Some people wonder why IF’s discussions focus on possibilities for public policy.
The term “possibility” underlines the openended-ness of public policy and the reality that discussing and making public policy both require choice. Still, the real reason for thinking about… Read More »
Monthly Archives: July 2010
Possibilities and Exploratory Discussion
Truth and Consequences
Remember the old kids’ game Truth or Consequences? IF’s exploratory discussions don’t allow participants to get off the hook by choosing one or another. On the contrary, they put participants in the position of exploring what they really believe—that’s the… Read More »
Being a River Guide
I have often struggled to better explain how the Interactivity Foundation conceives of the role and function of a facilitator in our discussion projects. My incoherence probably derives from a couple reasons (at least and in addition to my usual… Read More »
Social Psychology and Recruiting for Public Discussions
Back in March I described recruiting single individuals to IF public discussions as a “dead end.” I meant not that it couldn’t be done, but rather that IF’s experience so far is that it’s easier and more effective to work… Read More »
What is Poetry?
When Robert Frost was asked ‘What is poetry?’ he replied ‘Poetry is the kind of thing that poets write’. A natural response to such a definition might be a knowing smile and a barrage of questions that try to get… Read More »
Posted in Perspectives Tagged art, contrasting possibilities, creativity, personal development Comments closed
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Not So Benign a Conflict
As our nation celebrates Independence Day, I am reminded that much of American history is based in conflict. The crucible within which we forged our independence was a war fought mightily against a more powerful enemy, anchored in the energy… Read More »
Posted in Perspectives Tagged civic engagement, conversations, discussion process, generosity Comments closed
It’s the Facilitator
When you think back on key moments in your life, what would you say has influenced your development more—special books, or special persons? When you think back on high school or college, which do you remember more—a particular class or… Read More »
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