Conversare – towards the creation of conversing local communities
Among we humans there is now widespread concern that there is ‘much amiss’ in what is going on around our little planet. Most recently through the ‘arrival’ of the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has been addressed in diverse ways in different places.
For much of what we see and hear on our nightly news and social media gives us the sense that a prevailing ‘way of being’ is based on the feeling that we humans are essentially selfish, self serving creatures.
But is this a ‘valid’ way of seeing ‘the core’ of our humanity’? Particularly when reckoning what’s to be done to handle our substantial ‘crises’.
One major commentator on such matters is British journalist and commentator, George Monbiot. He has brought this ‘perception’ of who we ‘really are’ to widespread attention:
What makes us human?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05zwvbg
“Most of us have a strong belief about our own species. Human beings are fundamentally selfish and greedy. I mean it’s obvious isn’t it? Just watch the news and see how our politicians and business leaders behave. Selfishness and greed are, unfortunately, what human beings are all about.
But weirdly the science tells us nothing of the kind. Study after study, experiment after experiments tells as that while we have some selfishness in us these are not our dominant values. In the great majority of people empathy, kindness, community spirit are all stronger values.
It turns out we have a distorted view of human behaviour. We have a powerful instinct to look out for danger so that bad things people do are more salient in our minds than the good things.
The news reinforces this tendency. If it bleeds it leads…” See more in the link above.
I bring this way of viewing ‘ourselves’ – in general – is to say that my colleagues and I in the process of creating opportunities for people to experience engaging well with people they don’t know ie strangers. In ways that they come to ‘see’ their common humanity as quite different from that described above.
The starting point is providing opportunity for people to participate in what we call Conversare events. For what these are see here and what previous participants have reported here.
We are about to take ‘the next step’. At the urging of an associate we are in process of offering the opportunity of becoming more aware and more skilled in engaging with people who live in particular neighbourhoods.
With this in mind we are looking to design a method to help make life better for small communities.
We are highly excited at what we have coming up. And we think you will be too. For is it now ‘high time’ that there were – for example – ‘community based’ means to provide a cure for the ‘debilitating’ pain of loneliness?
Given that while isolation and loneliness and their mental and physical impacts are reportedly on the rise due to the pandemic, there is increasing evidence that social contact and companionship are sorely missing too.
We are ‘down the track’ to offer an experience facilitated conversations among people who have not met before. Together with training in skills which will enable participants to be confident in initiating conversations.
Particularly with people living close to where they do.
On which we will report on the steps we are taking to ‘secure’ what we regard as key components this enterprise. Among these being:
. Support from the council of a particular local government precinct.
. Encouragement to proceed from a variety of local organisations among which are private and public enterprises.
. A suitable venue for the events.
. The technology for making visual the process and outcomes of our endeavours readily available to others.
In the meanwhile, when you are in the mood, I would love to hear your comments and suggestions as to how to create communities where individuals make stronger connections that enhance people’s lives. You can do this through Contact.
Your contribution to these ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Al
Al (formerly Alan) Stewart, PhD
Process Artist
Facilitator/host of conversations that matter and participatory fun
Senior Fulbright Scholar
Blog: www.conversare.net
“We are in this together to engage with each other thoughtfully. .
Al Stewart
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