Small meetings within the neighborhood, usually at someone's home or a local coffee shop. These settings make the meeting informal and participants tend to respond to the more relaxed surroundings. Because they are informal, participants generally are more willing to discuss issues and dialogue is maximized. A kitchen table discussion group is a small collection of people who get together in someone's home to talk, listen and share ideas on subjects of mutual interest. The host often begins by reminding everyone that there are no right or wrong ideas, and that everyone's contribution is valuable. The host also encourages people to listen, to ask clarifying questions, and to avoid arguing or interrupting. Kitchen table discussion groups can be a prime vehicle for social change. Kitchen table discussions are now going 'on line', and are being held around virtual kitchen tables where anyone can join in to discuss an issue (see also Electronic Democracy).
This page originally copied with permission from the Citizens Science Toolbox
