Setting the Time, Place, and Table

Every setting and schedule has its own strengths and drawbacks. Some civic reflection groups who come from the same organization have set aside "company time" or "board time" for civic reflection and have found this strategy useful for facilitating regular reflection on an organization's work. Others have found setting aside a special time and place away from the regular work setting more effective because they are not distracted by the "nuts and bolts" of their activities.

Often, civic reflection groups made up of people who are not from the same organization will choose to meet at the end of a "work day." Serving a nice meal helps make the transition from "work" to reflection. People are hungry for the hospitality a meal represents. Setting a table and offering food is a way of honoring the people gathered in their capacity as civic leaders. It helps them relax and begin to talk with each differently than at a board or business meeting or public forum. In our experience participants welcome this informal time together before the "formal" conversation. Though the meal may seem like an extravagance, it has proven to be an important and worthwhile expenditure–one that participants have overwhelmingly affirmed as an important part of civic reflection.