Should I make training mandatory?

We have had coaches make it mandatory although most participants have come on their own. It can change the dynamic of the group if people don’t want to be there but by the end of the training even those who were forced to be there most likely will be engaged and participating!

How long does the initial training take?

It all depends on the format you want to use and your time frame. With the revised presentation you can now do the training in approximately 90 minutes or do an extended version. The first part is the “educational” piece and part 2 is the scenario discussions. It has also been taught in gen ed classes and/or facilitated in day long retreats. It’s really up to you! Once you have done the initial training you can pick specific topics to go more in depth using the training as the foundation. I also recommend doing these in leadership group settings or in class. Look for topic specific PowerPoint presentations on this website).