Dharma Friends (DF) Workshop: 20 Sept 2009, 1-4pm

Trainers: Albert, Kwek, CK

There were a total of 20 members (committees and potential DFs) who attended the workshop.

1.00-1.15pm Ice-Breaking
(Albert built rapport with the members by understanding everyone's dharma background, Dharma Circle (DC) and facilitation experience. We had a wonderful group of people with no dharma knowledge, no facilitation experience to experienced DFs)
1.15-1.45pm Who? What?
(Kwek shared on the difference between a facilitator and a speaker. Albert then continued by asking each member, "What makes you attend DC? (one reason)". This was to connect to the objectives of a DF.)
1.45-2.30pm Fight!!!
(Members were then divided into two groups by numbering them "1" and "2". Facilitators were chose randomly. Facilitators were supposed to choose a daily topic to discuss. One group chose "The Happiest Time"; whilst the other group chose "My Angry Period". They were given 20min, each group had 7 ppl and 4 observers. Observers would comment on the facilitators performance and the effectiveness of the discussion.)
2.30-3.00pm How?
(CK shared with the members on some of the common worries DFs had. Albert and Kwek then shared with them some skills, possible group situations and wonderful personnel that a DF may face during DC.)
3.00-3.30pm Fight!!!
(Members continued with another round of trial DC. 3 members from each group were chosen and to be exchanged within the two groups. Again, facilitators were chosen randomly. Facilitators were supposed to choose a Dharma topic to discuss. One group chose "What makes a Buddhist?"; whilst the other group chose "How to repay our parents?". They were given 15min, each group had 7 ppl and 4 observers. Observers would comment on the facilitation skills applied and the Dharma content.)
3.30-3.45pm Dream...
(Members were asked to draw a picture of their PERFECT DF and pen down the qualities which they hope to see during DC. Then, they were asked to put their thoughts on the wonderful group which they hope to have during DC and the wonderful responses which they hope to hear after DC. This activity was to instill positive picture and thoughts to prepare DF for DC.)
3.45-4.00pm Why? Points up & Bonus Points
(Kwek shared the benefits that could be reaped being a DF. Some advice (bonus points) were given to the members. Session ended with a song titled "Reach Out" to encourage these NUSBS Ambassadors continue to reach out and serve the Buddhist community in NUS.)

Feedback:
- Structured
- Beneficial
- Received a lot of knowledge
- Get a lot of tips and tricks being a good DF
- Very good
- Well done
- Today workshop is helpful. I like it.
- It brings all members together.
- Good that it gives an insight of what a DF should be prepared for :)

Point to note (debrief between Kwek and Albert):
- to prepare a slide of your own as both trainers have different delivery style (the
current slide is a combination of Kwek previous slide and Albert's slide)
- ask for comment from all the observers in a group before moving to another group
(during the workshop, trainer asked for comments randomly from group 1 to 2,
confusing)
- time management (workshop exceeded by 15min)