The document provides 7 facilitation guidelines for leading in-person and virtual brave space conversations: 1) Explain the purpose and ensure a safe environment; 2) Schedule sufficient time depending on group size; 3) Introduce yourself and share something personal; 4) Review engagement principles and encourage equal participation; 5) Provide sample starter questions; 6) Let the conversation flow naturally and ensure all voices are heard; 7) End on time but allow optional continued discussion, and have participants check-out with one word and commitment.

1. BRAVE SPACE
CONVERSATIONS FOR
IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL
SETTINGS:
7 FACILITATION GUIDELINES

2. Clearly explain the purpose of the session and ensure
participants are able feel that the environment is
safe. Do not record or take notes during the session.
Encourage use of cameras in virtual environments so
participants can see each other and connect.
#1

3. #2
The duration should be at least 1
hour for groups of 6 or less and
for groups of 7 or more - 90
minutes to 2 hours is preferable.
Groups of more than 20 are
harder to manage and voices
may get lost, so the use of
breakout spaces is preferable.

4. #3
As the facilitator – take a moment to briefly
introduce yourself.
Authentically share something personal with the
group about yourself that helps to set the stage for
an open, honest and vulnerable environment.

5. #4
Review engagement principles. Encourage
participants to limit responses to 1-2 minutes
so all voices can be heard.
When hosting conversations about race, do
not expect the people of color in the session
to do all of the heavy lifting/ educating within
the dialog.

6. SAMPLE STARTER QUESTIONS
#5
How are you feeling about
X?
How have you been
affected by X?
What topics are on your
mind and heart today?

7. #6
Let the conversation flow in its own
direction. Gently invite people to participate
and allow them to pass if they don’t want to
speak up at that moment.
Remind those who are speaking too much to
create room for other voices. Become
comfortable with extended periods of
silence, just wait and someone will jump in.

8. One word check out stating how
you are feeling.
One sentence sharing your
commitment to the members of
the group or to yourself based on
the time spent together.
#7
End on time but leave space
available if some participants
want to stay on and continue
the conversation when time
expires. To close thank
participants and ask each
person to briefly state one of
the following:

9. Every organization is unique.
Every organization’s approach to DEI should also be unique.
Need help with your organization’s DEI efforts?
See how we are helping organizations customize their diversity, equity, inclusion
and belonging practices to meet the unique needs of their workforce.
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