One-On-Ones Overview –Are the basis of “relational organizing” –Are similar to sociological in-depth interviews –Focus on “public life” But opens the door to the person discussing how “private life” affects this Are one-way interviews –But can be done reciprocally (person interviewed becomes person interviewing, in a separate conversation)

Technique Set aside minutes, where you will not be interrupted, for the interview –And minutes after, to write it up Start with a list of a few short questions Try not to take notes during the interview

Attitude Interested, curious –Not nosy Empathetic –not judgmental Listening –Not talking

Goals in order of importance, most to least Build relationship –Of mutual understanding, trust –One-on-one provides the basis for an “agitational” relationship Discover other person’s self-interest –“self-interested” is different from selfish or selfless –To organizers, it’s is a “relational” term – as a person gains insight, that person realizes self-interest is tied to that of others Which others, and how? –Discover self-interest by learning her or his “story” Help person clarify her or his own self-interest –How often do we have this kind of conversation? Gain information –Note that this is the least important

Questions Open-ended Follow-ups –What was that like? –How did that feel? –Why do you think... Start with common ground or broad question

Questions What brings you here? –Follow-ups: history How is it going for you? Where do you see yourself going? –Follow-up: legacy What people, events, have most shaped you? What makes you... (angry, etc.)