues/gaps/barriers and successes in order to identify ways to increase effective mental/behavioral health offerings to the community, including community practices known to the particular group to be beneficial to mental wellness.
• Explain “Listening Session” Format: Explain that we will break down into small groups of 6 people for ½ hour listening sessions.  Each group will have a facilitator (facilitator could be behavioral health staff or individuals from the community organization)

4) Closing Remarks - Reconvene everyone for closing remarks from Organizational Leadership and Mental/Behavioral Health Staff.

Facilitator Guide    ​PDF   Word ​
​for  1/2 Hour Small Group Discussions

1. Groups of 6 people or less (seated in circle if possible)
2. Everyone should have a chance to speak (5 minutes/person)
3. Ask people to "Listen”, and not react to each other
4. We are looking especially for “Stories” around issues or successes. Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end.
5. Ask for permission to interrupt (to redirect, clarify, or allow next person to speak.)
6. Take notes and/or ask someone in the group to also take notes. People are also welcome to write their experiences on the colored paper provided. (Sample Form (Word), (PDF)