The key elements of terms of engagement • Objective: A statement of the objectives of the dialogue, i.e. what is meant to be addressed and achieved; • Commitment: A clear and concise definition of the commitment participants make by joining the process; • Rules of meetings: A framework setting out how the dialogue meetings will be run and how participants are expected to behave at meetings; • Communication: A consensus agreement on what will be said about the dialogue outside the room and about how the group will interact with the public; and • Enforcement: An agreement on how the terms of engagement will be enforced and who will be responsible for such enforcement. Explaining the process for designing terms of engagement This objective is a continuation of the theme that was introduced earlier, namely the importance of developing terms of engagement collectively. As such, it can be briefly presented by the facilitator after the exercise above or as part of the theoretical input for that exercise. Designing terms of engagement • Terms of engagement should be developed collectively by the participants prior to the first meeting or at their first meeting • Terms of engagement should define the process itself, namely: »» Identify the purpose of the process »» Determine how people will commit to, and participate in, the process »» Define the ground rules for meetings »» Establish principles setting out how participants will engage with their stakeholder groups in the community • Terms of engagement should be ratified at the first meeting. (In addition, the terms of engagement should be reviewed during each of the first three meetings in order to ensure that all participants understand and support them. ADMINISTRATION This part focuses on the critically important element of managing the administration of a dialogue group. In this part, participants will be introduced to the key administrative tasks in managing such a group. In addition, they will be shown how these tasks can impact on the substance of the dialogue if not properly planned and implemented. Objectives • To identify the key administrative tasks; and • To indicate the important influence that administrative management has on the substantive success of the dialogue. 52 Community Healing: A training manual for Zimbabwe