Encounter group conferencing

An intensive experiential learning process participated in by groups that are seeking enrichment, positive learning and growth, (rather than recovery from dysfunction, or to establish intergroup contracts or networks). It is generally a temporary collection of groups, with a planned time framework that stresses inter-group and intra-group enquiry. The process enables the expression and exploration of motivations, perceptions and interpretations, and a reflection on the difficulties, processes, effects and meaning of such sharing. The encounter can occur on many levels including the experience of: (a) the sharing between the groups and what is communicated; (b) the process of exchange and how communication happens; (c) the meaning of the experience of connectedness; and (d) the awarenesss of values and qualities of the atmosphere within the encounter.

The organization of an encounter group conference varies with the number of groups involved. It is valuable to allow each group time to go through the process with each of the other groups in pairs or triads. Triads are best guided to choose two groups who will dialogue while observed by the third, which will join the interchange at some point with an intervention formulated from its perspective as an observer. Thus for a conference of two groups, each group would take its time as presenter and listener. With three groups, each group would play the observer in turn for the other two with a fourth session for reflecting on the event as a whole group. For eight groups which is about the maximum, the following combination can be used with groups labelled A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H.

Session I ABD/GCH/FE< Session II GFB/CDE/HA< Session III CAF/BEH/GD< Session IV HFD/GAE/BC< The typical process has three phases although it is without formal agenda or any predictable content. Phase I, engagement, is characterized by testing and trial, and in the opening of the dialogue much that is said is negative, even hostile and generally referring to some other time and place. Yet this very hostility indicates that the linking relationship has been initiated. Phase II, trust development and active exploration, is characterized by exchange that is a deeper exploration of themselves and each others group and can be described as the healing phase. Phase III, encounter and change. If Phase I is hostility, Phase II healing, Phase III has to do with helping. The exchange shifts in content and texture (and is recognized to have done so) towards deeper personal sharing -greater self-searching within the groups and noticeable change is seen in the attitudes, perceptions, interactions and behaviour of the groups and there is the emergence of a warm supportive and encouraging relationship between the groups.

[Advantages]

It is a place to break new ground and it is almost impossible for a group to avoid trying out new and unfamiliar perspectives and linkages. Each group must explore in a kind of self-expressive inward search, stimulated and assisted by others. Other effects that can be anticipated are:< (a) an increased repertoire in communication skills, greater expressiveness, openness, empathy and sensitivity in relation to other groups.

(b) an increased sense of group "wholeness" and unity.

(c) a more differentiated and reflexive awareness within the group which will allow it to learn to move from subsequent encounters and become more adaptive in crisis or stress.

(d) the groups will be able to increase their connections with others.

(e) a change in the self-image of the group due to the feedback received and the experience of new behaviour. This tends to be an increased understanding of group-worth and self-esteem.

(f) a change in the process by which the group forms images of itself towards "discovering" itself in experience and away from depending on the established image which has to this point regulated awareness and action.

(g) the "ripple" effect, that can begin to link small organizations and groups in mutual awareness and intuitively complementary action and interwoven systems of change.