Session VI

Topic: Encourage Everyone's Contribution

Introduction: Everyone participating in a group is the ideal. Sometimes people do not want to speak. Their presence and listening are enough, the attention they give. They contribute insights by sitting back and observing. What they have to say, from a quiet place, is often helpful. For supplemental reading, see Resources.

Objectives: By the end of this session, you will

• Review the meaning of contribution in World Café
• Identify different ways people contribute

Notes for Animators

Anita and Abdikarim were worried that not everyone on their planning team would speak in a meeting. Why won't Sasha say anything? Abdikarim asked. I know she has many good ideas. She told me about something the other day, but then when the meeting came, she was silent all though. It's so frustrating. I want all the others to hear her good ideas too. Isn't it important for everyone to participate? Well, yes, Anita replied. But you know, everyone has a different style when it comes to speaking in a group. Some people and some cultures just don't encourage this. Sometimes women aren't allowed to speak. You should know this!

Anita and Abdikarim went on to discuss how to encourage contribution at the next planning meeting. They would try for a good question, something open-ended. Perhaps they would use a talking stone, like they knew aboriginal cultures practiced at one time. Passing the stone gives an opportunity for everyone to speak.

Journal Question: What is a good technique for encouraging people to contribute? Can you name other ways people contribute in a meeting other than by talking?

Materials needed: See Pictures

Reflection: When we consider the contributions that different people make, we need to think about whether people want to talk or not. If they are not talking, perhaps they contribute in some other way.

 

Handout (PDF)

Next Session: Connection