Planning the Conversation

Civic reflection has two essential features.

First, it is organized around basic questions about the common work of the participants, rather than around a skill to be taught, a problem to be solved, or an issue to be debated.

Second, these basic questions are approached–opened up, agitated, illuminated, brought alive–through discussion of a text, usually short, complex, and removed from the direct experience of the members.

In the following two sections we give particular attention to these two related key features of civic reflection planning: Identifying Basic Questions and Choosing Materials.

See Finding a Discussion Leader for ideas about what to look for in a civic reflection facilitator.

See Sample Materials for examples of invitation letters, syllabi and discussion plans from past programs.

Contact us if you would like help planning your civic reflection program.