Program facilitators have certain tasks to complete before reaching a successful delivery. Below we outline some of the most important steps of the LTOA program delivery. 

Preparing the Program Material

Program delivery starts by preparing the materials to facilitate the sessions in the community:

• Making sure program materials are culturally adapted
• Making sure there are sufficient copies of booklets for adults and youth
• Making sure there are sufficient art supplies for the program activities

Preparing the Elder

The Elder plays a vital role in the LTOA program and is actively involved in many program tasks. To ensure successful program delivery, we encourage you to set aside time to meet with the Elder prior to the program's implementation in your community. During the meeting, give the Elder a chance to review the Elder manual, and give them a chance to ask questions about the program so that they are prepared for the delivery. 

Preparing the Space

A safe space is a vital part of the program delivery. It is important to ensure you have a space where participants feel comfortable and are able to be vulnerable. Besides a space where the program delivery will take place, it is also important to consider an alternative space for people to get up and walk to if they need to be alone for a while. The goal is to foster relationships between program facilitators, Elders, and program participants, and to deliver the program in a safe environment that maintains openness, honesty, and dialogue. Consider talking to participants about the following points:

• Talk about creating rules for the space
• Talk about having items that help build that space
• Talk about how the room could be set up

Preparing a Schedule

Consider the importance of preparing the delivery dates of the program and anticipating any other conflicting activities that may come up during that time. Prepare a schedule that accounts for holidays or breaks. Prepare alternative make-up session dates should something come up.

Preparing the Food and Catering

A central element of the Listening to One Another program is for families to share a meal together. The meal also acts as an incentive to bring families to the program. It is the responsibility of the facilitator to make sure that food is prepared for the arrival of the participants. We recommend contacting local caterers who can provide food for the program.  

Preparing Door Prizes and Incentives

To help maintain a strong attendance throughout the program, LTOA facilitators have offered incentives or door prizes. Some facilitators designed raffles that was dependent on attendance, so that each time a participant attended a session, they would receive a raffle ticket to increase their chances at winning a door prize. Other facilitators designed sweatshirts to give to all participants. Although a door prize or incentives are not mandatory, it can help create buy-in from participants as they continue to learn more about the program. 

Preparing Transportation

Some families noted that the program was taking place too far from their residence. To help this problem, some facilitators offered to pick-up and drop-off participants each session. If necessary help participants with transportation.