Communicating group purpose

The workshop's purpose outlines the reason and justification for the workshop. It explains why the workshop is being conducted and serves as a frame of reference.

Ideally, the purpose should be collectively spelled out at the beginning. This will ensure that the goal is understood and shared as well as motivating to all participants.

Once you formulate the statement of purpose, place it on display — for example, write it on a whiteboard so the group can easily refer to it at any point. As a facilitator, you can refer to it when the discussion gets off-topic.

Here are some questions you might want to discuss as a group to help you formulate the statement of purpose:

• Why do we need this workshop?
• What do we want to accomplish?
• Who has a stake or interest in the purpose?