From ICommons wiki

Facilitation concerns itself with all the tasks needed to run a productive and impartial meeting. Facilitation serves the needs of any group who are meeting with a common purpose, whether it be making a decision, solving a problem, or simply exchanging ideas and information. It does not lead the group, nor does it try to distract or to entertain. (Source: Wikipedia)

[edit] Guidelines:

This link is spectacular - read it and become a better human and facilitator:

http://facilitation.aspirationtech.org/index.php/Facilitation:Facilitator_Guidelines

* Be sensitive to the language issues
* Work on being a good trouble-shooter
* Try and help shy people get involved
* Control the programmable spaces
* Help people network and meet new people
* Meet every day
* Promote interactivity and debate
* Maintain energy and focus
* Remain non-partisan

[edit] Additional resources:

http://facilitation.aspirationtech.org/index.php/Main_Page

http://facilitation.aspirationtech.org/index.php/Facilitation:SpeedGeeking

http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?WorkingInOpenSpace

http://transitionculture.org/2007/06/19/transition-initiatives-open-space-film/

http://www.unconference.net/

http://icommons.org/blogs/revisioning-icommons