Frequently Asked Questions For Facilitators

The following questions and answers have proven to be of interest to potential facilitators. Please review these before generating new questions to the facilitators' email address shown at the end of the questions.

After I volunteer, when and how will I know if I'm confirmed as a facilitator?

Notice will be sent to the email address you supplied. We know people must have a firm commitment to finalize arrangements and negotiate best travel rates. And everyone is concerned about keeping dates blocked on their calendars.

How will you select facilitators?

Being committed to a nationwide, very diverse, highly skilled group, we are considering many factors in forming the facilitator team. If we have excess capacity (more facilitators than participant tables), we may be able to offer co-facilitation or other ways to serve.

Because the participant population will continue to grow and change as the date approaches, our final facilitator numbers will shift. However, once we confirm your participation, you can finalize your plans.

When will you stop accepting volunteers?

We cannot predict the date. When we have a full committed team, and perhaps some stand-by capacity, we will stop accepting volunteers. Other volunteer roles may be offered through the web-site.

WITHDRAWING MY APPLICATION

What if I have to withdraw my application?

Notify us immediately via email to facilitators@listeningtothecity.org. Type WITHDRAW in the subject line. An alternative method is to call (212) 404-3002 and leave a voice message. When you leave a message to withdraw, tell us your name and spell it. Using either method, include a phone number in case we need to clarify.

COMPUTERS AND KEYPADS

Do I need to be familiar with the computers and keypads that will be used at the tables?

No. Their operation will reviewed in the July 19th orientation session. Functions are kept intentionally simple. However, you will need to assume considerable responsibility for assuring that people at your table are using the equipment properly or your table's thoughts and input will be lost.

MEETING SITE, JACOB JAVITS CENTER

Where is the Javits Center?

This large convention center is on the west side in midtown Manhattan on 11th Av between 34th St and 39th St. Facilitator Orientation on July 19 and the public event on July 20 will both be held here. For both, enter the door on 11th Av near 37th St. Orientation will be on lower level, Room 1A01. July 20 session will be in Auditorium 3A.

More detail on location and transportation to the center can be found at www.javitscenter.com

AIRPORTS

What is the best airport to fly in to?

JFK, LaGuardia and Newark all serve the NYC area. All have various connections, including public transportation, into the city. Newark has a new train connection to Penn Station. Check with your travel agent to determine the best connections and arrangements. Air and ground traffic at all three airports can be very heavy so allow ample time.

HOTEL SUGGESTIONS

Are you making special arrangements or recommending hotels?

New York, of course has hundreds of options in many price ranges. We have a special rate, guaranteed through July 12, at the Hotel Pennsylvania at 7th Av and 33rd St across from Pennsylvania Train Station. It is about a 20 minute walk from the Javits Center. The AmericaSpeaks rate is $99 plus tax, single or double renovated room.

Make reservations by July 12 by calling (800)223-8585 or (212)736-5000. Ask for AmericaSpeaks group and specify renovated room. Note: you may find cheaper rates for this hotel on-line, but be advised they will not be renovated rooms and may be quite inferior.

People have also had luck using www.quikbook.com to find hotels by location, price and amenities.

Will you help me find a roommate?

Go ahead and book your room, but also send an email to facilitators@listeningtothecity.org stating your interest in a roommate, giving your full name and phone number. If we have other requests, we will TRY to put you in touch, but have very limited resources to do this. If you find a roomie, you can then cancel your reservation, but do not wait to reserve.

ORIENTATION FRIDAY JULY 19

What is the schedule and must I attend the orientation on July 19th?

This three hour session (originally announced as 2 hours) at the Javits Center on July 19 is essential for confirmed facilitators to be prepared for Saturday. Materials presented there will not be available earlier. Though all facilitators are already skilled professionals, they need the content and context, specific to this event, which will be covered on the 19th.

Schedule: 3 choices, all in Room 1A01, lower level, Javits Center, enter from 11th St near 37th St. Confirmed facilitators have been asked, via individual email, to select 9:00-12:00 AM or 2:00-5:00 PM or 7:00-10:00 PM. We expect to be able to honor these choices. If you have not done this, send email to facilitators@listeningtothecity.org , show Subject: Orientation and in text, full name and time selected. If this has been done, do NOT send another reservation.

PERSONAL EXPENSES

Can any of my expenses for this volunteer work be deducted for tax purposes?

You need to consult a tax advisor. Because you will be working with AmericaSpeaks, a 501c3 organization, for this event, your travel but not your time may be deductible.

SECURITY

What security measures will be in place for the event?

This will be covered in the Orientation on July 19. There will be a combination of public and private security measures in place Ð both visible and invisible.

GRIEF COUNSELING

There might be significant emotion evoked in the session. How will facilitators be prepared for this?

This will be covered in the Orientation. Facilitators will need to be aware of what's being evoked in them, as well as supporting the participants. Extra help will also be available on-site on Saturday. Experience in the first Listening to the City in February showed that participants were generally very supportive of one another at their tables and could "hold" what emerged in their group.

DRESS FOR JULY 20

What do we wear for the session?

Participants will be dressed from very casual to quite formal. "Nice casual" is fine for facilitators. If you prefer to work in a bit more formal dress, wear whatever makes you comfortable and able to focus on your group.

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