8 steps for coordinating the guide writing team

                                                                                                                                                  Discussion guides are a key component of the dialogues. They help facilitators guide the conversations so that multiple perspectives are brought to the table, everyone feels heard, and the group develops meaningful action ideas. Whether you choose to write your own guide or modify existing materials, you’ll need a team dedicated to this project.

Throughout the process, it’s important to pay attention to group dynamics. Make it clear that race, ethnicity, gender, age, and other differences must not create barriers to the process.

As you work on your guide, always keep your audience in mind. Don't overestimate what people know, but don't underestimate their intelligence and common sense.

 

8 steps for coordinating the guide writing team:

1. Bring together a diverse writing team.

Identify four or five people who hold different views on the subject. It's OK if team members hold strong opinions about the issue as long as they are open to listening to other viewpoints. Include at least one person who likes to do research and gather facts.

Try to avoid having a so-called "expert" in this group. Too often experts can't bring themselves to consider perspectives other than their own, and they can often dominate the conversation.

 

2. Decide who will be in charge.

This is often the writer, but it could also be someone who can  manage the work flow of the group, including providing updates, keeping to timelines and clarifying assignments and due dates.

 

3. Review your budget.

This will affect how you format and print your discussion guide. Consider whether you’ll hire a graphic designer, print in four-color or in black-and-white, and how you will bind your publication. Knowing the scope of the project will help you assign tasks and create a realistic timeline.

 

4. Decide how to approach the writing process.

You can write the guide from scratch, or use one of the resources on our website or on the Issue Guide Exchange as a starting point. You can also use the Create-A-Guide tool to make the guide-writing process easier. You may want to have separate guides for facilitators and participants, or guides solely for facilitators, with a few handouts for participants.

 

5. Identify and assign tasks.

Decide who will be responsible for: research and data collection, writing, editing, proofreading and copy editing, designing and formatting, and working with reviewers.

 

6. Set up a timeline and meeting schedule.

Decide how often you should meet face-to-face as a group. In between these meetings, you can exchange information via email or hold conference calls to update each other on progress.

 

7. Get feedback from reviewers.

This is a chance to make sure that the information is accurate, the activities flow smoothly, and the discussion guide includes a range of perspectives.

 

8. Hold a pilot dialogue.

This is a chance to see how the guide works with a group of people, and it can also be a valuable recruiting tool.