GROUND RULES

SUGGESTIONS FOR RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE AT SCHOOL OR PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS

1. A student and faculty moderator work together to introduce and moderate the event.

2. At the beginning of the discussion or debate, ground rules are covered by the moderators that include:

a. Active and open listening to learn each others’ perspective.
b. Respect is deserved for all, by all.
c. No shouting at presenters or each other. Really listening to each other is essential to understanding.

3. Each speaker gets an agreed upon amount of time to present. A moderator gives each speaker a 3-minute, 30-second and "stop" warning. Once the stop warning is given you can complete your thought and stop. The League of Women Voters uses this type of technique very successfully.

4. Audience questions are taken by a moderator. Each speaker gets 3 minutes to answer the question and/or respond to the other person’s response. The moderator gives a 30-second and "stop" warning.

5. Presenters may offer to stay a little after the debate to talk with people individually.

6. A proactive letter to sponsors, faculty, students, speakers, reminding them of agreements and reiteration of the positive rationale for ground rules.

7. Participants can sign off on the agreement, by formatting a Sign-In Sheet or a Participant Sheet for attendees .

8. If a school needs a Parent Agreement or Permission Form, this is a good place to reiterate the rules for respectful discussion.

Excellent tools for discussions, particularly on hot topics like abortion appear at www.publicconversations.org Resources section, PCP Dialogue Toolkit.