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1 byte removed, 14:51, 19 March 2016
Second Stage
===Second Stage===
'''Group Dynamic'''
In this stage, over 700 participants were gathered into many small groups to begin group deliberation on the three selected issues. The organizers understood that managing the group dynamics was “crucial for success” and therefore developed a highly-structured program with specially trained mediators. The deliberative program would have to maximize inclusion – to make sure every participant could contribute (both for the initiative legitimacy as well as adhering to the goal of a diversity of opinions). A script was developed with a variety of activities so as to “minimize the social thresholds for fully participating in the discussions”. This was meant to adhere as close as possibly to the ‘ideal deliberative procedure’ with equality among participants as well as freedom from external influences.
The deliberation began with a short introductory round followed by lectures by ‘experts’ to help educate the citizens about the issues and define the problems at hand. This continued deliberation took the form of various exercises and different modes of discussions (different interaction styles, differing group sizes) to attempt to mitigate any “cognitive diversity” among the participants. Throughout the deliberative process, stages of “concrete inputs” were included to give a tangible structure (with results) for the participants to remain motivated and connected.
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