Socioeconomic, cultural and political debates

Open debate and discussion in small rotating groups of 3-6 people, based on the existing propositions from the Political Compass Quiz and original propositions submitted by members (Controversy Corner) to be presented in '(strongly) agree/disagree' format

How the event works:
Intro: 0-20 min: Welcomes and introductions for new members.

We come together in one big group and explain the format/framework for the discussion. A wide-ranging series of propositions will be read out from the political compass quiz, and people will be invited to step up and provide their own controversial statements (Controversy Corner) for debating.

People will take a vote on topics of interest and self-organise with assistance from the host into smaller groups for meaningful discussion

Main: 30mins x 3: Small group discussions x3

Each group will have a moderator whose job is to control the discussion, ensuring fair participation from all members, and bring the discussion back to the question if it strays excessively

Discussion begins with a quick instinctive vote on the proposition; if all members agree can play devil's advocate or pick a new proposition to spark more debate

Then the discussion of the proposition and the taking of a vote at the end of the discussion, noting any changes in the proposition

End: 15 mins: all groups come back together to share interesting insights you heard from OTHER people

Feel free to stay after and extend the discussion and enjoy a drink or two but the hosted/organised portion of the event will end here.
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Political Compass Quiz:
Measures social and economic positions to give you a political position along left/right and authoritarian libertarian axes - recommended but not essential
https://www.politicalcompass.org/test/en?page=1

Controversy Corner:
An open format where attendees can propose any position/statement of their choosing, formulated in an agree/disagree format, provided that it is in some way related to society, the economy, politics, and human values, with emphasis on pragmatic discussion rather than philosophical abstractions

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GENERAL RULES/PRINCIPLES:
- This is meant to be a fun environment, please put this first before anything else, bring an open mind and warmth, the objective here is not to convince anyone of your opinions, nor intellectual showboating, but rather state your case freely, learn new perspectives, and possibly make new connections with someone with a different worldview and background from yourself

- Opinions and ideologies may be different and even controversial or extreme, but abuse/harassment or threats against individual members is unacceptable, and you will be asked to leave IMMEDIATELY. Keep discussions general, focused on issues, not personal differences.

- Please bring active energy and a willingness to suggest topics or take a clear preference on what to discuss or not to discuss; discourse is better when everyone is invested and contributing

- This group is not free therapy to unload your vexations with the world, consider that you may be wrong and that other people have opinions that are different to yours :)

- Invite other people into the discussion if you notice they haven't said anything in a while

- If you don't like your small group discussion, please feel free to arrange yourself into another group, or speak to me about any concerns