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 You are cordially invited to participate in the first...
Monadnock 2020
World Cafe
Saturday, March 11, 8:30am-2pm
Free!
The World Cafe is a "town hall meeting on steroids" -- a powerful way for citizens to organize by inspiring the free exchange of ideas, leading to aha! moments of collective genius. Come take part in this historic experiment in "direct democracy" and help our region develop a blueprint for a sustainable future.
This free potluck event will be held on Saturday, March 11, from 8:30am until 2pm. A downloadable flyer is here (884kb, color), or here (754kb, black and white). This event is sponsored by Monadnock Institute for Community Advancement and Sustainability (MICAS).
The purpose of this event is:
- to explore our individual and collective visions of a sustainabile future
- to build the social networks necessary for supporting a community renaissance and for adapting to an "energy descent" future
- to experience a grassroots "direct democracy" process where the people who are affected by political, economic, and environmental changes have a voice in mapping their future
- to provide the opportunity to network with local organizations and initiatives aimed at creating more sustainable communities
- to develop an "asset map" or inventory of skills and talents available in our community
- to eat, drink, and be merry!
Location: Keene Community Kitchen, 37 Mechanic St., Keene
Time: 8:30am (coffee and bagels served) until 2pm
Cost: Free (Donations will be accepted).
Snow Date: Saturday, March 18, same time and place.
Pre-Registration is Requested. Please call (603) 357-5848 or email us.
What is a "World Cafe ?"
A World Cafe happens when a group of citizens gathers to discuss issues that are important to them. We meet around tables that are covered with paper (for doodling and note-taking), and discuss how we can create sustainable local communities -- the future of our local food production, local economies, local environmental, local energy supply, and so forth. After 20 or 30 minutes, participants change tables to consider a new questions; new connections are made and ideas are cross-pollinated. After several rounds of questions, the group meets as a whole to consider ideas, insights, and possibilities for action.
As a group we gradually form a set of concerns and visions about how to create a healthier world; these form an initial "blueprint for action" that can help guide our decisions as a community in the coming months and years. As individuals we can find others who are interested in the same things we are, for example: permaculture, biodiesel, organic gardening, water rights, soil health, climate change, bioremediation, solar power, community currencies, green building, conflict resolution, smart growth, etc. If you represent a community organization, the World Cafe is a great way to connect with more "social capital" and further your projects.
The World Cafe has come into greater use in the past few years because it is one of the most potent ways to evoke group intelligence. Simply put, together we are smarter than any one of us is individually. Qualities of the World Cafe process include:
- captivates & stimulates participants
- moves quickly - interactive - positive
- enables different perspectives and viewpoints
- easy to be heard and hear the viewpoints of others
The World Cafe process has been used by community groups, schools, corporations, and governments with great success because it is inclusive, interactive, relevant, open-ended, synthesizing, and vital.
What can I expect to get out of it?
Some of the benefits and opportunities you might expect from participating include:
- More clearly developing and articulating your vision for the future
- Having your concerns heard and respected
- Learning from others about the nature and scope of challenges to our local communities, and possible responses
- Meeting others of like mind
- Sharing about your talents, skills, and interests for community sustainability, and learning about the same about your neighbors and other community members
- Developing a network of contacts that will be of great value in the coming years
- Discovering new pathways for positive action in the community
- Developing a sense of community and shared purpose around the many issues related to local sustainability
- Joining others in local action, community outreach and legislative initiatives that will have an impact
- Enhancing skills for engaging in effective conversations about the things that matter most to you
- Creating and reinforcing a positive culture of change and civic engagement in our community
- Table fellowship... community spirit... new friends... deeper connection to life purpose
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