1WORKSHOP GUIDELINES

Thank you for facilitating a workshop at the Sakyadhita Conference in Indonesia! We appreciate your generosity in sharing your wisdom and experience. Here are some frequent questions:

1) What is the maximum number of people for each workshop?Most workshops are limited to 20 people to facilitate an exchange of ideas and experiences among workshop participants. Meditation workshops may include more people and incorporate Q&A (questions and answers).

2) How long are the workshops? Is there a time restriction?Workshops are 1½ to 2 hours. If your workshop is shorter, that will be fine, but it should not be longer than 2 hours.

3) Do I need to prepare a paper for my workshop?You do not need to prepare a paper for a workshop, but we request that you send an outline of how you plan to facilitate your workshop.

4) What is the deadline for sending the outline?The deadline for workshop outlines is May 23, 2015. Please send it as soon as it is ready.

5) How should I begin my workshop?Usually presenters begin with introductions. Next, they present an “ice breaker,” to help people get to know each other better. For example, you can ask each person to respond to a question: “Who has been the most inspiring woman in your life?” or “How did you get into Buddhism?” or“Where would you like to travel and why?”

6) How should I organize my workshop?Every workshop is unique, but after introductions and an icebreaker, it is a good idea to introduce the topic of the workshop (5-10 min). After that, you can propose a question about the topic for people to discuss. Give people a few minutes to reflect on the question, then ask people to share their responses (1 min. each). Next, you can pose a followup question or use a different strategy, e.g., games, drawing, role play, partnering, prompts, etc. The idea is to get as many people as possible involved in the discussion. Workshops are definitely not a time to give lectures.

7) Can I use handouts and other teaching aids?Certainly. Feel free to use various materials to engage your workshop participants: posters, drawings, printed handouts, props, etc. Bring paper, pens, and other supplies you may need. If you plan to use handouts for your workshop, bring copies with you (about 20 copies for each workshop). If you send your handout to us in advance, we can try to get it translated.

8) Will I have an interpreter?The conference organizers will do their best to provide interpreters for the workshops. However, people speak many different languages and it will not be possible to have translators for all

languages in each workshop. If you or a friend can translate, let us know in advance. Otherwise, we will try to arrange a translator for you.

Please speak clearly and slowly, using simple language and explaining new or difficult terms. Remember that most people in your workshop will not be native English speakers and some will not know much English at all. Language challenges are a normal part of intercultural dialogue!

9) Will there be Powerpoint or other electronic facilities?The conference site will have limited electronic facilities. Let us know if you would like to use Powerpoint and we will put in a request. Please let us know any other requirements, so we can make a request and schedule accordingly.

10) Will I be able to present my workshop more than once?You are welcome to present your workshop more than once. Let us know in advance if you would like to do so.

More questions?Contact the Conference Program Committee: tsomo@sandiego.edu.