QUESTION:
Is the expectation (either on your part or on the part of the Café Collaborative) that there be multiple Café meetings with the "same" group of individuals during the January 15-31 window? This affects how we decide to schedule our meeting(s). 

ANSWER:
There is an expectation that the Hosts will conduct 6-12 hours of Café conversations. How you meet that is up to you and to your local conditions. For example, you may decide to meet on 3 consecutive tuesdays (15, 22, 29 January); or three consecutive days (22,23,23 January); or all day Saturday during one of the weekends. 

It is expected that the Café participants will be the same people, regardless of how you structure the time. The Commons Café is an experiment in how people connect. If different people come to each gathering, there is not sufficient time for people to connect. Therefore, your shepherds should ask their participants to be available for each January gathering of your Café . 
 
QUESTION:
My "shepherds" have asked for something in writing (possibly to show the folks they are bringing to the Café ), as far as putting information on this piece, do you suggest that I include the list of collaborators you have listed on your site (i.e., The World Café , Commonway Institute, IONS, New Road Map Foundation, Berkana Institute)? 

ANSWER:
Yes, feel free to use whatever information is on the website to make your shepherds' jobs as easy as possible. It will probably make their jobs easier if they know that they are part of a large undertaking by many people around the country and the world. 

QUESTION:
How do you suggest that the "rules of the road" be communicated to those that gather for the Café? 

ANSWER:

What we have done in the past is just have a list of the "rules of the road" for each participant. When they check in, they get a name tag, a one page explanation of the commons Café and (on the other side) a copy of the rules. It gives early participants something to do/read until the Café formally starts.