Tips for Session Leaders

Tips for Success at Breakout Sessions at L.O.C.A.L. Summits  

Align Sessions with One or More of the Key Strategies
See www.localsummits.org/readings

Five Typical Types of Breakout Session 

When leading a breakout session, consider which of these types best fits your topic and goals.  Design your session to accomplishment or answer the key question.

1. Brainstorming & Planning  

   • Purpose: Generate ideas, discuss challenges, and develop plans for future action.  

   • Example Topics: *How can we counter local disinformation? What direct actions can we take to defend democracy?*  

   • Key Question: *What’s the next step after this session?*
     
     

2. Recruiting for an Existing Action, Group, or Campaign  

   • Purpose: Bring people into an ongoing initiative and clarify ways they can help.

   • Example Topics: *Join Shenandoah Valley Indivisible’s efforts, help protect immigrant neighbors, or support a local candidate.*  

   • Key Question: *What role(s) can attendees step into today?*
     
     

3. Micro-Training on a Specific Skill, Tool, Resource, or Theory  

   • Purpose: Teach a practical skill or concept that helps individuals be more effective.  

   • Example Topics: *How to write an effective letter to the editor, how to organize a rally, how to use digital tools for activism.*  

   • Key Question: *What will participants be able to do differently after this session?*
     
     

4. Taking Direct Action in the Moment  

   • Purpose: Get something done *right now* that contributes to a goal.  

   • Example Actions: *Make constituent calls to Congress, write postcards to voters, draft a press release, create social media content, meditate/dance/sing to build resilience.*

   • Key Question: *What will be accomplished by the end of this session?*  

5. Dialogue & Listening for Understanding  

   1. Purpose: Build relationships, hear diverse perspectives, and develop shared understanding.  

   2. Example Topics: *Bridging divides in our community, hearing from first-time attendees, discussing local civic priorities.*  

   3. Key Question: *What new perspectives or connections will participants leave with?*  

Guidance for Breakout Session Leaders  

Maximize your 45-minute session. Keep it simple & actionable. Your session should inform, connect, or activate people. Make the most of 45 minutes—keep it focused.

Before the Session: Plan for Impact

1. Define Your Purpose: What do you want to accomplish in 45 minutes?
   Consider Your Session Type:   

   • Brainstorming & Planning  

   • Recruiting for an Existing Action, Group, or Campaign  

   • Micro-Training on a Specific Skill, Tool, Resource, or Theory  

   • Taking Direct Action in the Moment  

   • Dialogue & Listening for Understanding  

2. Prepare Your Materials
   There will not be a PowerPoint or electricity available. Use handouts, a shared link, or a QR code.  Many participants will have the ability to see resources/slides on smartphones.

During the Session: Facilitate Effectively

1. Prepare for Followup

   • Collect Contact Information → Use provided paper (or your own) to gather emails.   

   • Assign a Follow-Up Contact → If not you, delegate someone to share notes & next steps.  

2. Start Quickly—Keep Introductions Brief  

   • No need for long rounds of introductions. At most, go around and ask for names & organizations/campaigns people represent. Let people introduce themselves if/when they speak.     

3. Keep the Conversation Focused & Engaging  

   • Stick to the session purpose—don’t let discussions drift.  

   • Encourage participation, problem-solving, and next steps.  

   • If people want to continue off-topic conversations, they can connect afterward.  

4. Capture Key Ideas & Action Steps

   • Focus on broad themes, key takeaways, and resources shared.  

   • Identify clear next steps and who is responsible.  

After the Session: Ensure Follow-Up Happens

1. If needed, send summary and notes to attendees who share their contact information → A brief recap ensures ideas move forward beyond the session.   

2. Submit a summary at www.localsummits.org/submit → This will NOT be emailed to all attendees. It’s simply a record for the summit organizer.