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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
Pamela Smith, Branch Manager,
Salem Church Branch
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
