Graphic Facilitation and Large-Scale Interventions

Abstract

This article describes an international, multicultural, interfaith event sponsored by the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions (CPWR) that integrated graphic facilitation as a design component to support deep dialogue and encourage constructive action by participants representing a considerable diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions of faith. The abundance of graphic professionals (10) was a unique feature of the event staffing. The event was a minilaboratory for insights into the effective application of graphics in a global large system initiative. Graphic work moved beyond recording “call out” statements from participants to more nuanced, reflective, and participatory representations of large and small group dynamics. Graphic facilitators applied seven distinct forms of graphic utilization with facilitators and participants. The addition of graphic facilitation to the more traditional methods of facilitationwas found to contribute significantly to participant engagement and sustainability.