I attended my first Community Engagement Fellows 
meeting today.
They used a **Design Clinic Format** (~20-minute version)
The purpose of a "design clinic" is to respectfully engage the **collective wisdom of the group** around a **particular challenge of a member**, in order for everyone to learn. Learning is more robust when participants have a wide variety of skill-sets, community roles, and life experiences.
**Design clinics** are best accomplished in less than 30 minutes with one facilitator/timer moving the group through the format below and one taking notes. The facilitator/timekeeper can use a phone timer or watch and then raises a hand to indicate when to move on to the next step. Stick with the time limits to help keep members energized and focused.
All participants are responsible for **protecting the learning space**, honoring all voices, and enabling effective note-taking. Participants should strive to be concise and follow the format respectfully. Holding out a hand with palm up and/or a gentle verbal reminder (“Remember that we’re doing ‘share more about’ now.”) can help speakers stay on track.
The request for help should address an **authentic challenge** in the member’s work, and should relate to a **particular organizational and/or geographic context**.
This format is effective because: It ensures members understand the **real challenge(s)** before giving suggestions. It encourages the equitable sharing of ideas. It allows the member making the request space to listen and learn. It allows all members to **reflect** on what they are learning through the process. The goal is **learning for everyone**. Be concise! Bring creativity! Protect the learning space! (stick with the format)
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# 7-Step Design Clinic Format
Requester
**1)** “Could you help me…” (<2 mins) A member asks for help related to a **specific challenge in their ongoing/upcoming work**, with brief context/background to provide a frame.
**2)** “This work is important to me because…” (<1 min) The member who made the request talks briefly about the larger goals and **aspirations of their community work**.
Each member
**3)** “Share more about…” (4 mins + additional context) Group members inquire about the **context/circumstances** surrounding the request for help. At the end of this step, the facilitator should ask the member making the request if she/he/they want to share essential additional context (since they will be silent for the next two steps)
**4)** “This **makes me think of…**” (4 mins) Group members **share experiences and stories** that this challenge makes them think about, related to work or broader life experiences. Note: the member making the request listens quietly during this time.
**5)** “You **might try…**” (4 mins) Group members provide suggestions about **wise next steps** to move the work forward. Note: the member making the request is still listening quietly.
Requester
**6)** “You have me **thinking…**” (<2 mins) The member who made the request shares their thoughts about the conversation. They might choose to touch on aspects including…: …the **feelings** the conversation evoked. …**new ideas** they encountered. …**actions** they hope/plan to take. …things they’re inspired to **change** or work toward. …**new information** about related efforts. …new ways they’re thinking about their work.
Each Member
**7)** “I would like to **keep in mind**…” (~2 mins) All members go round-the-circle sharing something notable about the conversation by completing the thought, “I would like to keep in mind…” Note: Sharing by each member should be concise – 1-3 sentences.