What should we consider when selecting hosts for the InPlace Workshops?

The InPlace® Workshop is a video-guided group experience. Think of it as online modules your team completes together, instead of by yourself. So you have the benefits of online learning (convenient, repeatable) AND the benefits of live group learning (interactive, shared experience).

Groups of 2 to 20-25 people meet in-person or by videoconference to work through specially-designed modules that teach and demonstrate best practices, then prompt the group to discuss, practice, and apply skills to local context and culture. There’s no trainer in the room….other than the ones on the video screen: Tony Pisani (master clinician), Kristina Mossgraber (lived experience faculty), and other SafeSide faculty.

Groups are convened by a host. The role of the Host is small but important:

schedule and invite participants and send them their workbooks

play the videos on a projector (in-person) or over a videoconference platform (remote)

encourage participants to participate in discussions and keep track of time

ensure that participants complete the pre- and post-evaluation (prompts are embedded in the videos).

The ideal host brings positive energy, enthusiasm, and a safe environment for discussion and practice, but they do not need special knowledge in suicide prevention, title, or role in the organization. You can have one or more than one host.

Here are common questions and considerations about selecting Hosts.

What is the role of the host during discussions and practice exercises? Other than the jobs listed above, the Host participates like everyone else in group learning and discussion.

Should we have more than one Host? InPlace workshops can be easily delivered with one Host (all that's needed mechanically is to advance the videos!). However, some organizations choose to have co-hosts in order to reflect key values, foster dialog or ensure a comfortable environment for all, for example

co-hosts with clinical and lived experience

co-hosts with diverse cultural representation

co-hosts from two different organizations that collaborate (e.g. public and NGOs)

Some teams split the role into technical and non-technical aspects of Hosting.

Should one of the hosts be someone in a leadership role? Not necessarily. When getting started with SafeSide, leaders often choose to host or co-host meetings, but as the organization gets used to InPlace learning the circle often widens.

Whatever you decide about who is hosting, everything the host needs to know about facilitating an InPlace ® Workshop fits on a two-page handout: Getting Started with InPlace® Learning. You can find it in your Safeside Account.

What does a host/facilitator need to deliver InPlace® Learning?