Bring Learning to Life: Become a Café Facilitation Ambassador

Imagine logging into an online Leadership Development Café and seeing a group of participants ready to share their insights from recent courses. Some are excited, some are unsure how to apply what they’ve learned, and all are eager to grow. This is where a Café Facilitation Ambassador steps in. You help turn a virtual session into a space where learning comes alive, conversations spark new ideas, and participants take meaningful steps forward.

Leadership Development Cafés—whether FLC (Foundational Leadership Certification) or ALC (Advanced Leadership Certification)—are interactive online sessions built on course material. They provide a structured, reflective space for participants to discuss what they’ve learned, share experiences, and explore ways to apply their knowledge in real life.

What Facilitating Really Means

Facilitating a café is about more than just leading a discussion. It’s guiding participants through a journey of reflection and growth. As a facilitator, you:

• Create a Safe, Inclusive Space: You set the tone for open conversation, ensuring all participants feel comfortable sharing their perspectives.
• Guide Meaningful Conversations: You use questions and prompts to help participants think critically, reflect on challenges, and connect course concepts to their experiences.
• Encourage Reflection and Action: Beyond discussion, you help participants identify actionable next steps that they can apply in their roles and personal development.
• Balance Participation: You ensure every voice is heard, managing group dynamics so the conversation flows smoothly and everyone feels included.
• Model Leadership: Through active listening, empathy, and thoughtful questioning, you demonstrate leadership in action—showing participants how to engage constructively and intentionally.

The Benefits of Facilitating

Being a facilitator is a deeply rewarding experience, both personally and professionally:

• Make a Real Impact: Watching participants connect learning with action is a unique and fulfilling experience.
• Gain Leadership Skills: Facilitation hones active listening, empathy, questioning, and presence—skills that strengthen your ability to lead in any setting.
• Support Others on Their Journey: You guide participants through their FLC and ALC learning, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate progress.
• Professional Growth: Leading discussions, managing group dynamics, and fostering reflection are all valuable skills for career development.
• Recognition and Rewards: Facilitate five cafés and receive Leadership Development swag—just like the jacket Frank Serra (Divisional Thrift Store Specialist) is wearing!

Ease and Support

You don’t need to do this alone. Each café is co-facilitated with a partner, and the Leadership Development team provides full technical support, including managing slides, polls, breakout groups, and whiteboards. A detailed slide deck with speaking notes is sent one week prior, and a prep meeting ensures facilitators feel confident and ready to lead. This structure allows you to focus on what really matters: guiding conversation and supporting participants.

Who Can Join?

Facilitators must have completed FLC and ALC. This shared foundation ensures everyone has a common language and framework for discussion, enabling rich, meaningful conversations in each café.

Ready to Lead?

If you’re ready to serve, grow, and make a difference in someone’s leadership journey, reach out to the Leadership Development team (email: Leadership.Development@salvationarmy.ca). Becoming a Café Facilitation Ambassador is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to bring learning to life and guide others toward meaningful growth.