What’s the most effective method for: getting an entire community involved in a big vision; healing a community, or; simply re-energizing a community which has lost purpose or meaning? One method which has worked effectively in the past is structured Community Conversations. Civil discourse (conversation intended to enhance understanding) in a community conversation is respectful, constructive, collaborative, solution-focussed and conducive to empowering healthy communities. Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people. — attributed to Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 – 1962), social activist, first lady and the wife of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Community Conversations provide a safe space in which people come together for thoughtful discussion and dialogue about shared values—past, present, and future. Since very few curricula teach us how to correctly structure a meaningful conversation, a simple methodology is needed. Using this methodology, you will find that meaningful conversation is not only possible, it is, in fact, deeply appreciated, and for many participants the process is often transformational. Participants have expressed surprise that it was possible to “go so deep” with people they did not know and expressed gratitude for the experience. There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about. – Margaret J. Wheatley, writer and management consultant who studies organizational behavior. Families, streets, neighbourhoods, towns, cities, work places, faith organizations, clubs and schools could all benefit from initiating Community Conversations that allow for focus on what their future could look like. Community Conversations are intended to show that it’s not difficult and perhaps even easy, to make meaningful connections with people one may disagree with on a political, religious or lifestyle basis. When friends invite friends to a well-designed gathering and are supported with a Conversation Guide and Information Packet we have seen that respectful and meaningful conversations and new relationships often result.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:40:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015