URIAH J. FIELDS MODEL DISCUSSION FORUM
By Uriah J. Fields
A pristine model for conducting
a discussion forum and displaying
products that were creatively
produced and talents.
For more than a decade the Uriah J. Fields Model Discussion Forum was used when conducting the weekly People United Freedom Forum (PUFF) that convened each Sunday afternoon for more than a decade at the Mutuality Center for Creative Living in Los Angeles, California.
The Discussion Model
1. Creative Period - (25 minutes - 2:00 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.
2. Welcome, Announcements, Introduction of Speaker (5 minutes)
3. Lecture or Speech - (25 minutes) 2:30 to 2:55 p.m.
4. Questions and Answers (5 minutes) 2:55 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
5. Presentation of Certificate to the Speaker
6. Recess - Refreshments - (10 minutes) 3:00 p.m. to 3:10 p.m.
7. Roundtable Talk Back (50 minutes) 3:10 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A. Singing "Join Hands and Feel the Power"
B. Talk Back
8. Dismissal - 4:00 p.m. (May include singing "Goodbye for Now."
An Example of this Discussion Model
The People United Freedom Forum (PUFF) is in session on a Sunday afternoon at the Mutuality Center for Creative Living, Los Angeles.
1. Creative Period. Ruth Bowles and Yvonne Beatty are directors of the Creative Period. Each participant is allowed three minutes to present his/her creative production: a poem, song or something else he/she has produced, such as a photograph, design for a project, etc.
2. Welcome. The welcome consists of singing "My Dear Friend We Welcome You" by Uriah J. Fields. This is followed by announcements and introduction of the speaker.
3. Lecturer. On this particular Sunday afternoon John Jett, a community activist and motivational speaker, is the lecturer. The Rodney King Riot*, now in its fourth day, is the focus of his lecture.
4. Questions and Answers.
5. A "Certificate of Appreciation " is presented to the speaker by the moderator.
6. Recess and refreshments.
7. Roundtable Talk Back. With participants forming a circle, when possible, and holding hands, the Roundtable Talk Back period begins with singing "Join Hands and Feel the Power," a song composed by Uriah J. Fields, especially for this activity. Tut Hayes is Facilitator of the Roundtable which focuses on the lecturer. The lecturer is sometimes referred to as being in the "hot seat." Participant may not only ask questions of the speaker but critique his speech and offer pro and con expressions.
8. Dismissal. (May include singing "Goodbye for Now,") a song composed by Uriah J. Fields.
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*This author's personal account of The Rodney King Riot" can be accessed by clicking on The Rodney King Riot that appears to the right of this page in black and green.
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((Note: This two-hour Discussion Forum can be reduced to one-and-a half hour by eliminating the Recess and allowing only 30 minutes for the Roundable Talk Back.))
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Uriah J. Fields is founder-director of the Mutuality Center for Creative Living and moderator of the People United Freedom Forum.
Copyright 1980-2012 by Uriah J. Fields
