What are ToP Methods?

ToP (Technology of Participation) Methods are the core tools developed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs over the last 50 years, based on a body of knowledge derived from applied exploration all over the world of the insights from a wide variety of sources from philosophy, theology, sociology, and cognitive theory.  The root of these methods is based in phenomenology.  

These methods are extraordinary in their ability to respectfully guide groups through clear thinking to create results in a short period of time, and they also have the potential to transform the way groups work together.  

Although there are many tools that have been developed by individuals and national ICA’s, there are five core methods that are presently acknowledged by ICA internationally as ToP Methods.   These are the Focused Conversation Method, the Consensus Workshop Method, Participatory Strategic Planning, Action Planning, and Historical Scan/Wall of Wonder/Journey Wall (one method with different names in different places).