How to Spark

Community Conversations

Pamela Smith and Lena Gonzalez Berrios

PCI Webinar October 15, 2019

Grassroots beginnings

A few people can spark community level conversations that lead to real change.

“Never doubt that a small

group of thoughtful,

committed, citizens can

change the world. Indeed,

it is the only thing that

ever has.”

Margaret Mead

Many different models:

○ 4-6 panelists

○ Issues of local relevance

○ Informal discussion

○ Focus on dialogue

Our Model: The Basics

Ask yourself:

● Is your topic relevant locally?

● Will it promote dialogue?

● Is it informational or conversational?

Example topics:

Senior Services → informational

Affordable housing shortage for seniors → conversational

Let’s brainstorm! Choose a topic.

● Library staff & partners

● Panelists, audience & facilitator

● Volunteers, photographer, social media and security

The Venue: Logistics

Information & Resources

Networking

BLOOPERS!

My name is not Steve.

Is it humid in here?

Could we have picked

a worse background?

Publicity

Branding

● Branding

● Graphics

● News Media

● Social Media

● Networking

Publicity

Program Evaluation: How do we measure success? ● Numbers?

● Qualitative vs. quantitative data.

● What are the community outcomes and impact?

● How do you document success?

● How do you share what you learned?

Next steps? Action items?

Checklist: Make your plan.

❏ Choose a topic or issue.

❏ Describe your model or format.

❏ Get people involved.

Partners: Panelists/Speakers: Audience & invitees: Volunteers:

❏ Choose a venue.

❏ Publicize the event.

to spark community conversations!

Now YOU have the tools

Questions?

For further information or questions, please contact us:

Lena Gonzalez Berrios, Librarian II,

Montclair Community Library

Prince William Public Library System

lgonzalezberrios@pwcgov.org

Pamela Smith, Branch Manager,

Salem Church Branch

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

pamela.smith@crrl.org