Democracy Wall
The Democracy Wall method provides an ongoing platform for participants to share thoughts, reflections, and feedback throughout a meeting or event. Setup involves designating a wall with labeled prompts, inviting contributions via post-it notes or directly on sheets. Participants interact freely, adding their insights during breaks or whenever inspired. Facilitators periodically encourage engagement and review the wall's content, fostering discussion around emerging themes and insights. After the event, organizers document the contributions for further analysis and share key outcomes and actions with participants. This method promotes inclusivity, anonymity, and longitudinal insight, making it valuable for capturing diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
Steps:
Setup:
Before the meeting begins, set up a designated wall or area where flip chart sheets or poster boards can be displayed. Label each sheet with a different prompt that encourages reflection and feedback. Example prompts might include:
"I discovered that..."
"I’m still confused about..."
"I felt that..."
"I’d like to learn more about..."
"I really liked/appreciated..."
Introduction to the Democracy Wall:
At the start of the meeting, introduce the Democracy Wall to the participants. Explain how they can contribute to the wall at any point during the meeting by writing on post-it notes or directly on the sheets.
Highlight the purpose of each prompt to guide participants in sharing their thoughts and reflections effectively.
Participant Interaction:
Encourage participants to visit the wall during breaks, or at any moment they feel compelled to share a thought or reaction.
Make sure there are plenty of markers and post-it notes available at a station near the wall to facilitate easy access and anonymous contributions if desired.
Ongoing Engagement:
Throughout the meeting, remind participants occasionally about the Democracy Wall and encourage them to add their contributions. This can be particularly useful after discussions or activities that might generate new insights or questions.
Review and Share:
Towards the end of the meeting, allocate time to review the wall as a group or in smaller teams. Discuss common themes, surprises, and significant insights that emerged.
Facilitators or meeting leaders can address specific points that were raised, especially those that suggest confusion or a need for further discussion.
Documentation and Follow-Up:
After the meeting, take photos or make digital copies of the content from the Democracy Wall for documentation and further analysis.
Summarize the key outcomes and share them with the participants along with any actions or responses from the meeting organizers based on the feedback received.
Duration:
Throughout the duration of a meeting or event.
Group Size:
Suitable for any group size
Materials/Resources Needed:
Multiple flip chart sheets or large poster boards
Markers and post-it notes in various colors
A wall or large bulletin board space to display the sheets
Accessibility Considerations:
Ensure that the wall or display area is accessible to all participants, including those with mobility aids.
Provide materials that are easy to use for everyone, such as different types of writing tools or adhesive notes.
Tips/Pointers:
Ensure anonymity by providing uniform writing materials or creating a way for participants to post without their names unless they choose to identify themselves.
Use the Democracy Wall not just for immediate feedback but also as a tool for longitudinal insight into group thoughts over multiple sessions or events.
Works well for Capturing a wide range of inputs from participants, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding, and providing organizers with real-time feedback that can be addressed during or after the event.
Consider how to maintain the privacy of participants’ contributions, possibly by setting up the wall in a less trafficked area or offering options for private submissions that can be added to the wall by facilitators.