Facilitation is used in a Citizens Jury to help keep the Jury on track. Facilitators provide a neutral presence and work to move the group towards the deliberation’s goal while still allowing the group to freely share ideas and have meaningful discussion. Facilitation ensures that all Jurors are able to contribute meaningfully during the proceedings, without dominating the conversation. Jurors are also protected from pressure by advocacy groups, witnesses, sponsors, or the general public.
At a given Jury, you’d find facilitators…
- Guiding Jurors through the Jury process
- Moderating discussions and inviting new ideas
- Ensuring Juror participation and addressing barriers to participation
- Supporting experts and conducting Q&A sessions
- Recording, condensing, and compiling the final recommendations for the group to review and approve