2017_0719_HRIEC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

July 19, 2017 Item 8c. Technology of Participation Facilitation Background Over the past couple of meetings, the commission has done a great deal of work in providing background information from both the Community Engagement and Human Rights commissions and beginning to lay the foundation to develop a sustainable and valuable work plan. In light of the work thathas already been done,and in order help the group build on that foundation, a facilitated process is being proposed to help build a work plan through a thoughtful and structured process. The process will allow the group to focus on continuing to build that foundation so that the work plan that is ultimately developed clearly aligns with the commission's purpose and objectives and articulates the priorities of the commission. The proposed process is facilitated using a specific technique and delivered through a series of discussions held during a Consensus workshop and an Action Planning workshop. Both the Consensus and Action Planning Workshops (listed below for August/September) are structuredworkshops that have been developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) using their Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitation methodology. This technique draws upon decades of ICA's worldwide community organizing experience. Using participatory processes, a facilitator works on helping groups create consensus. The Technology of Participation process provides methods to: Recognize and honor contributions of all Let a group deal with more data in less time Pool individual contributions into larger more informative and inclusive patterns Welcome diversity while minimizing polarization and conflict These workshops apply a structure to the process that has already begun. They allow the groupto efforts and ensure the commission is moving toward decisions and actions that they will have ownership of, along with the tools and resources needed for implementing them. By building off the work that already completed, and taking the time to thoughtfully process and structure the first work plan of this new commission, it will make future decisions and work plans easier to build upon. Theproposedplan is to begin with the Consensus Workshop in August and culminate with a joint the next several months will be to conduct these workshops during the regular commission meetings The desired outcome of this process would be a well-thought out work plan that reflects the commission's priorities, is respectful of the diversity of perspectives within the group, clarifies actions and aligns the creativity, interests and resources of the commission with its objectives.