How to Create Community Discussion Guides

A discussion guide should support a conversation, not replace it. The best guides create a clear starting point while leaving room for members to respond to one another.

State the purpose. Participants should know whether the discussion is for learning, deciding, reflecting, planning, or connecting.

Provide essential context. A short summary, definition, or example can help people join without completing extensive preparation.

Use open but focused questions. Prompts should invite experience and reasoning without implying that one answer is expected.

Order questions thoughtfully. Begin with orientation, move toward exploration, and leave time for implications or next steps.

Offer optional prompts. Additional questions can help facilitators continue when useful without making the conversation feel scripted.

Review the guide after use. Note which questions opened the discussion and which assumptions made participation harder.