drifting discussion, the thinking hats approach provides for brisk and disci- plined discussion. The Moderator wears the “Blue Hat” and shepherds the group through the discernment process. Group members all put on the same metaphorical hat at the same time, discussion is limited to that facet, and everyone is asked to add thoughts appropriate to the theme of that particular hat. Here are descriptions of each hat: 1. Wearing the White Hat, strive to be neutral and objective: What are the facts? By and large, do we understand the basic information and data in the proposal? What further information would it be helpful to know? 2. Wearing the Red Hat, share your hunches, intuitions, and impres- sions: Speaking personally, how are you feeling about the proposal? Avoid making any attempt to justify your feelings or provide a logical basis from them. 3. Wearing the Yellow Hat, strive to be positive, optimistic, and con- structive: What are the best things about this proposal? What are the possible benefits? How could this go really well? 4. Wearing the Black Hat, strive to give critical, logical, and relevant rea- sons why things might not work out well: Setting aside your emotions (Red Hat), what are the possible risks with the proposal? What could go wrong? Where are the possible weaknesses? 5. Wearing the Green Hat, strive to be creative: Be creative in finding solutions to the Black Hat problems with the proposal. What possible changes or tweaks could be considered? 6. The moderator wears the Blue Hat, suggesting detachment and being cool and in control. The moderator organizes and directs the discussion, clarifies issues, asks helpful questions, and keeps everyone on task. Appendix E. Links to Helpful Resources for Congregations and Families of Returning Citizens Prison Fellowship has created a solid suite of helpful reen- try resources for congregations and family members. You can find them all at PF Reentry Page . Here’s a sampling: Needs of Ex-Prisoners Seven Ways to Help Your Loved One Adjust to Life After Prison Eight Ways to Prepare for a Loved One’s Reentry The 5-Key Model for Reentry. Wellbeing & Equity Innovations (WEI) is a SCAN QR WITH YOUR PHONE TO VIEW PAGE
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