Center for Council's
Path to Becoming a Certified Council Trainer
The following is a process outline for the path to certification as a council trainer in the "Way of Council",
as managed by Center for Council (C4C).
as managed by Center for Council (C4C).
Center for Council is committed to supporting trainers-in-training to receive the training, experience, feedback and coaching they need to embody and train others in the practice of council in a safe, resourced, and responsible way. To that end, C4C staff resources will be made available to selected applicants who meet the criteria for candidates on the Path to Becoming a Trainer, including those engaged in a “training cohort,” so as to progress along the steps described here. In general, C4C adopts and recommends the following guidelines for mastery of the skills and core competencies required for certification and practice as a council trainer.
In order to work effectively as a council trainer, and to lead by example, the Certified Council Trainer should demonstrate the following Core Competencies:
In order to work effectively as a council trainer, and to lead by example, the Certified Council Trainer should demonstrate the following Core Competencies:
- the capacity to recognize the need and opportunity for the variety of forms and elements of council, formal and informal, and to demonstrate and teach them when appropriate;
- the capacity to understand, articulate and model the "Four Intentions of Council;"
- the capacity to understand and communicate the history and context of council practice and address issues of setting and cultural appropriation;
- the capacity to create and maintain a safe space for various and diverse council circles and assume responsibility for holding that space with rigor and consistency;
- the capacity to hold one’s personal beliefs without judging others, allowing and encouraging all beliefs to be expressed and maintaining an open mind and open heart;
- the capacity to shift gears in response to group and program needs, moving away from a prepared plan if needed;
- the capacity to perceive and attend to what is happening within an entire council group, as well as within the individuals participating in it, including reading verbal and nonverbal cues and energy dynamics (“reading the field”);
- the capacity to see oneself as a student, co-learner and participant in any group, as well as a trainer, teacher and facilitator;
- the capacity to communicate genuine interest, empathy and compassion with honesty and openness, and establish trust with a group and the individuals within it, while maintaining appropriate boundaries;
- the capacity to remain open and non-defensive in the face of feedback, criticism or challenge and avoid “taking it personally”;
- the capacity to embrace paradox and multiple perspectives whenever encountered;
- the capacity to approach situations and interactions with gratitude;
- the capacity to perceive and understand cultural diversity and inclusion, bias and oppression and how this affects individuals and group dynamics, including cultural self-awareness and how that can play out in facilitation and training in council work.
Overview of This Path
- Complete Council Training 1: Introduction to Council (CT1)
- Enter the "path to certification," either in a cohort-based program or independently, by submitting a Letter of Intention
- Receive C4C approval and confirmation of entering the path, either in a cohort or independently
- Engage in cohort program, administered by C4C, or independent study path, guided by a designated sponsor trainer
- Complete Council Training 2: Deepening the Practice (CT2) and Council Training 3: Living the Way of Council (CT3) as a participant (at least once, preferably more)
- Engage in professional development and community councils and team meeting gatherings
- Facilitate council, logging 50+ hours of council or 40+ council sessions
- Observation/feedback/mentoring sessions with C4C senior trainers (5+ if possible)
- Complete an apprenticeship on a Council Training 1 workshop and submit a feedback report
- Evaluation of progress by the C4C Mentor Circle
- Co-lead Council Training 1 with a senior trainer
- Submit a final reflection letter and self-assessment
- Assessment by the C4C Mentor Circle of demonstrated mastery of Core Competencies (see above)
- Evaluation and approval by the C4C Mentor Circle
- Certification and ceremony
Components of the Center for Council
Path to Becoming a Certified Council Trainer
Component 1: Letter of Intention
The trainer-in-training candidate writes a letter of intention that includes a brief summary of council experience and trainings already taken, including description of the required CT1, any facilitation experience and future intentions along the "Way of Council" path, and submits this to Center for Council. In the case of a training cohort, candidate completes program application process. In individual cases, by invitation, an Independent Course of Training may be developed in collaboration with C4C staff which describes all components of the path and includes a plan for completion, including any associated costs.
Component 2: C4C Approval & Confirmation of Training Plan
The trainer-in-training is officially welcomed into the training cohort – or an Independent Course of Trainings approved by C4C staff, in concert with the C4C Mentor Circle.
Component 3: Cohorts and Mentoring
The trainer-in-training will begin a course of study, either with a training cohort or individually, which will consist of training workshops, professional development sessions, community councils and trainer team meetings, group mentoring workshops, and at least one apprenticeship, in addition to ongoing practice sitting in and leading council circles, and opportunities to be observed, witnessed and mentored by senior trainers. Periodic written assignments and self-assessments may also be required. Cohorts and individuals will be accountable to the Programs Department at C4C for completing assignments and requirements in a timely fashion and communicating regularly. In most cases, online logging will be offered to track and assess progress with assignments.
