In-Person (Classic) Sibshop Facilitator Training and Sibling Educational Workshop

The two-day, in-person Sibshop Facilitator Training is one event with two goals and two audiences.

  • To train new Sibshop facilitators and administrators—adult sibs, service providers, parents and others want to learn how to run a local Sibshop. During the two days of the Sibshop training, they’ll learn about sibs’ life-long concerns, find out how to organize a local Sibshop, and experience what a Sibshop is all about as they join us and local young brothers and sisters for a four-hour  Demonstration Sibshop. These trainees attend both days of the Sibshop training. Upon completion of the two-day training, they are considered “first-generation” Sibshop trainees and may (upon registration) start their own local Sibshop.
  • To educate parents, service providers, and others about sibs’ ever-changing issues across the lifespan. This is an audience interested in sibling issues, but not necessarily interested in how to run a Sibshop. This audience attends just the first day of the two-day training.

  • Day 1

  • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Brothers and Sisters of People with Special Needs: Unique Concerns, Unique Opportunities

    During this lively, interactive workshop, we’ll discuss sibs’ issues across the lifespan— the good stuff, the not-so-good stuff and everything in-between. We’ll also discuss what parents and service providers can do to minimize sibs’ concerns and maximize their opportunities. Audience: Parents, adult sibs, service providers and Sibshop facilitator trainees

  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Panel of Adult Siblings
    One of the best ways to learn about sibling issues is to listen to the “real experts.” During this workshop, Emily Holl will moderate a panel of local adult brothers and sisters who will discuss life with siblings who have special needs. Along the way, panelists will offer suggestions to parents and providers. Audience: Parents, adult sibs, service providers and Sibshop facilitator trainees

  • 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Sibshops: Getting Started
    Sibshops are kid-friendly workshops as rewarding to run as they are to attend. During this workshop, participants will learn the logistics of planning and implementing a local Sibshop for school-age brothers and sisters. We’ll also discuss Sibshop goals and the recreational, discussion, and educational activities these goals suggest. Finally, we’ll sample an activity or two! Audience: Parents, adult sibs, service providers and Sibshop facilitator trainees

  • Day 2

  • 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Preparation for Demonstration Sibshop
    We’ll meet to get our “game face” on for the Demonstration Sibshop and continue our discussion of the Sibshop model. Audience: Sibshop facilitator trainees

  • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Demonstration Sibshop
    Participating in this workshop is the very best way to learn about what Sibshops are all about. During the Demonstration Sibshop, participants will join Emily Holl as she conducts a Sibshop for local young brothers and sisters. This workshop provides participants with the materials and know-how they will need to start, plan, and conduct the activities for their own first Sibshop. Audience: 8-to-13-year-old sibs of kids with special needs and Sibshop facilitator trainees

  • 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Debriefing and Planning for Local Sibshop Programs
    Following the Sibshop, trainees will debrief and finalize plans for creating Sibshops in their own communities. Audience: Sibshop facilitator trainees.

“Hearing about siblings’ experiences was extremely useful.  So thought-provoking, great company, such honesty from all ages—it took you to all sorts of places emotionally. So motivating, easy to listen to—the time just flew.”

“What a great workshop. It is exciting that you put so much energy into siblings. You have inspired me to set up something for our sibs.”

“There was a wonderful sense of group care and sharing. Young folks shared their feelings with genuineness and compassion. Thank you for the opportunity to enhance my understanding with sincerity, humor, and genuine care and feeling.”