We found this description of the “Circle Process” here on the Art of Hosting website. The circle, or council, is an ancient form of meeting that has gathered human beings into respectful conversation for thousands of years. The circle has served as the foundation for many cultures. What transforms a meeting into a circle is the willingness of people to shift from informal socializing or opinionated discussion into a receptive attitude of thoughtful speaking and deep listening and to embody and practice the structures outlined here. (continue)

These norms from Garmston Wellman build group energy, commitment, and effectiveness. Pausing. Not all brains work at the same rate or use the same processes. There are four types of pauses: 1) after a question, 2) after someone speaks, 3) personal reflection time, and 4) the collective pause (structured or spontaneous). Pausing, then paraphrasing are two steps that set up deeper types of discussion. Paraphrasing. To help the group be as receptive as possible, avoid using “I” as you paraphrase. Instead, try using the following openers: (continue)

Reilly Dow is a graphic recorder currently based in Austin, TX, with roots in Toronto and Mexico City as well. She work with clients to create visual representations of conversations, meetings and other events in real time. The idea is that all participants feel acknowledged and recognize the importance of their active participation. Graphic recording also increases understanding, productivity and creativity, and facilitates systems thinking. Learn more about Reilly’s work at www.pinkfish.ca. For a copy of her portfolio or to start a conversation, email Reilly at […] (continue)

This 1996 report assembled by Doble Research Associates examines the results from National Issues Forums examining the state of the economy and how it affects citizens.  Find more details & order info on the NIF website.  From the report… This year, one of the issues that citizens discussed was Pocketbook Pressures: Who Benefits from Economic Growth?  In these forums, participants felt strained and uncertain about the future despite low inflation, low interest rates, and low unemployment. They said the middle class is shrinking, high-paying manufacturing […] (continue)

The Civil Debate Wall—popularly known as ‘The Wall’—is a unique, innovative social media tool created by Local Projects for The Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida and funded by a grant from the Knight Foundation. The Wall creates constructive dialogue by providing a physical social media tool that connects large touch screens, a texting system, and a website. These three synchronized components create a single, seamless interactive experience for the broader University of Florida community to actively engage in local, […] (continue)

One of the National Issues Forums Institute’s issue guides, The Day Care Dilemma: Who Should Be Responsible For The Children? outlines this public issue and several choices or approaches to addressing the issue. National Issues Forums do not advocate a specific solution or point of view, but provide citizens the opportunity to consider a broad range of choices, weigh the pros and cons of those options, and meet with each other in a public dialogue to identify the concerns they hold in common. From the […] (continue)

This deck of 91 full-color cards distills the core wisdom of the field: what skilled facilitators do over and over again to make things work. The content is more specific than values, and less specific than tips and techniques, cutting across existing methodologies with a designer’s eye to capture patterns that repeat. The deck can be used to plan sessions, reflect on and debrief from them, provide guidance mid-stride, and share responsibility for making the process go well. In addition to the card set (which […] (continue)

One of the National Issues Forums Institute’s issue guides, The Troubled American Family: Which Way Out Of The Storm? outlines this public issue and several choices or approaches to addressing the issue. National Issues Forums do not advocate a specific solution or point of view, but provide citizens the opportunity to consider a broad range of choices, weigh the pros and cons of those options, and meet with each other in a public dialogue to identify the concerns they hold in common. From the issue […] (continue)

One of the National Issues Forums Institute’s issue guides, Our Nation’s Kids: Is Something Wrong? outlines this public issue and several choices or approaches to addressing the issue. National Issues Forums do not advocate a specific solution or point of view, but provide citizens the opportunity to consider a broad range of choices, weigh the pros and cons of those options, and meet with each other in a public dialogue to identify the concerns they hold in common.  From the issue guide… Most American children […] (continue)

Each of Craig Freshley’s free Group Decision Tips is a quick one-page read that helps improve group efficiency, productivity, and creativity. At www.groupdecisiontips.com you can view a complete index of over 150 Tips and download PDF handouts of your favorites. Freshley is an NCDD blogger, and has shared some of his tips on the NCDD Community blog. Each Tip begins with a principle – a core concept, and ends with a practical tip – something that you and your group can do to bring more […] (continue)