The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems

Peggy Holman, Tom Devane and Steve Cady (editors). San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 2007.

The first edition of The Change Handbook, published in 1999, was the most comprehensive guide available on methods of organization and community change. The first edition provided a snapshot of a nascent field that broke barriers by engaging ?“whole systems?” of people from organizations and communities in creating their own future. The completely revised and updated second edition overviews 61 change methods - up from 18 in the first edition. A great introduction to large-group methods for participatory planning and redesign.

The Handbook on Democratic Dialogue

Bettye Pruitt and Philip Thomas. The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 2007.

This 242-page handbook is a joint effort of CIDA, International IDEA, OAS and UNDP, receiving valuable input from a wider network of organizations (including NCDD). This handbook is the result of a joint initiative to provide decision-makers and practitioners with a practical guide on how to design, facilitate and implement dialogue processes. It combines conceptual and practical knowledge, while providing an overview of relevant tools and experiences. NCDD highly recommends this handbook.

Resource Link: http://www.democraticdialoguenetwork.org/documents/view.pl?s=13;ss=;t=;f_id=789

The Little Book of Cool Tools for Hot Topics: Group Tools to Facilitate Meetings When Things Are Hot

Ron Kraybill and Evelyn Wright. Good Books, 2007.

This quick-reading 100-page book is a how-to collection of tools that have proven to be highly effective for facilitation of group conversation about difficult topics. The book shows how to help people hear each other when they feel like shouting; how to focus on the issues at stake rather than having a war of personalities; how to employ actual practices for better understanding (interviews, small-group discussions, role-reversal presentations); and how to move a group toward making a decision that all can honestly support.

Resource Link: http://goodbooks.com/titlepage.asp?ISBN=1561485438

Tip Sheet on Dialogue

Elisabeth Díaz, United Nations Development Programme.

This 7-page tip sheet provides a basic introduction to the concept of dialogue. It also outlines the main elements defining dialogue as an approach and as a process, its key applications and the practical implications for programming. The tip sheet is aimed at practitioners, program managers in aid agencies and civil society organizations who may wish to promote or organize dialogue processes. It also seeks to be useful to all individuals and organizations concerned with development and peace-building from bilateral and multilateral donors or in a partner country.

Resource Link: http://www.democraticdialoguenetwork.org/file.pl?files_id=279;folder=attachment

Towards the Construction of a Dialogue Typology

Elena Díez-Pinto, United Nations Development Programme.

A diagnostic and organizational tool for those seeking a deeper understanding of diverse dialogue experiences. This 12-page working document categorizes dialogues according to purpose (what dialogues intend to achieve), context (under what conditions dialogues unfold) and outputs (what dialogues produce).

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

What is Deliberation (and Public Deliberation)? Quotes from Leaders in the Field

Deliberation can be used to solve problems, make decisions, produce recommendations, identify choices, and develop action plans. The various models and methods that are used in our field often emphasize, strive for and obtain different outcomes. Click on this resource for eight definitions of deliberation from leaders in the field.

What is Dialogue? Definitions of Dialogue from Leaders in the Field

Dialogue and deliberation are dynamic processes which can be empathy-enhancing, relationship-changing, problem-solving, action-planning, organization-developing, community-building, conflict-resolving, skill developing, prejudice reducing, consciousness-raising, and more! The various models and methods that are used in our field often emphasize, strive for and obtain different outcomes. Click on this resource for quotes from over a dozen leaders in the D&D community about what "dialogue" means to them.

What is the relationship between dialogue and deliberation?

Sandy Heierbacher, National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD).

This short piece was written by Sandy Heierbacher, NCDD's Director, to accompany and hopefully add clarity to the definitions of dialogue and deliberation posted on the NCDD website. Feedback (good or bad) is welcomed - [email protected].

Why Do Dialogue & Deliberation Matter?

There so many fabulous organizations promoting and organizing dialogues and deliberative forums today. Here are some of their reasons for fostering dialogue and deliberation.