As difficult as it may seem, you should try to start the dialogue as close to the appointed time as possible. This is a mark of respect to those who do show up on time as well as a sign that you take this process very seriously and want to make the most of the time available.
Perhaps the most important point to remember as a backdrop to your dialogue is that it is a search for common ground. There will be participants with widely different points of view who are used to focusing on defending their own position and trying to convince others of the rightness of their beliefs (or to out shout those who do not agree with them).
It is critical that you set the stage for civil discussion as you welcome participants. Give a bit of background about Campus Compact’s Student Civic Engagement Campaign so that participants will understand that they are a part of a national conversation designed to better understand the various ways that students look at and understand civic participation and civic issues.
Let participants know that this is not the Jerry Springer show nor a debate in which there will be winners and losers. Lay out basic ground rules for conversation in a firm but friendly manner. The rules are pretty basic:
• One person speaks at a time
• Listen carefully to what others say
• Give others opportunity to speak
• Do not attack or be disrespectful of others
• Look for what you share in common with others and build on this common ground.
If you have time, you may want participants to take a few minutes and suggest their own ground rules rather than dictating them. A group is more likely to adhere to a set of guiding rules they have created for themselves.
