Ideas without names

An original explanation of an invented community planning activity.

At each planning meeting, volunteers suggest activities that could be held in the community centre. Before the suggestions are discussed, the co-ordinator types each one onto an identical sheet without including the volunteer's name. Important details, such as the space, time and equipment required, are kept.

Some volunteers have organised events for years, while others have only recently joined the group. If the names were visible, people might support an idea because it came from an experienced organiser instead of considering the proposal itself. Everyone also knows in advance that suggestions will be presented anonymously. This makes newer or less confident volunteers more willing to contribute because they will not immediately have to defend an idea in front of the whole group.

The name of the volunteer is revealed after an activity has been chosen so that the group can ask further questions. Removing the names is intended to improve the discussion, not to let people avoid responsibility for their suggestions.

In your own words, explain two reasons why the volunteers' names are removed before the suggestions are discussed.