Facilitation is the process by which parties are prepared for negotiation or mediation. While mediated settlements of problems can be very successful, in larger or chronic conflicts the parties often need facilitation before they are ready to negotiate or otherwise interact in a mediated environment. Facilitation may take many forms, from institutionalizing committees to track two analytical initiatives. Facilitation also often includes establishing paths of contact and understanding between groups. It uses a variety of processes that aid parties in becoming ready to negotiate.
Facilitation is a process that leads towards dispute resolution.
What Facilitation is not. Facilitation is not a denial that there are real, objective and true conflicts. Facilitation is not appeasement. It is not a process aimed at teaching the group how to give into interests. Facilitation is not a process to support power.