Facilitated Conversations

We design and facilitate conversations WITHIN groups who would like to move together effectively toward a shared purpose OR SUSTAINABLE ONGOING RELATIONSHIP.

FACILITATION/MEDIATION OFFERINGS

When assisting groups that are experiencing communication challenges, we offer processes that prioritize all voices being heard and understood. We can offer the following supportive structures to address your unique situation.  

Group Facilitation – This process is very supportive in exploring complex issues where the stakes feel high. Some examples of where group facilitation is helpful include: times of transition, when difficult decisions need to be made, when there are strongly differing viewpoints, where ease of communication has broken down. Facilitation provides a structure for navigating creative tension, checking assumptions, voicing concerns, sharing perspectives and considering ways forward. 

The process begins with individual confidential interviews with key participants. In these interviews we are able to hear what’s important to each person, explain the guidelines of the process and answer questions.  

With interviews complete a facilitated meeting of the whole group is scheduled.  In this meeting (usually 3 hours), each person has opportunities to speak uninterrupted and receive a reflection of what they’ve expressed from the facilitator. When each person is satisfied they’ve been heard accurately, their contribution is written as a record of what was explored during the meeting. Next steps often emerge naturally. The facilitator keeps track of progress made, items still needing further exploration, any convergences the group has reached and action items.

Restorative Circle – This process can be very supportive when relationships and the sense of community have been disrupted by an an action that has created harm. It was developed to help restore authentic, sustainable connection.  

The structure begins with “pre-circles”, which are meetings of individuals or small groups with the facilitator. In the pre-circles participants are able to define clearly what action has occurred that requires restoration, learn about the guidelines of the process and ask questions.  

With pre-circles complete we schedule a meeting date for all who agree to participate.  In this meeting (usually 3 hours), each person has opportunities to speak uninterrupted and to receive a reflection from another member of the circle. The speaker has the opportunity to correct or fine tune the understanding of what they have shared until they are satisfied they’ve been heard accurately. The process unfolds in three “rounds” with a prompting question to speak to in each round. The final round invites movement toward restoration…what would create a sense of repair and a way forward.

Mediation – This process is very supportive when a group is being negatively impacted by conflicts between specific individuals to such an extent that it is unlikely that a group process will be supportive until these specific conflicts are addressed. This structure begins with identification of individuals in conflict. 

The mediator meets confidentially with each individual and then mediated conversations are arranged between pairs of willing participants. 

In the mediation sessions (usually 2 - 3 hours) the mediator invites people to speak one at a time about what is most important to them. The mediator reflects what they are hearing and checks for accuracy, asks open ended questions, summarizes points of convergence and divergence, and helps people consider what they would like to request of or offer to the other. 

FACILITATOR/MEDIATOR ROLE

In the role of facilitator/mediator we consider ourselves to be “multi-partial”. This means that we do not take any sides, attempt to direct the course of the conversation or steer participants toward particular outcomes. 

Our dedication is to making sure everyone who wishes to speak is heard and understood accurately and to help participants track progress toward desired outcomes. 

To achieve this we help the group work within the structural guidelines of the process, track time, attend to what comes up in the process with great care and ask clarifying questions.  

We assist the participants in determining how they would like to move forward, which may take the form of additional sessions or something different. 

RESTORATIVE SYSTEMS

Groups benefit from having systems in place that support them in times of conflict. A restorative system is created by the group to best reflect the needs and values of their unique culture and conditions. Restorative Systems work best when they are clear, transparent, equitable and accessible to all. We can assist you in creating your restorative system.