About Resource
The Interactivity Foundation is a non-advocacy, non-partisan organization that “brings people together in meaningful discussions that expand imagination, build social trust, and improve discussion skills necessary for everyday democracy.” Their freely available Resource Library is specialized for three audiences: educators and students; community leaders and organizers; workplace teams and professionals.
How to Host a Community Conversation is designed to assist individuals and organizations in initiating discussions about shared public concerns to enable actionable solutions; empower individuals through involvement in the decision-making process; and ultimately enhance civic engagement. Three checklist-style guides provide a crash course in running a successful community conversation:
- How to Organize - organize your event with clear purpose, following tips for planning and day-of logistics
- How to Facilitate - facilitation is the cornerstone to a successful community conversation; use these recommendations to prepare accordingly
- How to Participate - active listening and meaningful contribution can help expand perspectives under consideration and develop divergent possibilities
How to Use
The How to Facilitate guide will be of particular interest to those science center educators and program leaders who are pursuing community engagement through rich discussion. This resource reminds the facilitator to strive towards creating inclusive, thought-provoking discussions that can help connect science and its relevance to everyday life. Access the guide’s strategies for framing open-ended questions, encouraging diverse perspectives, and managing group dynamics.
Importantly, the facilitator should ensure discussions remain exploratory and not driven by debate. At its best, strong facilitation can foster a welcoming atmosphere where participants feel heard and engaged, and science center professionals can build trust, strengthen community connections, and inspire curiosity—themes often at the very heart of a science center’s own mission.
All science center professionals will further benefit from the recommendations found within How to Participate. This guide encourages active listening, building constructively on others’ ideas, and exploring diverse perspectives. Such skills will not only help contribute meaningfully while allowing space for community voices, but they translate well to internal best practices and team management. Specific recommendations to deepen discussion without directing it include “Yes, and…” thinking, being generous with interpretations, and challenging ourselves to imagine perspectives beyond our own.
Location: Parkersburg, WV, USA
Author(s)/Organization: Interactivity Foundation
Publication Year: 2024
Tags
Attributes:Aims for Action, Respects Community Strengths, Shares Leadership
Outcomes:Capacity for Civic Engagement, Strong Community Partnerships
Approaches:Community-driven Citizen Science, Dialogue & Deliberation
Type:Guidebooks & Manuals