In setting the ground rules for our discussions I asked those gathered if they promised to be honest and open with me, as facilitator, I'll do the same and together we will learn from each other.

It never ceases to amaze me how the "Are We Human?" question stimulates thinking and generates lively banter. The ensuing discussions naturally humanizes the gathering and sets the perfect stage to the discussions following.

We were given 1 1/2hrs to facilitate, our community was…

I think the great facilitator to any local response is that you have to be comfortable with yourself, know your values and have a willingness to be transparent and open to your community.

If you allow preconceived notions to bias you, you will never make the impact you need to because you'll miss the window of opportunity to treat people as humans. Humans who like yourself, are subject to mistakes and failures and who can develop strength through out that process to develop themselves…