Conversare – on the move

Followers of this blog would appreciate that the Conversare process (named from the Latin – to turn or to dance together) has now been a decade in the making.

Starting in Hong Kong in 2009 when I made the fateful decision to switch my focus as a skilled facilitator. Which until then had been on engaging with groups, large and small, to address complex issues constructively, and invariably, to their satisfaction.

Finding, and feeling that, in Hong Kong it was difficult to meet new people, I changed tack. Which was to help create contexts in which this did happen. By this, I mean offering this kind of opportunity in a comfortable venue which was easily accessible and food was served.

These were social gatherings in which all present experienced meeting and talking to others who were initially strangers From doing this, people from many walks of life came along. Some enjoyed it so much that they came back time and again.

And so the idea was born in my mind that offering an opportunity for anyone who wished to participate in conversation was worth pursuing.

Which I did when my wife and I returned to live in Adelaide in Australia. Where we lived initially in the CBD (Central Business District). Our new residence happened to be close to one of the oldest pubs there.

And when I suggested to the manager that he consider holding Conversare events he took to the idea immediately. So much so that many locals came to see this as a wonderful way to get to know each other. Sadly, in some regard, this manager left and his replacement was not keen to continue.

Wonderfully, however, I got talking informally with the manager of the nearby Adelaide Central Market. Who was also delighted with the idea of this kind of events being held there. As this Market is open for trading at night only on Fridays we have had access to a large dining area for the events on weekday nights.

As a means for people to ‘meet and greet’. Which complements the main business of the Market which is to shop and eat.

This has been happening for the past three years, with the full backing of the manager who took it on.

With whom we have touched on addressing the needs of these groups of people:

. Residents in the ever-increasing numbers of high rise apartments – a totally new ‘phenomenon’ here in the past decade – all within easy walking distance of the Market.

. Foreign students at locally based universities, many of whom reportedly seldom meet local people.

. Newcomers to Adelaide either from other parts of the country or from overseas.

. People who just love the opportunity of having rich conversations among people who express interest in each other.

See this lovely video

This manager left recently to take on another position. My colleagues and I are likely to connect with his replacement once the 150th celebrations of the Market’s history are over.

The stage has now been reached that I now have a group of most supportive colleagues. Just whether and how we continue offering the events in Adelaide is under consideration.

For there are mounting opportunities to enable others, both here and elsewhere, to use the process to promote the viability of their public places. And to add an expanded dimension to the roles of people with skills as professional facilitators/hosts.

Most importantly to reduce the vast amount of loneliness which is now so widespread particularly in cities.

What can happen?

Watch this space. 🙂

Go well

Al

Al (formerly Alan) Stewart, PhD
Social Artist
Senior Fulbright Scholar
Facilitator/host of conversations that matter and participatory fun
Blog: www.conversare.net

Whenever we treat each other well something good happens.
Al Stewart