Component 4: Council Training
All levels of council training (CT1, CT2 and CT3) must be completed at least once. Candidates are encouraged, if possible, to attend multiple CT1, CT2 and CT3 workshops, both to experience the skills and styles of a variety of trainers, and to deepen familiarity to the work that unfolds in each course.
Component 5: Ongoing Facilitation Experience
The trainer-in-training must undertake ongoing and extensive experience sitting in and facilitating council sessions. It is recommended that the candidate log a minimum of fifty hours of council facilitation, or forty councils. Sessions will periodically be observed by a senior trainer and will be coordinated through an assignment process managed by C4C staff; at least five such sessions are recommended. Mentoring sessions will begin with a check-in with the assigned senior trainer, in person or remotely, followed by the mentor attending the council session led by the trainer-in-training as a witness/participant, and a follow-up debriefing session. Feedback will be provided to the trainer-in-training directly and also logged in his/her portfolio maintained by C4C.
The Program Department and the C4C Mentor Circle will periodically review the ongoing depth and breadth of experience of each trainer-in-training, with regard to facilitating a variety of councils; diversity of council experience is strongly encouraged. As examples, a trainer-in-training who has led youth councils is encouraged to lead a council with elderly or incarcerated participants, a trainer-in-training who has primary experience in business and/or community settings is encouraged to lead a council with youth. It is recommended that trainers-in-training seek feedback from group participants and reflect on this feedback with C4C staff and mentors.
Trainers-in-training are strongly encouraged to explore related experiences in areas such as storytelling, meditation, yoga, nature-based rites of passage, as well as art, movement, and music-related activities. It is also important for the trainer-in-training to consider the informal integration of practices and experiences of council and what impact these are having, over time, reflecting on the ongoing and highly personal process of carrying the work of council in one’s work and personal life.
Component 6: CT1 Training Apprenticeship
The Program Department will arrange for the trainer-in-training to participate as an apprentice (sometimes referred to as intern) in a Council Training 1, usually a C4C public training or a workshop offered as part of a contracted or grant-funded program. The apprenticeship is intended as an opportunity to witness a beginner-level council training workshop, the way council is described and introduced to newcomers, its impact on participants, the work of the trainers leading, and how the dynamic of the workshop evolves; this is intended to offer a unique witnessing experience, rather than an opportunity to participate in a leadership capacity. After this initial apprenticeship, the Program Department and Mentor Circle review the trainer-in-training's experience with the leaders of the training workshop to determine whether further internships are needed before the trainer-in-training is ready to co-lead a regular council training. Often two internships are needed before completing this component. In addition, it is highly recommended that the trainer-in-training apprentice with several different senior trainers in order to experience a range of styles.
Component 7: Program Introduction & Guidance
At some point during the latter part of this process, if possible and in consultation with senior trainers, the trainer-in-training should attempt to introduce a council “program” in a community, place of business, school or other organization, in order to have the experience of guiding the implementation of an ongoing council program in a real-world context – and potentially overcoming any resistance that arises to implementing a council program.
Senior trainers, and potentially a representative of the Mentors Circle, will review with the trainer-in-training specific understanding and application of themes of appropriate sharing, cultural awareness, reading the field, dealing with “one’s own stuff,” holding boundaries, awareness of one’s identity, blind spots, triggers and default style, as well as stylistic habits and masks. Embodying the qualities of a Certified Council Trainer – the core capacities described above – may come naturally or may require a period of personal reflection and practice; there is no set timeframe in which a trainer-in-training is expected to complete the work of incorporating and demonstrating these qualities; the path may take more or less time for different trainers-in-training, regardless of the pace of a particular cohort, or the initial schedule of an approved independent course of study.
This is a critical awareness and must sit alongside any training program that is designed or joined: completion of a training program does not indicate that the trainer-in-training has demonstrated the core capacities required of a Certified Council Trainer; mastery of these capacities, and recognition of such by way of certification, may require work and practice beyond the completion of the program.
In connection with this step, the trainer-in-training will be asked to reflect on the topic of professionalism, marketing, and finances involved in conducting a council program, and related matters. Topics to consider include: working with organizations that offer council programs, independent offerings, and incorporation of council into one’s professional work, marketing, pricing, scholarships, consistency with existing C4C fee structures—and, importantly, familiarity, fidelity and integrity with the core elements, teachings and lineage of the work, in whatever way that is unfolding.
