Earth Community Dialogues/Resources
There are many ways to engage a community in meaningful dialogue. From large town hall meetings to small group discussions, the resources included here should be a good starting point.
In The Great Turning (pg. 355) , Korten points out, " The process of change begins as those who experience an awakening of the higher orders of human consciousness find the courage to break the silence by speaking openly of the truth in their hearts. The more openly we each speak our truth, the more readily others find the courage to speak theirs. We can then more easily find one another and end our isolation as we form communities of congruence in which we share our insights, bolster our courage, and give expression to stories that demonstrate and celebrate the possibilities of Earth Community. As we learn to communicate these stories to an ever growing audience, we begin to tip the cultural balance in favor of Earth Community, thereby changing the course of the human future. We break the silence, end our isolation, and change the story in a continuous cycle that gains momentum with each iteration."
DIALOGUE RESOURCES
Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream
A one day symposium that explores the link between three of humanity's most critical concerns: environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment. Facilitators are trained to bring the work to their communities.
Berkana Institute
The Berkana Institute believes that hosting conversations is an essential leadership practice for these uncertain times. Their program, the Four Directions, works globally to support the creation of local conversation groups and develop people’s capacity as hosts using a variety of conversational techniques and hosting practices.
Center for Partnership Studies: Riane Eisler
A nonprofit for public benefit corporation that conducts research and develops and disseminates education on the partnership model. It provides information and tools to promote the shift from domination to partnership in all aspects of society – from families and education to economics and politics. CPS is a member of the NGO (nongovernmental organization) section of the United Nations and supports the UN Millennial Goals.
Engendering "wise democracy" at the community, regional and national levels. The key innovation is the Wisdom Council... “a new structural approach to helping large systems of people address issues collaboratively and creatively, and achieve breakthrough results. No matter how many people are involved, the Wisdom Council promises to structure a thoughtful, community-wide conversation about the most pressing issues and facilitate a unanimous “We the People” viewpoint.”
Conversation Cafés create a culture of conversation—which is a culture of intelligence, peace, and political awareness and are sponsored by the New Road Map Foundation, a non-profit educational and charitable organization that seeks to foster a cooperative human community in a diverse yet interconnected world by creating and disseminating practical tools and innovative approaches to personal and cultural change.
Compassionate Listening Project
A U.S. based non-profit organization dedicated to teaching practical skills for everyday peace-making in the family, community and workplace.
Future search is a PLANNING MEETING that helps people transform their capability for action very quickly. Future search brings people from all walks of life into the same conversation - those with resources, expertise, formal authority and need. They meet for 16 hours spread across three days. People tell stories about their past, present and desired future. Through dialogue they discover their common ground. Only then do they make concrete action plans.
National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation
A wealth of up-to-date resources and events for dialoguing from workshops to research, including geographical resources.
Northwest Earth Institute
NWEI's hallmark program is a series of discussion courses, developed in Portland, but available to groups anywhere in the United States. Courses include: Choices for Sustainable Living; Exploring Deep Ecology; and Voluntary Simplicity.
To foster a more inclusive, empathic and collaborative society by promoting constructive conversations and relationships among those who have differing values, world views, and positions about divisive public issues.
Simple Living Network
Since 1996 The Simple Living Network has been providing resources, tools, contacts and examples for conscious, simple, healthy and restorative living including a whole section
Study Groups and Circles.
Study Circles Resource Center
Helping communities develop their own ability to solve problems by bringing people together in dialogue across divides of race, income, age, and political viewpoints. The center works with neighborhoods, cities and towns, regions, and states, paying particular attention to the racial and ethnic dimensions of the problems they address.
Tools for Change
Tools for Change is a multi-cultural organization that promotes healing, leadership development, and sustainable democracy. Our programs, based in collective reflection, open the imagination, inspire dialogue, deepen relationships and empower people's work.
The People Speak
In 2003 the United Nations Foundation partnered with other non-partisan organizations to create a series of nationwide town hall meetings titled The People Speak: A Discussion of America’s Role in the World. The People Speak continues as an annual program to engage citizens around the country and world in discussions of international issues.
FACILITATION RESOURCES
WILPF Study Group Guidelines
From the Challenging Corporate Power,
Asserting the People's Rights" Campaign
Tips for Leading Discussion
From Human Rights Education Associates
Raise Your Voice
Dialogue Resource Guide
Peer Spirit: Building Communities of Refection, Adventure and Purpose
Basic Guidelines for Calling a Circle