Page 330 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

introduced that way my role was probably viewed more as a facilitator. And I think as the

group (the conveners from the Gant House) moved forward and they felt more confident

in their ability to lead the facilitation, I think that I became more of an active participant.”

(F02FW)

“Well I look at my particular roles on a couple of levels; first of all and foremost I was an

everyday citizen participating in the dialogue, learning and growing and meeting people

and listening to the issues and contributing to the conversation. That is one role that I

played. The second role that I played was as part of a team that helped to open the space to

plan the dialogue. That was really rewarding to do this kind of work and particularly to see

it come to fruition, full circle.” (F05FAA)

“As the group (the conveners from the nonprofit) moved forward and they felt more

confident in their ability to lead the facilitation, I became more of an active participant.”

(F02FW)

Process

The process dimensions, or the actions of the phenomena of the deliberative dialogues on

the designated theme of “Implicit Bias” included Albany city officials also listening deeply,

processing tension, disagreement and discomfort, and honoring the experience of others.

The key modality of the Metasphere was about listening deeply. Facilitators described the way in

which they listened and how listening helped participants understand differently.

“I think because I had been engaged in the dyad with him I had brought him back to our

conversation. At one point I said, “Remember talking about this and what we said,” and I

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