The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

Discussion in small groups follows the format outlined in "Facilitator Guidesheet- Afternoon Small Group Session."
3:45 - 4:30 Reflections and Evaluations (Large Group)
• What points of connection have you heard or seen during the course of the day?
• How have we experienced this day? Has this day of dialogue been worthwhile? Why?
• Workshop evaluation will be distributed and completed by participants.
• Final sharing: What metaphor [or image] describes your experience of this day?
4:30-5:00 Closing Eucharist
FACILITATOR GUIDELINES
Morning Small Group Session
1) Facilitator introduces self, shares a little about her/his family, and invites participants to do the same (including
their designation).
[10 minutes]
2) Review Ground rules:
a. Demonstrate respect for all present in speech and behavior.
b. Resolve to listen and seek mutual understanding.
c. Offer and accept explanations of views without attempts to convince or convert.
d. Honor confidentiality by not revealing the names of participants, ascribing names to statements made, or
revealing personal disclosures unless one has explicit permission.
e. Participants have the right to pass whenever they are not willing to answer a question. No explanation
need be given. No negative connotation accompanies a decision to pass.
[5 minutes]
Review (briefly) the plan for dialogue in this session: Explain that it is important that there be time for trustbuilding
before tackling the primary dialogue question. This means that participants will be led through two
opening questions that are not directly related. The purpose of these questions is to let participants learn something
about one another, to increase feelings of safety, and to practice listening and responding in a way that is conducive
to dialogue. The first of these question follows.
4) Ask participants to express any expectations and hopes, as well as any risks or vulnerabilities that they have or
feel.
Before asking for answers to this question and the others that follow in the morning, and later afternoon
session, let people have a minute to think about their answer.
As a facilitator - model active listening by responding to each one's statement.
Reinforce a climate of caring--the workshop is not meant to be a place to experience further pain.
[15 minutes]