By organizing successive rounds, the community can develop expertise along the way, give new sponsors and participants opportunities to become involved, and allow feedback from participants to shape the overall program. Bringing the vision of broad-based democratic discussion to fruition requires organizational commitment and hard work. Yet program organizers find this work worthwhile because their efforts result in many meaningful gains for the community. Participants explore not just their own beliefs, but the beliefs that others hold. They learn that they can disagree without being disagreeable or feeling threatened.
Participants form new friendships and new community connections.
I never knew anyone on the other side of town. Participants learn that they are not alone in wanting to address an issue, and often find allies for their work. Even when they decide to take individual action, they know that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and that they can make a difference. Organizations frequently find new board members and other volunteers from previously underrepresented segments of their city. They may also receive input so that they can better carry out their organizational goals.