Session III

Topic: Planning

Introduction: World Café Assumptions . When planning a World Café event, it is essential to use the following ideas. Most important is to recognize that the knowledge needed is already present in the people involved. Some other events and organizations may rely on a big-name speaker and outside experts. The people planning a World Cafe event in their community notice the contribution that each person makes. Each one brings a strength, something special. The process that happens at the tables involves a deep listening and connecting ideas. Ideas are spoken and written/doodled/drawn on the paper table cloths. For supplemental reading, see Resources.

Objectives : By the end of this session, you will:

• Clarify World Café characteristics
• Identify planning tasks

  Notes for Animators

  Abdikarim Animator talks to Anita Animator about getting a small planning team together for an activity in Parkdale. They are both worried about some things going on in their neighborhood. They talk about who to invite to work with them. They want different people with different points of view. They come up with some names and decide to meet at the Action for Healthy Communities office. They share some food and then discuss what they want to happen around the problems in the community. Margarita wants to get a bunch of people to solve the thing. Others agree but are uncertain. Who would come? The team starts to plan. What place can they use? Who will advertise the event? What's the best way to let people know? As the energy gathers details come clear. One neighbor donates the food because they can't attend the event. Others do what they can. When the committee meets they continue to respect each other's opinion because that's how they whole thing will come together. They know that. Sometimes it's not easy and they need patience. That's when they listen a little deeper.

  Journal Activity: Make a list of things to be done for the Parkdale event. Some things are in place already. Other things are needed. How is the event going to happen?

  Materials Needed: See Pictures

  Reflection: We have introduced the World Café Assumptions for planning any workshop. These are important to use from the beginning. Also we are getting into the nitty gritty details of what has to be done.

  
  

Handout (PDF)

Next Session : Space