The Common Ground Network for Life and Choice Manual

also to: (1) find out how others feel about being there and discover some initial common ground;
(2) learn something about one another that reflects on values and character (we use a question
asking for a hero or heroine); and (3) observe and practice active listening before getting to the
topic (abortion) where this is most crucial.
The materials that follow are those developed and used by the Network to orient and
guide facilitators in leading the common ground dialogue process described in Chapter Three.
They present in concrete terms and more detail the tasks discussed there, and in this chapter.
For workshop small group facilitators, these materials should be provided and explained
in an orientation session where questions can be asked and role-playing can take place to
practice responding to possible scenarios. A Facilitator Training Plan is included in the
appendices. In addition to having these materials, dialogue facilitators need to read and
understand the material on the common ground concepts and process found in Chapter 3.
Appendices
4.1 General Guidelines for Dialogue Facilitation
4.2 Workshop Plan for Facilitators - This is more detailed than the participant schedule,
and includes instructions for the lead facilitator tasks.
4.3 Guidesheets for Small Group Sessions - These are detailed scripts for leading the
initial and second small group dialogue sessions that begin with personal storytelling
and proceed to asking genuine questions and other inquiries.
4.4 Facilitator Training Plan - A detailed plan for leading the facilitator orientation
session.
4.5 Role-playing Materials for Facilitator training Partner – These are scripts for a roleplaying
exercise that is part of the facilitator training, presented in Appendix 4.4.