World Café
In the World Café method groups engage in deep dives into various aspects of climate resilience. Participants move between tables, each dedicated to a different topic like policy, community engagement, or technology. Facilitators kick off discussions with starting questions, and participants brainbrowse ideas, recording them on flipcharts or whiteboards. After rotations, participants build on previous discussions, refining ideas and synthesizing insights. Facilitators summarize key points to the whole group, fostering cross-pollination of ideas and identifying common themes or innovative solutions. The session concludes with discussions on potential actions and next steps, ensuring that the outcomes can be taken forward effectively. This method is particularly effective for engaging diverse perspectives and facilitating collaborative idea generation and refinement.
Steps:
Setup and Introduction:
Arrange the room with several tables, each designated for discussing a different aspect of climate resilience (e.g., policy, community engagement, technology, adaptation strategies).
Introduce the World Café concept, explaining how it works and the goals for the session. Clarify the topics for each table and introduce the facilitators.
Initial Discussion:
Participants choose a table to start with based on their interest in the topic. Each table’s facilitator kicks off the discussion by posing a starting question or theme.
Participants discuss, brainbrowse, and record their ideas on the flipchart or whiteboard.
Rotation and Building on Ideas:
After a set time (about 15-20 minutes), participants rotate to a different table, ideally moving to a topic they have not yet discussed.
At the new table, participants review what was previously discussed and then add their own insights and ideas, building on the existing material. Facilitators help integrate new participants and summarize past discussions to maintain continuity.
Final Rotation and Consolidation:
After completing rotations, participants can return to their original table or move to a table where they feel they can contribute most significantly for a final round of discussion.
This last segment is for synthesizing and refining the ideas and solutions that have been developed through the earlier rounds.
Facilitators' Report Back:
Each table’s facilitator summarizes the key points and insights from their table’s discussions to the whole group. This can include highlighting common themes, innovative ideas, or areas where more work is needed.
Conclusion and Next Steps:
The session concludes with a general discussion about the outcomes and how these ideas can be taken forward.
Discuss potential actions, follow-up meetings, or projects stemming from the café discussions.
Duration:
Approximately 60-90 minutes
Group Size:
Suitable for medium-sized groups, with 4-5 participants plus one facilitator per table
Materials/Resources Needed:
Multiple tables, each with seating for 4-5 participants
Flipcharts or whiteboards at each table
Markers and note-taking materials
Timer to manage rotation and session times
Accessibility Considerations:
Ensure that tables and seating are accessible for participants with mobility aids.
Provide materials in formats accessible to all participants, including large print or alternative media as needed.
Tips/Pointers:
Encourage participants to listen actively and build directly on others' ideas.
Facilitators should be skilled in guiding discussions and summarizing key points to keep the conversation productive and focused.
Works well for Engaging diverse perspectives in deep dives into specific aspects of climate resilience, and facilitating cross-pollination of ideas across different topics.
Consider using thematic cues or visual aids at each table to stimulate discussion. If possible, record or digitally document the outputs for future reference or further development.