Frequently Asked Questions – Kairos Blanket Exercise

Please find below answers to frequently asked questions about the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE)

If you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact us at KBE@kairoscanada.org

General Questions

How much space do you need to host a KBE?

How many blankets / sheets are used?

What is the minimum or maximum number of participants for a KBE?

Is the KBE available in different languages?

Who can participate in the KBE?

What ages are appropriate for the KBE?

What other programs does KAIROS offer?

What is the difference between a KBE and a virtual KBE?

What can I do if I’ve already participated in a KBE?

I’ve facilitated the KBE and want to lead it for my community. How do I get access to the script?

Can I experience a KBE if I live outside Canada?

Partnerships

How much is the annual licensing fee?

Why is there a licensing fee and what is it used for?

When can I receive facilitator training?

Do I have to have my own facilitation team?

Why does it have to be Indigenous led?

I’m a teacher. Can I offer the KAIROS Blanket Exercise with my students?

Training

When can I receive facilitator training?

Are there fees to upgrade from being a Facilitator to an Instructor?

What are the benefits if I upgrade from a Facilitator?

How Long is a KBE? An in-person KBE has three parts: an introduction, an interactive activity, and a talking circle. For adults, this process can take anywhere between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size of the group. KAIROS recommends 3 hours for adult groups of 30-50 people, and 2 hours for youth groups of up to 30 participants.

How Much Space Do You Need? The space should be large enough to accommodate chairs placed in a circle for each participant and each member of the facilitation team. The blankets / sheets that are used in the exercise are laid down in the middle of the circle of chairs.

How many blankets / sheets are used? The number of blankets / sheets is based on the number of participants. Typically, 1 blanket is used for 2-3 participants. So, for example, a KBE with 30 participants would require 10-15 blankets.

What are the Minimum /Maximum Number of Participants? The minimum number of participants to successfully run a KBE is 15. The ideal number of participants is between 30-40. Groups larger than 40 can be accommodated, but will need additional time, facilitators, and planning. The largest KBE to-date involved approximately 850 participants. Check out how the KAIROS Blanket Exercise Touches the Heart of 800 Youth.

Is the KBE available in different languages? The adult KBE is available in English, French, and Spanish. There is also a bilingual English / French version. The youth KBE is available in English and French, and there is also a bilingual English / French version.

Who can participate in the KBE? The KBE is for everyone! Please see our page Who Should Do the KBE for more information.

What ages are appropriate for the KBE? The youth KBE is ideally suited for people in grades 7-10. The adult KBE is suitable for youth in grades 11 and 12, particularly those in Indigenous or Native studies courses.

Where can I experience a KBE? While most KAIROS Blanket Exercises are privately hosted by our partners, some KAIROS Blanket Exercises are open to the public and advertised by the individual Community partner.

Is the KBE accessible? Facilitators are trained to adapt the KAIROS Blanket Exercise for participants with accessibility needs. Typically, the host arranges the venue or location. It is crucial for the host to ensure the venue is accessible or arrangements are made for those with hearing or visual disabilities.

What other programs does KAIROS offer? In addition to the in-person KAIROS Blanket Exercise, in Fall 2020 KAIROS launched two new initiatives: the virtual KBE (vKBE) and the KBE Teaching & Sharing Circles. The virtual KBE builds on the main foundations of the in-person KBE and adapts it for an online environment, while maintaining the participatory and interactive nature. For more information on the vKBE, please visit the Programs Page.

What is the difference between a KBE and a virtual KBE? The virtual KAIROS Blanket Exercise (vKBE) builds on the foundational elements of the in-person KBE. Both are an interactive and participatory experience. The vKBE is ideal for remote locations or organizations with dispersed staff and/or participants. The vKBE is convenient and engaging, utilizing special imagery and activities conducive to online learning. The two options cannot be combined into one for the mental and emotional safety for all participants.

What can I do if I’ve already participated in a KBE? We encourage you to visit our Beyond the KBE page for ideas on what you can to do after you’ve experienced the KBE!

I’ve facilitated the KBE and want to lead it for my community. How do I get access to the script? In 2018, in response to feedback from Elders and Indigenous facilitators, KAIROS embarked on a new process for the KBE program that emphasizes the safety of participants and the facilitation team. Changes to the program include requiring that each facilitation team be Indigenous led, and training for all facilitators. Please visit the KBE Community Principles page for more information on the foundations of the new KBE program.

For more information on becoming a facilitator or partner, please visit the Become a Facilitator or Partner page.

Can I experience a KBE if I live outside Canada? Yes! Please contact the KBE Global and Newcomer Coordinator for more information.

In recent years, we have partnered with Indigenous people and organizations in the United States, Australia, Ecuador, and Guatemala. These groups have adapted the KBE script for their contexts. For more information, please contact the KBE Global and Newcomer Coordinator.

How much is the annual licensing contribution? This fee is based on industry and will be discussed with the potential partner at the virtual meeting.

Why is there a licensing contribution and what is it used for? Signing a Cooperation Agreement is about supporting the KAIROS Blanket Exercise Program with script development, training curriculum, advisory circle members, resource creation and to support our Indigenous partners. By contributing to a licensing fee, you then have permission to use the intellectual property of the program materials. Your contribution helps to support our Indigenous Partners and t further resource development with our KAIROS Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Do I have to have my own facilitation team? Yes, a minimum of two people in a facilitation team is required. It is mandatory that the lead facilitator is Indigenous (the partner is responsible to verify Indigeneity). The co-facilitator can be either Indigenous or non-Indigenous. Ideally, your team should include an Elder, Knowledge Keeper or Knowledge Holder, who is trained to facilitate.

Why does it have to be Indigenous led? The storytelling is through the lens and voice from an Indigenous perspective. Often, the Indigenous lead will go slightly off script and share personal stories or stories passed down. Non-Indigenous participants do not share personal experiences on the issues covered in the workshop.

I’m a teacher. Can I offer the KAIROS Blanket Exercise with my students? Although it is preferable to support our Indigenous KAIROS Blanket Exercise partners, you may want to consider becoming a partner so that you may provide KAIROS Blanket Exercises to your school. It is mandatory that the lead facilitator is Indigenous. Please visit the partnership page to learn more.

When can I receive facilitator training? One of our partners who is a certified instructor or senior instructor will contact you once you apply for training. Note, you must have a partnership agreement with KAIROS.

Are there fees to upgrade from being a Facilitator to an Instructor? Yes, there is a small one-time fee to upgrade your profile and take further training.

What are the benefits if I upgrade from a Facilitator? As an Indigenous Community Partner, you’ll join our network of Instructor Partners, equipping you to train new facilitators and expand your impact beyond facilitation alone.