Component 8: Co-Leading and Assessment
After completing all of the steps along this path, including extensive experience facilitating, completing at least one training apprenticeship, being observed by senior trainers and receiving feedback, and the completion of at least one CT1, CT2 and CT3, the trainer-in-training will be offered an opportunity to co-lead a regular CT1 training workshop, in partnership with a senior trainer, subject to scheduling and logistics. Taking into account this experience, the trainer-in-training will write and submit a reflective letter, that will include a thorough and honest self-assessment of skills, gifts and challenges for future growth. The senior trainer and the trainer-in-training report on their co-leading experience to the Mentor Circle and, if it is agreed that the training experience was a successful one, and that all other criteria have been met, the Mentor Circle moves to recommend that the trainer-in-training be offered certification as a council trainer by Center for Council. Alternately, it may be suggested that the trainer-in-training develop further facility with specific capacities that have been found to need more attention for certification to be offered.
Component 9: Certification & Celebration
Upon recommendation from the Mentor Circle, C4C will issue a Council Trainer Certification. As a Certified Council Trainer, one may be eligible to be hired by C4C as a Junior Trainer to co-lead training workshops and may notate trainer status in biographical and marketing materials.
Component 10: Affiliation with Center for Council (optional)
Once a new trainer has received certification, affiliation with C4C is available. Affiliation is an ongoing, active membership in the Center for Council circle and requires review of Center for Council's Code of Conduct and agreement to its terms.
Affiliation affords the trainer the following:
Component X: Trust the process…
The trainer-in-training candidate writes a letter of intention that includes a brief summary of council experience and trainings already taken, including description of the required CT1, any facilitation experience and future intentions along the "Way of Council" path, and submits this to Center for Council. In the case of a training cohort, candidate completes program application process. In individual cases, by invitation, an Independent Course of Training may be developed in collaboration with C4C staff which describes all components of the path and includes a plan for completion, including any associated costs.
Component 2: C4C Approval & Confirmation of Training Plan
The trainer-in-training is officially welcomed into the training cohort – or an Independent Course of Trainings approved by C4C staff, in concert with the C4C Mentor Circle.
Component 3: Cohorts and Mentoring
The trainer-in-training will begin a course of study, either with a training cohort or individually, which will consist of training workshops, professional development sessions, community councils and trainer team meetings, group mentoring workshops, and at least one apprenticeship, in addition to ongoing practice sitting in and leading council circles, and opportunities to be observed, witnessed and mentored by senior trainers. Periodic written assignments and self-assessments may also be required. Cohorts and individuals will be accountable to the Programs Department at C4C for completing assignments and requirements in a timely fashion and communicating regularly. In most cases, online logging will be offered to track and assess progress with assignments.
Component 4: Council Training
All levels of council training (CT1, CT2 and CT3) must be completed at least once. Candidates are encouraged, if possible, to attend multiple CT1, CT2 and CT3 workshops, both to experience the skills and styles of a variety of trainers, and to deepen familiarity to the work that unfolds in each course.
Component 5: Ongoing Facilitation Experience
The trainer-in-training must undertake ongoing and extensive experience sitting in and facilitating council sessions. It is recommended that the candidate log a minimum of fifty hours of council facilitation, or forty councils. Sessions will periodically be observed by a senior trainer and will be coordinated through an assignment process managed by C4C staff; at least five such sessions are recommended. Mentoring sessions will begin with a check-in with the assigned senior trainer, in person or remotely, followed by the mentor attending the council session led by the trainer-in-training as a witness/participant, and a follow-up debriefing session. Feedback will be provided to the trainer-in-training directly and also logged in his/her portfolio maintained by C4C.
The Program Department and the C4C Mentor Circle will periodically review the ongoing depth and breadth of experience of each trainer-in-training, with regard to facilitating a variety of councils; diversity of council experience is strongly encouraged. As examples, a trainer-in-training who has led youth councils is encouraged to lead a council with elderly or incarcerated participants, a trainer-in-training who has primary experience in business and/or community settings is encouraged to lead a council with youth. It is recommended that trainers-in-training seek feedback from group participants and reflect on this feedback with C4C staff and mentors.
Trainers-in-training are strongly encouraged to explore related experiences in areas such as storytelling, meditation, yoga, nature-based rites of passage, as well as art, movement, and music-related activities. It is also important for the trainer-in-training to consider the informal integration of practices and experiences of council and what impact these are having, over time, reflecting on the ongoing and highly personal process of carrying the work of council in one’s work and personal life.
