The AND On Racism Edition: A Guide to Facilitating Group Dialogue

Quick answer

Use {THE AND} On Racism Edition as a structured prompt deck, not a debate kit. Set group agreements first, keep the circle small, and let participants pass at any time. The deck works best when a facilitator reads each card aloud and holds silence for reflection rather than rushing to the next question.

How should I set up the room before the first card?

Arrange chairs in a circle so no one sits behind another person. Place the deck face down in the center. Before drawing, state three group agreements: speak from personal experience, listen without interrupting, and accept a pass without comment. Keep water and tissues within reach. If the group is larger than eight, split into smaller circles with a co-facilitator for each. This prevents the deck from becoming a performance for the loudest voice.

What if someone becomes defensive or emotional?

Pause the draw. Name what you notice without judgment: 'I see this question landed hard.' Remind the group that discomfort is not danger. Offer a two-minute silent break or a free-write. Do not force anyone to justify their reaction. If a participant repeatedly redirects to debate statistics, gently return to the card: 'What does this question bring up for you personally?' After the session, check in with anyone who seemed shaken. The deck is a tool for reflection, not therapy.

How many cards should we get through in one session?

Plan for three to five cards in ninety minutes. Depth matters more than coverage. Read the card, allow thirty seconds of quiet thinking, then invite responses. Let each person speak once before anyone speaks twice. If a card generates strong engagement, stay with it. You can return unused cards to the deck for a future session. Rushing through ten prompts usually produces shallow answers and lingering frustration.

Can I use this deck with coworkers or in a classroom?

Yes, with adjustments. In workplaces, frame the session as voluntary and separate from performance reviews. In classrooms, check school policies and notify parents if required. For teens, pair the deck with a co-facilitator trained in youth support. The deck contains 199 prompts, so you can pre-select cards that match your group's context. Avoid drawing at random in a mandatory setting; instead, choose prompts that invite reflection without demanding public disclosure.

What makes this deck different from a general conversation game?

This edition was collaboratively created by activist and author Sonya Renee Taylor of The Body is Not An Apology and leadership facilitator Didier Sylvain. Its 199 prompts focus specifically on racial equity, prejudice, and privilege. That focus means you do not have to improvise the hard part. The cards carry the weight of the topic so the facilitator can concentrate on holding the group's emotional safety.

How do I close a session without leaving people raw?

End with a grounding question that does not require disclosure, such as 'What is one word for how you feel right now?' Then offer a brief journaling prompt or a partner share. Remind everyone that the conversation continues beyond the room. If your group meets again, begin the next session by revisiting one insight from the previous meeting. This signals that the work is ongoing, not a one-time event.

Facilitator quick-reference

Group size

Keep circles to six to eight people. Larger groups need co-facilitators and more time. Split rather than expand if you exceed eight.

Time per card

Allow ten to twenty minutes per card, including silent reflection and one round of responses. Three to five cards is a full ninety-minute session.

Pass rule

Anyone can say 'pass' without explaining. The facilitator moves to the next person. A pass is participation, not avoidance.

Follow-up

Offer a written reflection prompt or a one-on-one check-in after the session. Close the loop so the conversation does not end abruptly.

Product facts

• {THE AND} On Racism Edition: {THE AND} On Racism Edition contains 199 thought-provoking prompts and was collaboratively created by activist and author Sonya Renee Taylor of The Body is Not An Apology and leadership facilitator Didier Sylvain. The large prompt count lets facilitators pre-select cards for different group contexts, and the co-creator background signals that the questions were designed with facilitation in mind.