Welcome and why we're here

You speak. Keep it short. Use your one sentence. Then: "Tonight isn't about having all the answers. It's about finding out who else here believes the people of this state should decide their own future, and deciding to work together."

Go around the room

Each person: name, where they're from, and one reason they came. You go last. This is the most important part. People commit to rooms where they have spoken. Listen. Don't debate. Thank each person.

What this is, and what it isn't

Read the boundary aloud, then: "One issue holds us together: the right of this state to decide its own future. People in this room will disagree on plenty of other things. We leave those at the door. That is what makes this work."

The next 90 days

Walk through the first-90-days plan at a high level. Then ask the room two questions and write the answers where everyone can see: "Who is willing to take one of three roles to keep this going?" and "When do we meet next?" Pick a real date before anyone leaves.

Find the others

"Each of us knows people who'd say yes if asked. Before we go, write down one name you'll talk to this month." Go around. Each person says their one name out loud. Saying it out loud makes it real.

Close

Confirm the three roles and the next meeting date. Make sure everyone is on the sign-in sheet. Thank them. End on time or early. Always end on time.