Conversation Caf?

Vicki Robin, a pioneer in the voluntary simplicity movement, came up with the idea of using the 'conversation caf?' model in attempts to take her ideas of simpler living to a higher level. Her organization has more than 60 trained caf? hosts and has spread internationally after a tremendous start in Seattle.

Resource Link: http://www.conversationcafe.org

Conversation Café Method

A Conversation Café is a 90-minute hosted conversation which is held in a public setting like a coffee shop or bookstore, where anyone is welcome to join. A simple format helps people feel at ease and gives everyone who wants to a chance to speak.

Framing Questions and Starting Conversations

Let's Talk America, 2004.

Let's Talk America (LTA), a project that encouraged conversations that bridge across political difference, provided a resource to help conversation hosts frame questions in a way that is not polarizing. LTA recommended starting with a question that invites a personal story from people, in order to create a context in which they feel invited to speak. They suggested the question "What about the invitation to this conversation moved and inspired you? What led you to come?" Here are some other ideas...

Let's Talk America Hosting Manual

This manual teaches the Conversation Café method in detail. This is the simplest process we know and one that has a proven track record to be easily and reliably adopted by hosts who may have no previous experience - as well as by skilled facilitators. This manual provides a process that will honor LTA principles and enable you to take the conversation from small talk to big talk in a way that allows everyone to feel respected, safe and heard. With a little study and preparation, your conversation can create a positive and empowering experience for all.

Resource Link: http://www.thataway.org/exchange/files/docs/LTA_host_manual.pdf

Mini-Manual for Conversation Cafe Hosts

Conversation Cafe.

This 4-page host manual provides you with everything you need to know to start and host a Café. Conversation Cafés are lively, hosted, drop-in conversations among diverse people about our feelings, thoughts and actions in this complex, changing world. The simple structure of Conversation Cafés ?– and their spirit of respect, curiosity and warm welcome ?– help people shift from small talk to BIG talk.

Resource Link: http://www.conversationcafe.org/docs/Host_kit/HostManual.doc

The LTA Café: A Design for Hosting Large Group Let's Talk America Dialogues

Let's Talk America (LTA), 2004.

This design, which combines elements of Conversation Café with World Café, provides a process for groups from a dozen to hundreds of people or more that will honor LTA principles and enable you to take the conversation from small talk to big talk in a way that allows everyone to feel respected, safe and heard. Unlike the simple Conversation Café process outlined in the Host Training Guide, this process does require the guidance of an experienced facilitator. So we offer this design based on the assumption that you have previous experience facilitating large groups. Ideally you will have facilitated or at least attended a World Café in the past.

Resource Link: http://www.thataway.org/exchange/files/docs/LTA_cafe_host_manual.doc

World Conversations

World Conversations bring travelers, visitors and locals together to talk about topics that matter in their own lives and in the world. These Breakfast Conversations, initiated at San Francisco's Red Victorian Bed and Breakfast and modeled after the Conversation Cafe process, enjoy a popularity which has spread across the continent and around the world. Each informal Breakfast Conversation (4 to 9 people at a table) has a broad theme (local community, global citizenship, travel insights, environment, etc.), and the dialogue involves both round robin and popcorn-style conversation. World Conversations are also held at appointed times in many hotels and cafes; any place where travelers and locals gather.

Resource Link: http://www.worldconversations.org