Tool 21: World Café When to use Purpose Time Resources Stages 3 & 4 To facilitate dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and ideas. 2 – 4 hours paper, markers, sticky notes, snacks The World Café is a creative process for facilitating collaborative dialogue and sharing knowledge and ideas. It is particularly useful: • for engaging large groups in dialogue • when you want to stimulate innovative thinking and explore action • for identifying and discussing possibilities related to issues • for conducting in-depth exploration of key strategic challenges or opportunities • for deepening relationships and mutual ownership of outcomes.14 The method can be modified to meet a variety of contexts, but generally it has five components: 1. Setting: Create an inviting environment, where every person knows their contribution is valued e.g. small tables15, plenty of paper and coloured pens. Snacks could be available at each table. 1. Small Group Rounds: The process begins with the first of three rounds of conversation for each small group seated around a table. Small group sizes (3 – 6) work best. At the end of the first round, each group moves to a different table. The table host stays to welcome the group and summarise the outcomes of the previous round. The length of the rounds of discussion can vary but allow enough for the discussion to deepen (20 – 45 minutes). 1. Questions: Each round has a question designed for the purpose of the session. The same question/s can be used for more than one round, or they can be built upon each other to guide the direction of the conversation. 1. Harvest: After the small group discussions individuals are invited to share insights or other results from their conversations with the rest of the large group. These results are collated somewhere visible to the group. World Café process, Cagayan de Oro Philippines. Outcome of a World Café process, Zamboanga Philippines. (Photos by J Chrisp) 14. Photos are taken from the HRCLD development programme in the Philippines 15. If tables are not available, think of an alternative – mats on the floor / online breakout rooms APF HRCLD Guide 91