Coming closer towards a Conversing Community

On which beginnings are under way about setting up an enterprise in a particular geographical area to promote a sense among local residents that ‘we prize our connecting and belonging to each other’.

This is being done by talking to a range of people who have responsibilities for health and wellbeing in the area. Some of these are members of staff of the local council at middle and senior management levels. Together with councillors. 

Others are service clubs such as Rotary. Of which I have a depth of experience in diverse places in facilitating events in which there was substantial participation from members of the audience. 

I am doing this by bringing attention to  the new way I have invented to enable full participation by all present. 

Which is based on principles and practices on facilitation processes with which I am an experienced practitioner. Among which are Open Space Technology   and the World Cafe

 An additional ‘process’ which I bring to bear in what I have named Conversare  . See www.conversare.net for what this is and how participants have experienced being a participant. 

The essence of what I am now offering  in the process of co-creating a Conversing Community is this:

The people mentioned above will be invited to participate in a day long event in which they:

. engage with someone they have not met previously – or a least do not know each other well.  See this little video of what I have called ‘Conversare’ – about experiencing having a conversation with a stranger. 

Followed by:

. being  alerted to ‘What is the essence of engaging well with anyone?’ Particularly ‘listening ‘. 

Given that most of us have not ever had training in conversational skills at any stage of our education from primary to tertiary. 

And after a lunch /socialising break:

How what was covered earlier may be put into practice in order to co-create a spirit of companionship among local residents …

Conducted by participants engaging with each other, in groups of 4 at  a time, World Cafe style. 

To be concluded by asking participants what they reckon they could put into practice – in their area of responsibility – what they picked up from being a participant in the event. 

Followup: 

After about a month participants come together again to report on their ‘doings’ and ‘findings’ 

I wonder how this is sounding to you? 

Looking forward

Al   

Al (formerly Alan) Stewart, PhD
Process Artist
Facilitator of conversations that matter and participatory fun

Senior Fulbright Scholar

Blog:  www.conversare.net

New website: Under construction. 

Member:  American Society for Cybernetics

Member: National Trouble Makers Union <smile>

 

 

 

 

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