ConnectionCorps is a dialogue facilitation training program that is open to undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty. Participants in the program learn how to build and foster spaces where people can come together, deepen mutual understanding, create shared meanings, and engage in democratic deliberation. There are two major dimensions of ConnectionCorps training:
- Basic communication and facilitation skills: How can people help others share what they are thinking and feeling in authentic, connective ways? How can people facilitate spaces of deep listening and empathy? What does it mean to foster understanding across difference?
- Dialogue as a form of democracy: What dialogue structures help people develop ideas and strategies for changing social norms, building policies and programs, or addressing systems of power? How can facilitators create spaces for people to build things together and work toward collective empowerment?
ConnectionCorps Topics
ConnectionCorps training covers a wide variety of topics, including (but not limited to):
Basic communication and facilitation skills
- Getting past people’s initial words to understand deeper values and interests
- Navigating intense emotions in dialogue
- Asking questions that elicit thoughtfulness
- Addressing conflict when it occurs
- Managing power dynamics in the room
Dialogue as a form of democracy
- Planning for and structuring a civic dialogue
- Honoring the value of people’s different perspectives on social issues
- Working through social and political problems
- Creatively brainstorming civic solutions
- Analyzing social problems and solutions to address equity and justice
Program Structure and How to Get Involved
ConnectionCorps training takes place during fall semesters, with weekly in-person meetings on Fridays from 3 – 4:30 p.m. in The Commons. It is structured as a complete curriculum, so sustained attendance is required. Training meetings include a mix of direct instruction, practice, and dialogue.
UMBC Facilitation and Connectionary
ConnectionCorps prepares UMBC community members to foster democratic participation and authentic connections among participants in any space, including workplaces, student organizations, families, and more. ConnectionCorps participants, after completion of the program, are often called upon to help facilitate small group conversations during Center for Democracy and Civic Life conversation programs (e.g., Dinners with Friends).
In addition, people who have completed ConnectionCorps training are eligible to apply to be “Connectionary” facilitators. Connectionary facilitators are supported by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life to develop their own dialogue programs on UMBC’s campus to address community needs. Topics Connectionary facilitators have chosen to host dialogues about in the past include affordability on campus, fostering professional relationships, and rethinking research involvement.
Email Ricky Blissett (rblissett@umbc.edu) for more information.