Let the Community Conversations Begin
The Art of Hosting Conversations That Matter
A group of residents were invited and recently took part in an extraordinary workshop to learn a new way to communicate neighbor-to-neighbor. The participants were gathered by the City and the Library with support from a generous donor who believes in the future of Upper Arlington. They were also asked to pay part of the retreat costs.
It was a diverse group—all ages; residents, business owners and employees; people who have been deeply involved and people who are newly engaged. There was no “agenda” other than to get people involved in a constructive dialogue. It was extraordinary!
It was affirming! We identified a lot of positives. It was certainly worth spending three days talking about the community where we work/live/play.
The group gathered to learn a new process called “the Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter,” talking candidly about our disappointments and our hopes for UA. And we began to build a framework for future communication.
We didn’t come up with any answers. Instead we left with a shared commitment to work together to be sure that all the voices in UA can be heard and respected, and to work together to achieve the best that UA can offer on behalf of all of our neighbors.
The group is not yet sure exactly when or how the conversations will continue, except to say that they will continue. When you see them happening around the community, we hope you’ll take part.