Component 6: CT1 Training Apprenticeship
The Program Department will arrange for the trainer-in-training to participate as an apprentice (sometimes referred to as intern) in a Council Training 1, usually a C4C public training or a workshop offered as part of a contracted or grant-funded program. The apprenticeship is intended as an opportunity to witness a beginner-level council training workshop, the way council is described and introduced to newcomers, its impact on participants, the work of the trainers leading, and how the dynamic of the workshop evolves; this is intended to offer a unique witnessing experience, rather than an opportunity to participate in a leadership capacity. After this initial apprenticeship, the Program Department and Mentor Circle review the trainer-in-training's experience with the leaders of the training workshop to determine whether further internships are needed before the trainer-in-training is ready to co-lead a regular council training. Often two internships are needed before completing this component. In addition, it is highly recommended that the trainer-in-training apprentice with several different senior trainers in order to experience a range of styles.
Component 7: Program Introduction & Guidance
At some point during the latter part of this process, if possible and in consultation with senior trainers, the trainer-in-training should attempt to introduce a council “program” in a community, place of business, school or other organization, in order to have the experience of guiding the implementation of an ongoing council program in a real-world context – and potentially overcoming any resistance that arises to implementing a council program.
Senior trainers, and potentially a representative of the Mentors Circle, will review with the trainer-in-training specific understanding and application of themes of appropriate sharing, cultural awareness, reading the field, dealing with “one’s own stuff,” holding boundaries, awareness of one’s identity, blind spots, triggers and default style, as well as stylistic habits and masks. Embodying the qualities of a Certified Council Trainer – the core capacities described above – may come naturally or may require a period of personal reflection and practice; there is no set timeframe in which a trainer-in-training is expected to complete the work of incorporating and demonstrating these qualities; the path may take more or less time for different trainers-in-training, regardless of the pace of a particular cohort, or the initial schedule of an approved independent course of study.
This is a critical awareness and must sit alongside any training program that is designed or joined: completion of a training program does not indicate that the trainer-in-training has demonstrated the core capacities required of a Certified Council Trainer; mastery of these capacities, and recognition of such by way of certification, may require work and practice beyond the completion of the program.
In connection with this step, the trainer-in-training will be asked to reflect on the topic of professionalism, marketing, and finances involved in conducting a council program, and related matters. Topics to consider include: working with organizations that offer council programs, independent offerings, and incorporation of council into one’s professional work, marketing, pricing, scholarships, consistency with existing C4C fee structures—and, importantly, familiarity, fidelity and integrity with the core elements, teachings and lineage of the work, in whatever way that is unfolding.
Component 8: Co-Leading and Assessment
After completing all of the steps along this path, including extensive experience facilitating, completing at least one training apprenticeship, being observed by senior trainers and receiving feedback, and the completion of at least one CT1, CT2 and CT3, the trainer-in-training will be offered an opportunity to co-lead a regular CT1 training workshop, in partnership with a senior trainer, subject to scheduling and logistics. Taking into account this experience, the trainer-in-training will write and submit a reflective letter, that will include a thorough and honest self-assessment of skills, gifts and challenges for future growth. The senior trainer and the trainer-in-training report on their co-leading experience to the Mentor Circle and, if it is agreed that the training experience was a successful one, and that all other criteria have been met, the Mentor Circle moves to recommend that the trainer-in-training be offered certification as a council trainer by Center for Council. Alternately, it may be suggested that the trainer-in-training develop further facility with specific capacities that have been found to need more attention for certification to be offered.
Component 9: Certification & Celebration
Upon recommendation from the Mentor Circle, C4C will issue a Council Trainer Certification. As a Certified Council Trainer, one may be eligible to be hired by C4C as a Junior Trainer to co-lead training workshops and may notate trainer status in biographical and marketing materials.
Component 10: Affiliation with Center for Council (optional)
Once a new trainer has received certification, affiliation with C4C is available. Affiliation is an ongoing, active membership in the Center for Council circle and requires review of Center for Council's Code of Conduct and agreement to its terms.
Affiliation affords the trainer the following:
- Ongoing support and networking;
- Listing of picture and bio on the Center for Council website as an Affiliated Trainer;
- Consultations with and support from Center for Council staff;
- Access to training plans and other curricula;
- Website listings for trainings and other council-related offerings;
- Opportunities for continuing education and professional development;
- Qualification to be employed by C4C for public, contracted and grant-funded council trainings and programs (in prisons, organizations, courts, businesses, etc.); affiliation is not a guarantee of employment.
Component X: Trust the process…
