Facilitation Plan: Civil Rights Discussions (Interactivity Foundation)

​The Civil Rights Discussion Series by the Interactivity Foundation is a three-part facilitation resource designed to help communities explore how civil rights shape and evolve within American democracy. Covering foundational concepts, real-world applications, and future challenges—such as technology and privacy—the series provides ready-to-use discussion plans ideal for civic groups, classrooms, public forums, and more. With structured guidance and inclusive prompts, it encourages thoughtful, forward-looking dialogue on one of democracy’s most vital pillars. Read more in the resource center post below.

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​The Interactivity Foundation has developed a comprehensive facilitation plan for hosting meaningful discussions about civil rights in America. This three-part discussion series explores how civil rights shape democracy, affect daily life, and evolve to meet society's changing needs.

What's Included in the Resource

The resource includes three distinct facilitation plans, each designed for a 60-90 minute guided discussion:

1. Discussion 1: Thinking about Civil Rights - Examines fundamental questions about the purpose and future of civil rights, their connection to citizenship, and their impact on daily life.
2. Discussion 2: Civil Rights in Practice - Explores practical considerations including limits to rights, costs of implementing new rights, and the distinction between rights and privileges.
3. Discussion 3: The Future of Civil Rights - Addresses emerging rights, particularly in relation to technology and privacy, and considers how civil rights might evolve over time.
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Each facilitation plan provides:

• Clear time allocations for each discussion segment
• An introduction and context-setting guidance
• Suggested discussion agreements
• Structured rounds with thoughtful prompt questions
• Wrap-up reflection guidance

How This Resource Can Benefit NCDD Members

​This discussion series is particularly valuable for NCDD members because it:

• Promotes inclusive dialogue on a complex topic that affects all citizens
• Offers ready-to-use facilitation plans that require minimal preparation
• Creates space for diverse perspectives through carefully crafted questions
• Balances philosophical exploration with practical considerations
• Encourages forward-thinking conversations about emerging rights

The resource is especially useful for facilitators working with community groups, educational institutions, civic organizations, or any setting where people want to engage thoughtfully with questions about civil rights in a democratic society.

About the Organization

The Interactivity Foundation (IF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together in meaningful discussions that expand imagination, build social trust, and improve discussion skills necessary for everyday democracy.

IF creates and shares discussion resources on topics critical to democratic society, with a focus on helping citizens explore diverse perspectives on complex social and political issues. Their facilitation methods emphasize collaborative thinking, empathetic listening, and the exploration of possibilities rather than debate.
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The Foundation's work is grounded in the belief that healthy democracy requires citizens who can engage thoughtfully across differences. Through their discussion guides, facilitation training, and community partnerships, IF helps create spaces where people can practice the skills of democratic citizenship through structured, respectful conversation.