THE SOLUTIONS EXCHANGE

A Facilitation Technique for New Insights

Creating new systems requires new ways of thinking and doing. Using the Solutions Exchange technique is a simple-to-execute method for inviting in the expertise and experiences of your peers in a constructive, co-creative manner to yield new paths forward.

Solutions Exchange Explained

The Solutions Exchange offers the opportunity to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and gain solutions via a facilitated peer learning process. Through small group discussions, “solutions seekers” share a specific and current work challenge with a sounding board of peers. These peers can have direct or related experience with the challenge at hand.

Using the wisdom of the invited professional community, participants dig deeply into the challenge presented, ask key questions that explore different opportunities, and share experiences and ideas.  This process can be used within an organization or for Food Policy Councils, collaborative groups, and regional networks.

This method is ideal for the following areas:

-     You are stuck or stalled in your program or project trajectory

-     You want to create a solution that is functional, sustainable, and or scalable

-      You need a new set of eyes on your goals

-      You want to have a deeper collaboration with your colleagues and community of professional peers

Adapted by Kitchen Table Consulting, LLC and Resist Reimagine from the Village Square Model, the Solutions Exchange premiered at the 2020 NGFN Conference in New Orleans, LA to feature a powerful approach to problem solving that leverages the expertise within particular communities.

The following downloadable documents for hosting and participating in a Solutions Exchange are attached:

Host a Kitchen Table Talk

A Community Engagement Technique to discuss food systems

Do you have a desire to learn more about your place-based food system? Wonder where your food comes from and how it gets to your table? Do you think other people might want to learn more too? Hosting a Kitchen Table Talk is a discussion that brings your community together to meet food producers and the people who help bring local food, and water, to your home.

Kitchen Table Talks were originally organized by Jen and a cohort of her food systems pals in San Francisco from 2009 to 2014, covering a variety of topics. Food was donated by Bi-Rite market and eventually these talks were hosted by 18 Reasons and CUESA, now called Foodwise. They were the inspiration for Kitchen Table Consulting.

STEps to a Kitchen table talk

  1. Think of a topic you and/or your community wants to know more about, specific to where you live (school food, water rights, young farmers, what’s in season, chocolate, coffee, the list is endless).

  2. Identify potential speakers on the topic (conduct research, go to your local farmers market, ask a local non-profit for leads).

  3. Find a location to host the talk (your living room, a community space, an event space).

  4. Choose a date and time for the talk.

  5. Invite the speakers.

  6. Invite guests via the best method for your community. (We found that charging a small amount to guests, which can help cover the cost of food or be given to a non-profit, helps ensure that people attend.)

  7. Feel free to copy and use the logo above.

  8. Plan to serve food. You can’t have a talk about food systems without food. Think simple. Consider a potluck, partner with a local caterer who uses local ingredients, and/or make a soup.

  9. Create questions for your panelists.

  10. Facilitate conversation and invite questions.

  11. Consider asking people to suggest next steps. Maybe there is action to take following the event.

  12. Host another one and uncover a new topic.