On September 7th and September 14th, the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative launched its annual Deliberation Facilitator Training at the Jay Hurt Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Davidson College. These trainings empower students, staff, faculty, and community members to become skilled facilitators of both formal and informal deliberations. Participants who complete the training become DCI certified facilitators, opening the door for participants to facilitate the DCI’s Deliberative Forums. This 8-hour training, spread over two days, enhances participants’ ability to facilitate meaningful discussions on political and social issues among deliberators with diverse perspectives.
This year, we welcomed a wide-ranging group of participants, with 21 joining us online and 33 attending in person. Our attendees included DCI Fellows, Davidson students, faculty, staff, and engaged community members, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This rich mix fostered an inclusive environment that encouraged meaningful dialogue and collaboration throughout the training.
During the first session, Dr. Graham Bullock guided participants through the essentials of setting up and preparing for deliberation. We were thrilled to invite Senior Fellows to facilitate a mock deliberation using our Deliberation Guide on Free Speech and Inclusion. This hands-on experience allowed trainees to observe how seasoned facilitators navigate challenging conversations on contentious topics. Participants took on the role of deliberators in the mock deliberation, sharing their thoughts and experiences on free speech and inclusion while also engaging in some role-playing activities. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy and respect in facilitating difficult discussions.
The following weekend, Dr. Bullock equipped our trainees with vital skills for facilitating tough discussions on contentious issues. Participants engaged in a gamified training experience that highlighted methods and tools outlined in the Deliberation Facilitator’s Handbook, making the learning process both interactive and enjoyable. They then practiced their newly acquired skills in a mock deliberation utilizing the DCI’s deliberation guide on Immigration, where they stepped into a facilitator role to explore diverse perspectives and motivate conversation. This immersive practice allowed trainees to build confidence and refine their facilitation techniques in a supportive environment.
The training concluded with a spirited reception, both virtual and in person, where participants had the chance to connect and build community over food and refreshments. We are immensely grateful for the time spent with all our trainees over these two weekends and are excited to see how they will apply their new skills to foster meaningful conversations within their communities. We warmly welcome them into our community of deliberation advocates, who are deeply committed to strengthening our democracy.
We invite all those interested in building a better democracy, one conversation at a time, to keep an eye out for future Deliberation Facilitator Trainings. We would love to welcome you to our community!
