- Provide appropriate and comfortable meeting space for the group.
- Arrange space to allow for democratic participation; be aware of the access needs and dietary restrictions of faith group members.
- Arrive in advance of participants so hospitality is ready and available when participants begin to arrive.
- Have sufficient supplies and copies of materials available for participants in advance.
- Allow adequate time for introductions and use nametags until members are known to the leaders and each other.
- Commit to beginning and ending sessions on time.
- Build the community. Include opening and closing exercises that help participants to get to know the other members of the group.
- Create a climate that supports prayer and reflection. Use the prayers and rituals of various traditions to support learning. Allow time and space for silence as well as for speaking.
- Remind participants that dialogue is as much (perhaps more) about listening as it is about speaking. Practice listening skills with the group if necessary. Insist that put-downs of people or their feelings are unacceptable.
- Plan for a diversity of learning styles using a variety of media, print, visuals, discussion, etc.
- Seek a balance in participation. Watch for individuals or groups who dominate, as well as those who are silent. Encourage everyone, but also give everyone the right to pass in any discussion.
- Make it clear that no member of the group will be forced to share more than he/she feels comfortable to reveal.
- Enlist the whole group in taking responsibility for making the experience work.
Excerpted from Interfaith Peacemaking Curriculum http://abrahamicfaithspeacemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/For-One-Great-Peace-Study-Guide.pdf
Published by Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative http://abrahamicfaithspeacemaking.com
Reprinted with permission.