As facilitators, we may someday be called upon to support those who have been deeply affected by the trauma resulting from a major disaster. My friend and colleague, Dr. Gilbert Brenson-Lazan developed the Global Facilitators Serving Communities (GFSC) Global Facilitators Serving Communities any years ago to meet this need by training and dispatching volunteer facilitators to all parts of the globe in need of these skills.
The GFSC periodically offers live training for facilitators that teach you to process grief for yourself and others, to identify and apply resilience strategies, prepare you to develop curriculum and train groups and organizations interested in developing disaster recovery plans, and equip you to train and mentor professionals working in direct recuperation efforts.
GFSC Resources, Methods and Training
- If you live in a disaster area or have friends or colleagues living in one, you can help them considerably by being sure they know about the Global Facilitators Serving Communities disaster intervention manuals (for adults, for children and for facilitators and other professionals), as well as other materials in several languages that are available on the GFSC Website http://globalfacilitators.org, Virtual Library, for downloading without cost.
- If you are a professional engaged in the day-to-day work with people or groups experiencing trauma, disaster or crisis, get in touch with GFSC, http://globalfacilitators.org. GSFC supports local networks of volunteer facilitators that can help communities increase their capacity to address their challenges and create sustainable solutions.
- If you have a few hours a week to spare, you and your facilitator colleagues can sign up as GFSC Field Volunteers and participate without cost in the GFSC Mentored Pathways™ Program. For more information and an electronic signup form, please go to http://globalfacilitators.org.
- If you wish to donate money to a reputable agency that will wisely administer it, I recommend GFSC and their efforts in building community capacity and self-reliance by facilitating psychosocial reconstruction. Your donation is needed and will be greatly appreciated and well used. All donations are tax deductible in the United States and you can make your donation at http://globalfacilitators.org.
Please help us generate effective actions to be part of the solutions to the ongoing crises and those to come. I remember the words and the passionate voice of Dr. Saul Alinsky, the “dean” of community organization in the United States, when he cajoled us during a postgraduate seminar: “All that is really necessary for evil to triumph in our communities is for men and women of good will to do nothing.”
Action
Learn more about the Global Facilitators Serving Communities and consider joining or supporting their efforts and/or attending their training workshop. Please share your questions, feedback, and experience in the comments section below.
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