Education Programs
Participatory Facilitation for Community Learning and Action
In an era marked by rising conflict, polarization, and uncertainty, community development practitioners are increasingly called upon to create safe spaces for dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and collective action. Facilitation skills are critical not only for promoting learning, but also for fostering trust, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting communities navigating instability.
This course is designed for facilitators and trainers, and those who do a significant amount of facilitation in their work, who want to explore theories, principles, and practices in participatory adult education and training approaches. The course will focus on practical tools that help practitioners guide difficult conversations, foster inclusive participation, and design impactful learning experiences.
While this course is designed primarily for a Canadian context, we welcome applications from participants outside Canada who feel the learning objectives and approach align with their work. Please note that Coady Institute is not able to provide visa support or issue visa-related letters for this program.
DATES
June 1 – 5, 2026
Registration closes April 10, 2026
FACILITATOR:
Adam Baden-Clay
DURATION
5 Days
COURSE TYPE
In Person, On Campus
Who can register
This program is tailored to participants who have at least two (2) years of experience working in community development, and who are currently involved in facilitation and training. They should be motivated to participate actively, learn how facilitation fundamentals could strengthen their work and its impact, and commit to transferring their learning into action upon return. To enable optimal learning and knowledge sharing throughout the course, all participants must have a good level of spoken and written English language.
Personal benefits
This course will help participants improve their skills and competencies as a trainer and facilitator by enhancing capacity for information and knowledge sharing and for capturing its impact. By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Apply core principles of adult learning to design engaging, learner-centered programs.
- Demonstrate purposeful facilitation that supports dialogue, reflection, and collective action.
- Model a values-driven facilitation style that strengthens trust, equity, and inclusion.
- Create dynamic learning spaces that maximize participation and deepen understanding.
- Use and adapt experiential learning techniques that resonate with diverse groups and real-world contexts.
- Facilitate participatory processes confidently, applying practical tools that foster collaboration and shared ownership.
- Co-facilitate effectively, using shared leadership strategies that elevate group learning.
- Practice and refine facilitation skills to build confidence, communication, and presence.
- Evaluate learning impact using practical methods aligned with the four levels of evaluation.
Participants will practice what they learn through mini sessions where they will facilitate group activities with others. All will be encouraged to support each other in a trustful and interactive peer environment.
Time requirement
This course takes place June 1 to June 5 (5 days) at Coady Institute on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Fees
The course fee of $1,500 CAD includes tuition, 6 nights of accommodation (arriving Sunday, May 31 with departure Saturday, June 6), breakfast and lunch, and ground transportation to and from Halifax airport organized by Coady at set times. For those staying locally, or commuting daily, the course fee is $950 CAD and includes lunch only.
Travel related expenses such as airfare are the responsibility of the participant. Participants are also responsible for their own suppers and any personal expenses and incidental costs.
A limited number of additional bursaries are available for persons who are African Nova Scotians or First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.
Accepted participants will receive an invoice from Coady Finance. Payment in full by credit card is required to finalize registration for accepted participants. For payment inquiries contact coadyfinance@stfx.ca.
