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Contents 1 Peer Assist Process 1.1 Planning a Peer Assist Session 1.2 On the day of the Meeting 2 Conducting a Peer Assist 3 Tips for Peer Assists: 3.1 Key considerations:

Peer Assist Process

(Allison is happy to provide help on the peer assist process. Feel free to contact her at ahewlitt@bellanet.org)

Peer Assists are events which bring together individuals to share their experiences, insights and knowledge on an identified challenge or problem. While the main objective of the Peer Assist is to help the Peer Assistee identify possible approaches or new lines of inquiry to deal with their challenge or work towards solving their problem, the Peer Assist also promotes shared learning and develops networks among those invited.

Planning a Peer Assist Session

Note: Peer Assist can be used as standalone events but the steps below outline the process for planning a Peer Assist Session as part of a workshop or event. Prior to the Meeting

• Determine how many Peer Assistee volunteers are needed. This is calculated based on the number of people attending the workshop and an ideal number of 8-10 people to address each Peer Assistee’s issue. For example, if there are 50 participants at the workshop, 5 Peer Assistee volunteers would be ideal.
• Calculate the amount of time needed for the session based on a 10-minute introduction to the process, 2 or 3 30-45 minute break-out sessions and a 10 minute wrap-up. An ideal scenario is to use a full morning or afternoon to conduct the Peer Assist sessions.
• Solicit Peer Assistee volunteers who would be willing to share with others a particular challenge or problem. Ask the Peer Assistees to provide a title for their session. Let the Peer Assistees know that they will also be asked to share their insights with the group following the workshop and 6 months down the line.
• For each Peer Assistee, identify a facilitator. This person should be comfortable taking notes on a flipchart and supporting dialogue.
• Arrange a meeting between the Peer Assistees and Facilitators. Discuss how the process works, the possible roles and tips for the facilitators and address any concerns. Leave a minimum of 10 mins for a discussion between the Peer Assistees and their facilitators to ensure that the problem is well understood and communicated, to write the title of the session and 3 points to outline the problem on a flipchart and to agree on respective roles.

On the day of the Meeting

• Create break-out spaces which are far enough apart so that participants don’t need to shout to be heard. Keep everyone in the same room if possible.
• At each break-out space, organise chairs in a circle. A flipchart should be included within the circle.
• Participants are asked to take a seat wherever they feel most comfortable. The following instructions are provided:
• Explain the purpose of the Peer Assist. Thank the Peer Assistees for their willingness to share their problem. Explain that the sessions will begin with a round of introductions (if necessary) and outlining the role of the facilitator. The Peer Assistee will explain his/her problem or issue to the group. Questions for clarifications should be asked before moving towards idea generation.
• Let the groups know that they will be exposed to more than one challenge or problem since the Peer Assistee along with his/her facilitator will rotate from one group to the next. The number of rotations will depend on the total time available for the session. After 40 minutes, a ‘bell’ will indicate that it is time for the Peer Assistees, along with their facilitator (and flipchart) to move to a new group to share their challenge/problem once again.
• Let them know that the Peer Assistees have been asked to report back on the results of the Peer Assist session.

Conducting a Peer Assist

Session 1 - Time: 40 mins

• Peer Assistees present their situation to their respective groups. The problem or challenge should be articulated as clearly as possible.
• Participants ask questions to bring out details of the situation.
• Participants then make suggestions based on their experiences of how the situation might be improved.
• The facilitator (i) keeps track of the discussion on the flipchart, and (ii) provides an environment conducive to sharing experiences.
• Sound the ‘bell’ when the session is finished

Session 2 - Time: 35 Minutes

• Peer Assistees, along with assigned facilitators, rotate to a new peer assist space. The flipchart moves with the Peer Assistee.
• Peer Assistees re-present their problem and summarize suggestions from the previous groups.
• Further suggestions are solicited from the group. Dialogue ensues.
• Facilitator continues to support the process.
• Sound the ‘bell’ when the session is finished

'Session 3 - Time: 30 Minutes (Time and energy permitting)'

• Repeat steps in Session 2

Tips for Peer Assists:

For Peer Assistees

• Choose an issue or challenge which is authentic, i.e. which you personally face in your work
• Choose an issue or challenge which is concrete, i.e. that will lend itself to group problem-solving
• Clearly articulate this issue or challenge in no more than 5 minutes… practice telling the story beforehand
• Be open to all suggestions from the participants; don’t get into a “yes, but…” defensive mode
• When moving on to a new round (there will be two rounds), use the facilitator’s notes to help summarize previous suggestions.

For Facilitators

• Once the story has been told by the Peer Assistee, encourage questions for clarification from participants
• Facilitate the discussions to promote fair and equal participation.
• If there is little input, do a tour-de-table and ask for individual input (participants have the option to pass).
• If necessary, remind participants that all suggestions are valid and should not be criticized
• Use a flipchart or graphics
• Write legibly and in large font so everyone can read the notes on the flipchart.

For Participants

• If you need clarification, ASK!
• Don’t hesitate to suggest ideas and propose solutions, even if they are very specific to your experience… they can sometimes trigger new ways of approaching issues

Key considerations:

• Mutual respect: The process involves combining knowledge of the assister about what works or what works well, with the knowledge of the Assistee about specific conditions and needs.

The process is a joint exploration of issues, generation of options and sharing of insights and experiences. The process works best as a horizontal (no pulling of rank) collaborative process that is based on mutual respect.

• Problem solving-oriented: The aim of a Peer Assist is for the Assistee to be enabled to solve a problem or to achieve a desired result. It is to bring collective knowledge to bear efficiently and effectively toward this end.

Participant and Assistee contribute to perform the task. It is often useful to have prior written and initial face-to-face communications devoted to clarification of roles and expectations.