From Everyday Democracy: The basics of dialogue to change

A national leader in the field of civic participation and community change, Everyday Democracy helps people of different backgrounds and views talk and work together to solve problems and create communities that work for everyone. Using innovative, participatory approaches, Everyday Democracy works with neighborhoods, cities and towns, regions, and states. It also runs the The Issue Guide Exchange, a free, online resource available to anyone who is interested in broad-based, inclusive dialogue leading to community action, where people share, create, and discuss dialogue materials.

Its online handbook, The Basics of Dialogue to Change, which is adapted from its 157-page guide Organizing Community-wide Dialogue for Action and Change (available in pdf for free), covers these topics:

• Overview
• Getting Started
• Building a Team
• Planning Communications
• Budget and Fundraising
• Documentation and Evaluation
• Recruiting Participants
• Recruiting Facilitators
• Planning the Kickoff
• Sites and Logistics
• Holding the First Round
• Planning for Action