The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

to the prevention of teen pregnancy. Ask participants to include information about what makes the
program/approach effective; to whom it is targeted; and how it addresses a cause of teen pregnancy.
Recorders should create a list on newsprint of the name of the program and the person who mentioned
it. Meanwhile, make sure that another more detailed list is created on writing paper that includes the
name of program, a one-line description, contact person, phone number, address (if known), and the
name of the person who identified it. This list can be developed by the facilitator, a volunteer
participant, or by passing a tablet around and having participants write down their own notes.
6. Concluding comments
Tell the group that this will be the last time that they will meet together, and ask members what they
would like to communicate to one another about their work together.
7. At the conclusion of this session, each group should have prepared two lists:
A. A list of common causes for teen pregnancy, along with the desired solutions/outcomes;
B. A list of effective programs/approaches.
11:00-11:15: Break
During this time, the causes/desired solutions newsprints are posted in one section of the large room, while
those listing effective programs/approaches are posted in another section.
11:15-12:30 PM: Large group session (Lead Facilitators)
1. Sharing effective programs/approaches (20 minutes)
Participants are asked to describe a program or approach that they heard about in their small groups
that they found to be particularly interesting, innovative or otherwise deserving of mention. Reassure
participants that a list of all the programs mentioned in the small groups will be recorded and sent out
with the meeting report.
2. Small groups "report outs" (20 minutes)
Receive reports (2 minutes or less) from each small group on areas of common causes/desired
solutions. All of the newsprint reports are posted on the wall by the end of this session.
3. Prioritizing desired solutions/outcomes (30 minutes)
Distribute 3 dots to each participant and ask them to place their dots on the desired solutions/outcomes
that they would most like to see happen as a result of the dialogue. Participants can distribute their
dots in any fashion they choose. Alert participants that placing dot(s) next to an item does not obligate
them to work on that item.
Once this activity is completed, encourage participants and facilitators to determine which desired
solutions/outcomes have generated the largest interest through looking at the patterns created by the
dots. Together the group creates a list of its “top” solution categories, which is recorded on fresh
newsprint.
4. Forming working groups (10 minutes)
Explain that "working groups" will now be formed – with one "working group” assigned to each
category. Ask participants to take a minute to decide which category they would like to work on. In
the meantime "placards" are prepared, each emblazoned with the name of one of the categories.
Small group facilitators are now each handed a placard and dispersed to different sections of the room.
Participants are asked to choose a category by coalescing around the facilitator with the appropriate
placard. Make sure each group knows where to meet before breaking.
12:30-1:00: Break and pick up lunch.
During this time facilitators/staff strategize concerning the facilitation support needed for each group,
and review how things are proceeding.