1. How to use World Café methodology to engage diverse groups of stakeholders

2. What is a World Café?
Methodology developed by Juanita Brown for engaging diverse groups of people
Based on the idea that the most fruitful conversations occur in informal settings
Particularly useful in:
formative research, when exploring what issues matter to communities
Evaluating existing programs/communication initiatives and planning next steps
Engaging large groups of people from different backgrounds

4. What does a World Café look like?
Like a café; scattered round tables that seat no more than you would have in a focus group (5 – 10)
Each table addresses a question related to overall theme of the World café
Each table has a facilitator, a note-taker (or recording device), and paper & pens for drawing

5. How does a World Café work?
Participants spend 20 – 30 minutes at each table
Each ‘round’ of conversation builds on previous rounds
3 – 5 ‘rounds’ of conversation followed by town hall discussion of topic

6. How do I set up an effective
World Café?

7. Important tips:
Craft your questions carefully – short, to the point, accessible
Train your facilitators
Hire a time-keeper
Ensure a broad range of participants

8. Questions?

9. References
Bunker, B.B., & Alban, B.T. (2004). Large group interventions. Retrieved from
The Co-Intelligence Institute (2008). The World Café. Retrieved from
The World Café (2008). Cafe to go: A quick reference guide for putting conversations to work. Retrieved from
The World Café (2008). Welcome to the World Café. Retrieved from