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Facilitators

Synergy Alberta recommends Synergy Groups benefit from the expertise and experience that a professional facilitator can bring to the table.

A facilitator is:

  1. A neutral person able to help a group work through challenging issues, identify goals, select activities and stay on track (both during meetings and throughout its existence.)
  2. Some groups hire a facilitator to work with them continually throughout their synergy processes (regular meetings, public events, etc.), while others hire a facilitator for specific projects such as creating a vision and mission, strategic planning, public input on new developments or for large public events.
  3. A facilitator is not emotionally involved in the group or the issues facing the group so he or she can objectively guide the group through problem-solving and decision-making.
  4. A facilitator can help balance participation between outgoing and quieter group members and make sure everyone hears and is heard and help groups work through contentious and often emotional issues.
  5. Many facilitators are trained in dealing effectively with conflict and can be key to a group formed in response to a contentious issue moving forward effectively while continuing to build relationships between members.
  6. As a neutral party present at meetings, a facilitator can also help group members stay on track and work through agenda items in a timely fashion. Keeping meetings effective is an important way to keep the entire group effective and maintain the members' interest.
  7. A Synergy Group may benefit from a facilitator's service as the group is forming to help bring people together in a collaborative way, and throughout the group's tenure to ensure that the group remains collaborative and efficiently organized.

Below is the list of current, qualified, Synergy Alberta-recommended facilitators.  Synergy groups are encouraged to contact these facilitators directly or contact Synergy Alberta to discuss facilitation needs within your group.

Barbara MacNeil

Company Barbara MacNeil & Associates
Location Box 53, Priddis, AB  T0L1W0
Phone 403.931.2516
Email barbaramcneil@platinum.ca
website www.barbaramcneil.com

 
Rob Stuart

Company The Human Environment Group
Location 1510 Kensington Road. NW Calgary, AB  T2N 4P2
Phone 403.266.2677 (office) / 403-835-7762 (cell)
Email robs@theheg.com
website www.theheg.com
Education B.A. Economics

Rob Stuart

Accreditation

Mediation and Negotiation Certification Program - Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society

Previous synergy experience

Participation with Synergy Alberta since 2003, including facilitating working groups and chairing the annual conference organizing committee in 2006.

Previous other experience

A sample of the types of sectors Rob has worked with:

Land Use Framework - Facilitation of the 18 member Regional Advisory Council for the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan as they develop advice for the Government's consideration within a regional land use framework.

Electrical - Facilitated meetings with local stakeholders as part of EPCORs Community Advisory Task Groups (CATG) in the Capital region of Alberta, and facilitated open house for AltaLink in Southern Alberta related to high-voltage power lines.

Municipal government - Facilitation of a multi-stakeholder group for the City of Calgary's, Imagine Calgary process.  The process looked at key issues related to the City of Calgary's long-term strategic development plan.

Oil and Gas - Facilitated the Cross-Ministry Committee that established the Public Consultation Program for Coalbed Methane for Alberta Department of Energy.

 

Krista Waters

Company Waters Resolution Services
Location Box 23, Stauffer, AB  T0M 1W0
Phone 403-722-3996 or cell 403-846-9583
Email kwaters@xplornet.com
 Education
  • Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society Certificate in Conflict Management. 
  • Numerous facilitator workshops.
  • Skill-building workshops through the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society and Alberta Justice.
  • Radio and Television Arts diploma with honors from NAIT

Accreditation

AAMS Certificate in Conflict Management

Member in good standing of Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society.

Previous synergy experience

Central Mountainview Action Group (CMAG) since 2005. Worked with group from its beginning which involved setting up structure, mission statement etc.  Continue to work with CMAG as its facilitator and administrator handling everything from making agendas and facilitating meetings to logistics of public events to website updates and media releases.

West Central Stakeholders (WCS) since 2007. Work as facilitator and administrator for West Central Stakeholders. This includes all meeting preparation and facilitation, all meeting follow up, maintaining website and contact lists, finances, arranging logistics for regular and public meetings, handling all communications including regular newspaper updates, brochure design, newsletter design etc.

Wetaskiwin Synergy Initiative (WSI) since 2007. Support the activities and initiatives of WSI through facilitation of regular and public meetings as well as all administrative activities such as maintaining website, planning for meetings, logistics for regular and public meetings.

Calumet Synergy Group. Facilitated Calumet Synergy Group public meeting in March 2009.

Sundre Petroleum Operators Group (SPOG).  Contracted by SPOG to assist with various initiatives including organizing the Drive Green car emissions clinics, 15th Anniversary World Café and most recently to put together a newsletter for SPOG area residents.

Previous other experience

Public Consultation/Community Relations work with Shell Canada Caroline Gas Plant. Assisted with various community relations work including updating ERPs and consultation process for sour gas well re-drill.

Journalism experience ranging from reporting to assistant editor to freelance writing.  Worked as a reporter at Lloydminster Meridian Booster, Central Alberta Advisor and Red Deer Express. Freelance clients included the Calgary Herald, Persons With Developmental Disabilities Central Alberta board, Central Alberta Life, Rocky Mountaineer. 

Communications work for various clients to develop website material, brochures, newsletters and other documents.