1. Promoting liberalism through education and dialogue
(27.6.-- 4.7.2010 with a preparatory online phase)
A review of methodology used by moderators associated with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
Basic Outline
Target group
Freelance and professional/semi-professional moderators working on behalf of the FNF or its
major counterparts on a regular basis (i.e., at least twice a year). Further criteria are 1) the extent
to which potential candidates identify themselves with FNF objectives and 2) the depth and
range of professional experience
Overall objectives
1. Upgrading of skills pertaining to methodology – primarily through exchange of
knowledge and demonstration of best practices
2. Resolution of methodological problems associated with the implementation of
Foundation policy (central concerns associated with freedom: property, rule of law and
civil society)
Event structure
Two phases; phase 1 – online – lasting 14 days and phase 2 – sur place in Gummersbach – lasting
6/7 days.
Phase 1 is not a competition. However, the IAF reserves for itself the right to exclude colleagues
from phase 2 who do not contribute to the online exchange. The procedure for nomination is the
same as for most other IAF events.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 1
FNF Promoting liberalism through education and dialogue 2010

2. Objectives
 Phase 1: here we will focus on a) getting to know each other and our different styles of
work; b) an initial exchange of practical knowhow and experience and c) finding out and
creating an overview of major issues that need to be covered during phase 2.
Phase 1 shall consist of three tasks:
1. Professional profile of each candidate plus a) an outline of typical assignments
and typical methods used; b) an outline of perceived personal strengths and
weaknesses in the field of methodology and c) suggestions concerning the
knowledge and skills that need to be improved.
2. Discussion and comparison of experiences in working for the Foundation or one
of its major counterparts with a particular focus on the format and style of
“moderated” events (detailed coverage in phase 2)
3. Online presentation and discussion of a method commonly used by moderators
and liked by participants (“my most popular method”; one method/one
presentation per participant; headings for short written descriptions will be
provided; other formats, eg, slide shows and video clips will also be accepted)
 Phase 2: this phase will build on the results of phase 1. It will attempt to provide
viable solutions for problems commonly experienced in the field of methodology,
widen methodological horizons, upgrade skills through practical demonstrations
of innovative methods and best practices and, finally, provide advice and ideas on
how best to implement given tasks.
Each participant will be asked to prepare a short session (i.e., 20 minutes) on a
topic associated with one of the Foundation’s current central concerns (Freedom
and Property, Freedom and Rule of Law, Freedom and Civil Society) before the
beginning of phase 2, the sur place workshop in Gummersbach. If possible, the
method used should be an innovative one. A selection of such sessions will be
simulated in Gummersbach.
Other topics shall include:
 “What do we mean when we talk about new or innovative methods in civic education?”
What experiences do we have in this respect? (Working groups and plenary session)
 “Important problems we face when attempting to promote interactive learning in
conservative environments and their solution” (Working groups and plenary session)
 “Civic education and political marketing: insights from empirical research on the subject”
(input)
 “New insights in the field of intercultural learning” (interactive plenary session)
 “Working with symbols and pictograms” (practical short demonstrations throughout the
workshop)
 “How to avoid predetermining or manipulating outcomes: open space in political
education” (plenary discussion of an IAF-based example)
 [“Games in civic education” (to be confirmed) (interactive plenary session with examples
of games)]
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 2
FNF Promoting liberalism through education and dialogue 2010

3.  “Conveying complex material in simple terms” (analysis of selected You Tube clips;
conclusions) (working group session)
 Inputs on liberal basics: “Freedom, reason, tolerance and responsibility in the liberal
tradition and today”; “’Globalised capitalism’ and peace” (inputs)
 “How to structure content for workshop sessions? And how to create input sessions
interesting?” Helping hints and tips to present convincingly
 “Get people moving!” Facilitating tools for leading through changes
Timetable
Closing Online Online Gummersbach,
Title Languages
Date Phase I Phase II Germany
Promoting
liberalism
through English 19.04. – 25.05. – 27.06. –
01.04.2010
education and Spanish 16.05.2010 26.06.2010 04.07.2010
dialogue
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
FNF Promoting liberalism through education and dialogue 2010