Agenda:Skillshares

Though primary emphasis at events is on relationship building, it is also essential to expose participants to particular and compelling technologies and projects, both to demonstrate the tools as well as to provide them with information to share with others.

Afternoon sessions work well for small groups to learn specifics about a particular topic or watch a technology demonstrated and pose questions.

In skillshares and demos, it is useful to encourage facilitators to focus on the benefits tools, and the processes by which non-profits can select and make use of the those tools. Excessive technical detail should be discouraged, while presentations that drive dialog and curiosity should be strongly encouraged. A format that emphasizes exposure over expertise as an outcome is most advisable; no one will leave a 1- or 2-hour workshop as an expert on a new technology, but exposed to the benefits, range and potential of a given tool or technology, they will likely be inclined to investigate further and spread the word post-event, thus enriching their own understanding by exploring and by explaining it to others.

Whenever possible, encourage demo and skill-share presenters to bring their own machines already configured for use; this reduces the logistical burden on the event organizers while increasing the likelihood that the computer(s) will operate as desired. Such session almost always mandate that event organizers have at least one projector on hand, and if possible more than one, as projector conflicts are among the most difficult to resolve in real time in a satisfactory fashion. Getting clear definition of facilitator requirements, especially internet connectivity and projectors, well in advance of the event is of course advised.