Towards a Conversing Community ‘happening’
As indicated in recent Conversare.net blog posts the stage is coming in which foundational ideas are being expanded to incorporate a ‘community dimension’.
By this is meant the ‘foundational’ experience of interacting with strangers is being ‘topped up’ with input on just what are the underpinnings of being a more confident and competent conversationalist. Together with diverse implications for actions associated with community development.
Given that there are elements in this proposed development which arise from my particular experiences over the past few decades in engaging with ‘remarkable’ people and associated facilitator processes. Among these are principles and practices of Open Space Technology and The World Cafe
What is emerging now in this ‘Conversational enterprise’ are the twin elements of:
. Settling on a particular geographical area as the focus for the next steps in this enterprise.
. Identifying people either living and/or working in this area who have an existing role – or one which could be developed – related to issues such community support and the health of local residents.
For these ‘key’ people can be identified and contacted relatively easily. Which is not the case with people who are suffering from social isolation and associated loneliness.
This focus also means that our way of introducing the idea of a ‘Conversing Community’ can include ‘processes’ with which participants are likely familiar and/or have experienced something similar.
What is likely to be ‘novel’ to our first participants in this new way of considering ‘community development’ are:
. Conversare – engaging in conversation in pairs who have not previously met, ie strangers.
To provide an experience of doing just this, in some depth. Likely something not ever done before.
. Followed by overview of ‘What are conversational skills and why having these well developed matters in every element of life?’ Offered by a colleague highly experienced in doing this to a range of educational and business audiences. Along with the ‘what, why and how’ developing these can make a substantial difference to the quality – and joy – of life.
Given that most of us have not ever had formal exposure and training in listening and related skills in all our years of schooling and higher education. Really quite astonishing.
And so the format of what we have in mind is to begin by enabling our participants to experience both of these, one after the other.
Followed by a lunch break in which all mingle as they please.
One of the venues we have in mind is surrounded by an array of nearby cafes.
Post lunch activities will be geared to participants beginning to consider, in small groups likely applications of what they have experienced in regard to what they may do as additions to their existing activities and responsibilities. This will be conducted in the World Café format. *
The final session is likely to be devoted to a ‘brainstorming’ session in which everyone present will be encouraged to say what s/he feels:
. has been of value in expanding perspectives of what else could be done in the area to promote a more widespread sense of ‘belonging’ among the residents in the area.
. could warrant a follow up session in which participants could report on what they have begun and/or wish to have more input.
Resources
A list of relevant reading materials will be made available.
This will include an online version of my book ‘Time to converse – at the heart of human warmth. (Presently being updated).
PS
At heart of this kind of offering is ‘finding joy together’ in troubling times. Which we believe is available for those who have a sense of that it does exist and how to look – and may find what is offered here to be at least part of what they are seeking.
* Comment of a participant in a similar kind of event held ‘some time ago’:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be involved and share with others in a non confronting, non status, friendly and open environment.”
Looking forward
Al
Al (formerly Alan) Stewart, PhD
Process Artist
Facilitator/host of conversations that matter and participatory fun
Senior Fulbright Scholar
Blog: www.conversare.net
“Whenever we treat each other well good things happen.”
Al Stewart
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