A vital step to peace is dialogue about the issues that concern us. From time to time, PCOCO facilitates Discussion Circles that are an opportunity to learn to discuss controversial issues in an environment of safety, mutual respect, consideration, and willingness to be open-minded.

The main purpose, rather than trying to convince, is to learn to listen to the viewpoints of others, and to express and explain our viewpoints in ways that will more likely be heard.

Guidelines for participation:
1. Go around the circle giving each person the opportunity to speak. We suggest about 1 - 2 minutes per person to keep the discussion flow going.
2. Speaker tries to express what s/he wants to happen rather than what s/he does not want.
3. Allow each speaker to finish speaking before the next person speaks.
4. Listeners have paper available for notes.
5. Pause between speakers to allow time to fully digest what has been said and to give thought to what you might have to say when your turn comes.
6. Ask only clarifying questions of the speaker after s/he has finished speaking.
7. Facilitator has responsibility for time management and for respectfully interrupting a participant to remind her/him to keep within these guidelines, if necessary.

Please contact us if you are interested in participating in, facilitating or organizing a Discussion Circle. Topics for discussion are also appreciated.