[Dialogue] Re State of Our Values - how harvest

[Janice Ulangca]

Thanks to those who responded so quickly - Jim, Sunny, Ellen Howie.  Very helpful. I just sent in the following suggestions that I hope might be e-mailed to the organizers around the country.
Janice

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Suggestions for State of Our Values Organizers

What We Hope People Will Experience in these Gatherings
"We need not be tied to media commentators.  We the people can respond!"

All should feel they can express themselves in an accepting environment.  Respectful dialogue, especially when people have very different perspectives.  Sharing ideas as well as priorities and values.  A sense of hope - "I am not alone in my concerns."  And suggestions for specific actions (such as contacting representatives on the budget).

 

Important Context for the Organizers:  Every Group Is Good!
Some of our gatherings will be very small.  But don't let that disappoint you, or anyone there.  Whoever comes is exactly the right group!  "Where two or three are gathered together."  was Jesus' recognition of the power of a small group that is committed to think and act on behalf of the larger community.  Those you have invited who did not come still know it is going on - and this may give them a sense of hope.

 

Suggestion for Introductions
Have each person introduce themselves with name, town or neighborhood they're from, and one thing they hope will get discussed tonight.  If the group is small or medium-sized (up to 20?),  do it in one group.  If the group is larger,  have them move into groups of 6-8 for the introductions.  Take 10 minutes, then come together and hear some of the different places people come from and the concerns people hope will be addressed.  Nametags will be a help.

 

Harvesting Wisdom from the Groups
These suggestions are in addition to things already suggested:  faxing the "Get Connected" sign-in sheets and sharing photos, clippings, and broadcast clips.

1)      Have someone take notes on the memorable things that people say - about the issues that concern them, about their priorities and deeply-felt values.  A selection of these quotes, from around the country, can be shared on the web site.  These can be powerful.

2)      Additional question from the convener/facilitator (perhaps the last question):  From our conversation tonight, what would be 3 points that the leadership of our country (of both parties) need to hear and act on in the coming year?  

Write these down, and send them in.





And finally, this suggestion for Sojourners - from a person who received our publicity:

"Ask Sojourners to publish a special issue of the magazine focusing on the 
State of the Union Reflections.  I believe many people who are not subscribers to 
the journal would be interested in purchasing this focused issue if created."



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Janice Ulangca
3413 Stratford Drive
Vestal, NY  13850
607-797-4595
aulangca at stny.rr.com
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