How
to Start a Discussion Group
STEP
1: FORM GROUPS – IDEAL SIZE 8 – 12 PEOPLE.
o
Invite
others to join via newsletters, email networks; personal invitations, etc.
include location information, times and dates for the entire program. Set clear
registration deadlines for signups.
o
Host
and introductory group meeting.
STEP
2: FIRST CLASS SESSION – GETTING STRATED
o
Take
the following material with you to the First Session: 1. Discussion Guide. 2.
Course Schedule for participants to signup for Opener and Facilitator roles for
the remaining sessions.
o
Have
a Round of Introductions: Introductions serve several important functions even
if the group is already well acquainted. Participants begin to each other on a
personal level and have an opportunity to “get each person’s voice into the
room.” A person who has spoken and been listened to early in the session is
more likely to participate in the rest of the session. Ask participants to say
their names and something personal about themselves. As the organizer of your group,
you should give your answer first to model the length and content.
o
Describe
the Group Process: The program is design to encourage discussions that clarify
personal values and attitudes. Consensus is not the goal and the group should
not seek to reach agreement at the expenses of diversity of opinion. Most
groups meet for an hour to an hour and a half for each meeting. Each session
will be led by a volunteer facilitator from the group. Point out the
“Guidelines for the Weekly Facilitator”.
o
Fill
out the Course Schedule: This gives the
members an opportunity to sign up to present an opening and to facilitate one
of the sessions.
STEP
3: FIRST SESSION – FACILITATING THE MEETING.
o
Explain
the Role of the Facilitator: Tell the group that you will help keep the
discussion personal, focused and balanced among the participants. Show them the
“Guidelines for the Weekly Facilitator”. Encourage each person to review these
before taking their turn at facilitation.
o
Circle
Question: Following the opening the first step is for each person to answer the
Circle Question for the session. The question provides a focus for the
discussion of the day.
o
The
Call: The reading of the Call is to activate the new concepts introduced in the
chapter.
o
Reflection
& Practice: Each chapter concludes with a brief reflection oriented to
specific ways to practice peace-building and to engage in the work of being an
ambassador of peace.
o
Closing:
Watch the time and stop the discussion a few minutes before the session is
scheduled to end. Note whether the Course Schedule is completed if it is not
work with participants to complete it. Confirm the time and place for the next
meeting. Be sure to end the class on time. This shows respect for the
participants, and demonstrates that their time commitment is predictable.
STEP
4: FINAL SESSION
o
The
final session is an optional celebration and is an opportunity to:
o
Celebrate
the completion of the program and evaluate your experience.
o
Discuss
options for continuing as a group and consider goals and action items.
o
Consider
organizing other groups in your community, workplace or organization.
This is a wonderful resource!
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