Frequently Asked Questions

Why facilitate a LEW?

These workshops are a great way for you to:

• collaborate with trainers and mentees

• attract business

• practice your group facilitation skills

• help animal guardians in your community, and 

• raise awareness of PACTA. 

Who are LEWs for?

LEWs are designed to engage people with all levels of experience and expertise. This includes PACTA members and non-members. Everyone is welcomed!

What are the benefits of the LEW format?

There are many readily available resources on all topics related to animal care and training. However, there are limited opportunities for individuals to share their personal experiences, have their questions addressed in a group setting, and explore topics more deeply.

Who chooses the topic?

Topics can be generated by participants, organizers, or by crowdsourcing via social media or other means. Watch for gaps in knowledge or misunderstandings during conversations with the public and find out what people in your community are curious about!

What is the event format?

LEWs are in-person events, inviting up to about 20 people. 

Each event has a theme, divided into a few topics.

A LEW differs from a lecture or seminar in that a topic is introduced by a facilitator, and then EVERYONE – from professionals to those just learning – is encouraged to:

• raise questions

• share suggestions and what they may have heard or read about

• explain what worked or didn't work for them

• Illustrate scenarios, concepts, and concerns using props, such as stuffed dogs. 

It's more like a supportive discussion group! Ideally you want to engage all participants in a full group discussion. Consider that when deciding on group size and room layout.

The  facilitated discussion often starts with a question posed to the audience by one of the facilitators. 

• Participants are given post-it notes, pencils and clip boards and asked to write ONE point on one post-it note in response to the question.  

• Participants can make as many points as they wish, keeping each point on a single post-it note.

• Notes are then gathered and assembled on the wall according to theme.

• The facilitator moves through each theme, inviting participants to elaborate on the points generated by the group. 

The facilitators use a flipchart or whiteboard to gather and organize discussion topics and record contributions from participants. The idea is to encourage open and inclusive dialogue. It is not a presentation! 

This is generally how it is done:

• Once participants have written comments, questions or bites of information on their post-it notes, the notes are gathered up by a facilitator. The notes are then arranged into 3 or 4 general categories by sticking them on a wall or window in groups.  Each group gives rise to or suggests a sub-topic.

• Sub-topics are then presented to the participants for further discussion.  This is easily done using a flip chart.  Participants post-it comments are written on the flip chart.  The discussion is encouraged by the facilitators so that more and more information, ideas, stories and inspiration are generated by the participants and added to the flip chart notes.

• Models, demonstrations and tools can be displayed and described to enhance the ideas generated.

• Once each sub-topic has been discussed and flip charts completed, the pages of flip chart paper can be taped on the wall for all to see.  Facilitators and participants can photograph the completed papers for future reference.

• Summaries of each sub-topic can be typed and entered into records for future reference or to share at a later date.

Where are LEWs held?

These events can be hosted in a classroom-sized space that is donated or rented for the purpose. The local SPCA, a community centre, or a training centre are all good options. Many of these are available at no cost or for a donation. In fine weather outdoors can work as well!

How are LEWs scheduled?

LEWs are typically scheduled for 2 hours, which means you need your space for about 3 hours to have time for set up and take down.  

Weekend mornings or evenings are times when the most people are available.

What is the facilitators role?

The facilitator's role is to foster a congenial and cooperative atmosphere of inquiry so everyone feels encouraged and invited to share. They keep the conversation going by:

• posing relevant questions

• asking the audience to brainstorm

• noting/organizing ideas, key points, and questions 

• requesting clarification 

• eliciting demonstrations when appropriate

• soliciting the audience for solutions

• ensuring each participant has an opportunity to make comments and express ideas

• keeping the discussions on topic, on time, and always respectful of everyone present or not present.

Having more than one facilitator is ideal – perhaps one for each topic, or assigned to each phase (kick off, wrap up, etc.) or task (scribe, demo, etc.)  In any case, having back-up is always helpful! 

What is PACTA's role?

The PACTA team will support you by:

• Setting up registration on our website

• Consulting on the design and implementation of your event

• Assisting with the development of promotional materials

• Send information about your event via email to PACTA members in your location area

• Share your event via Instagram and Facebook

• Provide you with a roster of participants ahead of the scheduled event

• Help you to assemble a case study to share in this toolkit! (optional, of course)

How much do participants pay to attend a LEW?

This is up to you! Here are some general tips and guidelines:

• Be mindful of individuals who may be very keen to participate but are struggling financially. Inclusivity is key!

• Sometimes a higher (but reasonable) cost can result in a stronger commitment to attend.

• Consider a model where a percentage of the proceeds are dedicated to a worthy cause, such as your local SPCA or foodbank for pets. 

• The facilitators and PACTA support members are volunteers, so there is no expectation that the participants' fees are being used to cover time spent organizing a LEW.

• If you are paying for your venue, factor that into the fees. PACTA is not able to cover venue costs.

• You may choose to allow an individual's LEW participation fee to be applied toward a PACTA membership. This brings in more members which in turn helps more people and their animals!

• Consult with PACTA to see if there are specific projects underway that fees can help support. Often people are excited to see how their contributions are used!

• As of November 2024 fees have ranged from $20 - $35

How do I get started?

Send email to hello@pactabc.ca and say hey, I want to host a LEW!