Our Programs
Spring 2025 Facilitator Training (new date)
Sign up now for our Watertown Facilitator Training for Small Group Dialogue, May 2 and 3, 2025!
The training will take place at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 570 Arsenal St.
May 2, 5:30-7:30pm and
May 3, 9:45am-4:00pm
Please register by April 21st.
Watertown Square Redesign: Kitchen Table Conversations
In October and November 2023, WCC partnered with the City of Watertown to engage a total of 168 Watertown residents, business owners, employees, and students in discussion around a central question: How can Watertown Square become a more vibrant community center?
To gather input from a broad, diverse group of community members and galvanize public involvement in the City’s ambitious plan for the Square, WCC facilitated 20 “Kitchen Table Conversations” (KTCs) at homes and public spaces throughout Watertown. Each conversation was hosted by a Watertown resident and was facilitated by a Watertown Community Conversations facilitator. Along with an online survey and in-person design charrettes that culminated at the end of November, the feedback from these KTCs were submitted to the City’s consulting team for incorporation into its planning process. Participants appreciated the opportunity to share their thoughts about Watertown Square, and they found the conversations enjoyable and interesting.
Facilitator Training for Small Group Dialogue
We have run several facilitation trainings for small group dialogue. In our trainings, Watertown residents, community leaders, and elected officials learn the purpose and basic methods of community dialogue, the roll of facilitators in strengthening public discussions, and practice skills to facilitate small group conversations around our community. If you would like to receive information about future training opportunities please email us at wcc@watertownconversations.org.
Communication methods for Civic engagement: Kitchen Table Conversations
We partnered with the City Council Committee on Media and Outreach to identify effective methods of communication and increase interest and participation in City government.
In July and August 2019 we facilitated 18 “Kitchen Table Conversations” throughout Watertown. These conversations took place in homes and public spaces around the city. Each conversation was hosted by a Watertown resident and was facilitated by a Watertown Community Conversation facilitator; many were attended by a City Councilor who served as a resource. The purpose of these conversations was to gather input from a broad, diverse group of Watertown community members about public engagement. They were lively, fun and informative!
On October 23, 2019 there was a Report Back Event for the City Council and everyone who participated to review the results. You can see the results and recommendations to the City Council here:
Overview of Kitchen Table Conversations Results
Detailed Summary of Kitchen Table Conversations
Survey Results - Engagement Tools Currently Used
Survey Results - Top 3 Engagement Tools Currently Used
Democracy Talks
We were delighted to partner with The Watertown Free Public Library on their Democracy Talks series. In the Library's words, Democracy Talks "is a series of events designed to illuminate the democratic process and create space for conversation. Our expert speakers grapple with the thorniest issues of our time, providing much-needed context and suggesting paths to engagement."
Watertown Community Conversations facilitates the public dialogue session immediately following the selected presentations. Our goal is to help neighbors have thoughtful and productive dialogue about some of the most challenging issues facing our democracy. Through a facilitated conversation, participants explore what the topic means for them personally and for Watertown.
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