The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

1:00-1:45: Working Groups
1. Introductions.
2. Brainstorming actions: how might the desired solutions/outcomes be carried out? (20 minutes)
If the size of the group dictates, divide the working group into sub-groups for this activity.
Briefly define "brainstorming": free-flowing responses; anything goes; be creative; build on what
you've heard; aim for quantity; questions to clarify are OK, but don't evaluate, judge, or make
comments about the ideas that are generated. As the brainstorming proceeds, the Recorder lists all
ideas on newsprint.
3. Prioritizing actions/Choosing action steps.
To start the “prioritization” discussion, tell members that the goal of this session is to choose from the
brainstormed list the action or actions that the group would like to work towards accomplishing. If
brainstorming sub-groups were formed, bring them back together and create a "master list" of ideas.
The facilitator now opens discussion of the brainstormed ideas and helps the group arrive at a
consensus on one or more actions.
Some questions to consider during this session include:
* Which actions are NOT "in the overlapping circles"? Set these aside. The purpose here is to
identify actions that the entire group can support – the common ground.
* Which of the "common ground actions" listed could do the most towards preventing teen
pregnancy?
* What are people/organizations (yours and others) already doing related to these actions? Can
any of the effective programs/approaches discussed during the morning assist you in carrying out
these actions?
* What resources (money, time, expertise, knowledge, etc.) might be needed to carry out these
actions?
As consensus is reached, the Recorder lists the action idea/s that the group wishes to work towards
accomplishing on a new piece of newsprint. Before breaking, ask for a volunteer to make a brief
"progress report" to the larger group.
4. At the conclusion of this session, each group should have prepared two lists:
A. A list of action ideas derived through brainstorming;
B. A list of action idea/s that the group wishes to work towards accomplishing.
1:45-2:30: Large Group Session (Lead Facilitators)
1. Small group "report outs."
Each group briefly summarizes its work up to that time. Only clarifying questions are appropriate at
this point.
2. Brief general discussion:
Suggest the possible existence of overlap among the solutions being worked on by each group, and
solicit general reactions and concrete suggestions/offers of assistance. Ask those offering assistance to
alert the appropriate group that they might be a resource.
2:30-2:45: Break (during which informal alliances among working groups might be forged)
2:45-3:30: Working Groups (continuation of small group work)
Completing an action plan.