Being a 16 Guidelines Facilitator
The 16 Guidelines program was first launched back in 2010. The purpose of the program is to cultivate positive inner qualities and integrate these qualities into daily life. This leads to a happier, more meaningful life that focuses on caring for others. The key to this is understanding our own mind and how it works.
At the heart of all FDCW courses is building community. We cannot walk the path alone. When others walk alongside us they provide comfort and inspiration. Changing our negative mental habits for positive ones takes time. It helps if there are fellow travellers walking the path with us – encouraging us, finding joyful moments and comforting us when times are tough.
The 16 Guidelines program offers a method for connecting with others while learning about oneself and how our mind works.It offers an experiential methodology featuring small group discussions and activities that encourage openness and sharing. From this process, we begin to tap into our inner wisdom that gradually flowers and grows.
Our 16 Guidelines Facilitators and Trainers share some of their thoughts on the support they receive and how this contributes towards the success of the 16 Guidelines program.
Senior Trainer Marian O’Dwyer describes her experience facilitating 16 Guidelines courses and training facilitators for more than a decade for FDCW:-
Over the years, course participants have told me how much they value the experience of meeting like-minded people, making friendships and being part of a community. In fact, some go as far as saying that this aspect is one of the most important features of the 16 Guidelines experience.
At present FDCW has more than 100 accredited 16 Guidelines facilitators worldwide. The intensive Facilitator Training includes topics and study materials that underscore the value and benefits of supporting the flourishing of community. And so, as a facilitator community, we value the benefits of sharing and caring for each other through ongoing connection. For this reason, I had the idea to offer regular support meetings online. I shared this idea with my co-trainer Wendy Ridley. She readily agreed, recognising the benefit. We committed to leading one session a month and alternated leading the sessions.
During our time together we share our recent activities and reflections, both personal and in our role as facilitators. We take time to ask and receive feedback on questions that have arisen for us during the month.
Participants value these meet-ups as a refuge from a busy daily life and an intimate gathering of friends from near and far. The meet-ups also allow for the regular exchange of our experience and understanding of the topics we facilitate.
In this challenging world of virtual connection, the importance of a supportive and nurturing community is crucial. You cannot pour from an empty cup. We need human connection, warmth and affection to flourish and grow. I am grateful for this connection and community.
Anne Porteous, Level 3 Facilitator from Ontario Canada shares her thoughts on the support received through Facilitator Meet-ups:
Since completing my Level 3 Facilitator certificate, I have really appreciated the opportunity to meet up with other facilitators around the world. The fact this opportunity was made available through FDCW told me a lot about the members such as Marian O’Dwyer, Wendy Ridley, Angela Sanchez and Victoria Coleman and their commitment to helping facilitators on their journey.
As the old saying goes “birds of a feather flock together.” In this case being able to join and connect with a global community of like-minded people has helped me to experience personal and professional growth. Meeting new people with fresh ideas has helped me to continue developing my knowledge and creating innovative programs. For example, Mindfulness with Horses, the 16 Guidelines meets Equine Assisted learning, and most recently organising a community group where we discuss and learn more about the 16 Guidelines…
“Bottom line for me is that it is not just about taking the training and then ‘off you go’! It is about keeping the momentum going. As has been expressed at meetings, sometimes we get tired, ‘why bother’ and these get togethers help get me refocused, re-energised, and allow the passion to flow again.
Our meetup groups allow for new friendships, opportunities for partnerships, learning from each other.
I attend as many of the meetings as I can and always find the space welcoming and safe to share. I enjoy and learn from the various prospectives shared, I feel engaged with members, and supported – always someone to help answer questions.
I look forward to continuing on my journey with the support of FDCW.
Ruth Cook, Level 1 Facilitator based in the UK shares her thoughts on the facilitator meet-ups:-
I am grateful to know that FDCW offers a group for Facilitators to meet & share stories. I enjoy knowing that there is an online space to join and hear from those that are present. Meeting in person would offer another level of experience… however as we live hundreds & thousands of miles apart, an in person time and location is almost impossible.
When we have idea’s, thoughts or questions. We can bounce them around to give & receive feedback… and what I enjoy the most is, the pure knowledge that this space, being offered so kindly & generously is the biggest support of all.
What a wonderful congregation of people. Like minded, working from our hearts with good will, and wishing the best for all.
Again, with much appreciation & gratitude for these opportunities to keep on developing our Wisdom & Compassion even more.
Explore the 16G Training Pathway
Are you passionate about cultivating compassion, wisdom, and meaningful connections? Becoming a 16 Guidelines Facilitator allows you to guide others in exploring these transformative principles. Whether you’re new to the Guidelines or seeking to deepen your engagement, the 16G training pathway offers practical tools for positive growth and enriching relationships. Find out how you can inspire change and bring greater meaning to your life and community. To stay informed about upcoming training opportunities and events, make sure to sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of this page.
Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW)
At FDCW we are committed to a more compassionate, wiser world. We provide resources, courses and training to develop qualities such as kindness, patience and honesty – qualities which are essential for meeting the challenges of the world we all share.
The Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) was established as a global charity based in London in 2005. Since then we have provided secular training, programmes and resources across many sectors of society – schools, universities, hospices, workplaces, healthcare, youth groups and community centres. Our courses have reached thousands of people across the world through our dedicated and growing network of facilitators in more than 20 countries.
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