Purpose: The Final Word is designed to explore a piece of text, to clarify our thoughts, expand our perspective and build on each other’s thinking.

Key to facilitation: Timing; avoid dialogue

Guidelines:
· Read the article/chapter – taking notes on parts that you agree with, disagree with, or that you have questions about.
· Sit in a circle.
· The facilitator’s role is to keep the conversation moving, keep it clear and directed to the article, and keep time so that everyone gets an opportunity to speak and listen.

Round 1: (6-10 minutes for a four person circle)
· The first person begins by sharing a line or two from the article/chapter that s/he agreed with, disagreed with, or had a question about, and tells why they are sharing that part of the article/chapter. (2-3 minutes)
· Proceeding around the circle, each person responds to the lines shared by the first person. (1-2 minutes each)
· The first person then has the Final Word. S/he can share what s/he learned from colleagues, or summarize what was said. (1 minute)\

Rounds 3 and On:
* The next person in the circle shares a different portion of the article or chapter read, and the round is completed in the same manner as Round 1.

ATLAS Communities, Inc. 2003