Discussions at eye level: This is the primary goal of roundtables. In order for them to be successful, moderators are needed who guide through discussions in a structured, goal-oriented way.

This is why on Thursday, October 20, 2011, the Breuninger Foundation, with support from the BMW Stiftung Herbert Quandt, launched a training for roundtable moderators. These roundtables are designed to bring together but representatives of public administration, the third sector, and civil society.

In four sessions, the participants learn how to moderate and mediate successfully even when the initial situation is a difficult one. Particular emphasis is put on processual knowledge: There are no fixed solutions, but the solutions are developed by the roundtable participants themselves. The moderators only have a “midwife” function. To well equip the future moderators for this difficult task, the training also comprises mediation and conflict management.

The seminar also gives participants practical experience. While this initially takes the form of a role play, the moderators-to-be will also be asked to present to the roundtable a case from their community, thus getting a taste of real-life problems.

Next training session: May 15, 2012.