‘Fostering dialogue in divisive times - A guide for museums regarding engagement with community forums on climate action’, authored by Giulia Valentina Paglia, equips museums with practical tools to organise and facilitate community forums. It highlights the evolving role of museums—not only as guardians of heritage but also as active facilitators of public discourse.
The guide is divided into two key sections: a theoretical framework backed by research and case studies, and a step-by-step toolkit (pages 19-21) for planning and executing community forums.
Engaging through community forums
Community forums are structured public gatherings that provide an inclusive space for open dialogue. Unlike traditional meetings, these forums are designed to balance validated information with dynamic discussion, encouraging participatory engagement and collective problem-solving. While this guide primarily focuses on climate action, the model can be adapted to address various issues, including governance, education, and public health, strengthening community resilience and fostering well-informed civic participation.
Organising a community forum: Step-by-step
By leveraging their strengths in trust, empathy-building, and storytelling, museums can enhance their relevance and impact, becoming active contributors to societal development. The NEMO Working Group Sustainability and Climate Action (WG SAC) hopes that the guide can serve as a vital resource for institutions seeking to embrace this role and engage their communities in critical conversations on climate action and beyond.
Start your read to learn more about the key steps of organising community forums:
- Topic selection and speaker guidelines: Choosing relevant themes that align with the museum’s mission and engaging knowledgeable panellists to stimulate meaningful discussions.
- Participant engagement strategies: Ensuring diverse participation through effective outreach and facilitating inclusive, interactive conversations.
- Logistical planning: Practical advice on managing timelines, budgets, and operational challenges.
- Post-forum activities: Strategies to maintain momentum, measure impact, and continue fostering engagement beyond the event.
The significance of addressing climate change in such forums lies in raising awareness, fostering community resilience, and promoting sustainable practices. By engaging communities in discussions on climate change, museums can play a crucial role in educating the public and encouraging proactive measures to mitigate environmental impacts.
