For a couple of years I have participated in a monthly conversation that seeks to invite and support practitioners of Peter Block’s “Six Conversations” described in his book “Community – The Structure of Belonging”. The conversation is convened by telephone, using a technology that allows participants to be sorted into small groups for conversation and brought together in the large group for harvest. Elaine and Eric Hansen host this conversation on the fourth Wednesday each month at 8:30am Pacific time. The name for this activity – A Small Group – comes from anthropologist Margaret Meade: ”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
We gather for only 75 minutes each month. In that time we make our way through one of the six conversations by responding to specific questions that evoke the essence of Invitation, Possibilities, Ownership, Commitment, Dissent, and Gifts. In this exercise, there is no context other than what each participant brings. We’re not debating what to do about some issue or problem, nor are we brainstorming ideas. We are practicing how to remain curious, how to ask and respond to powerful questions, and how to recognize and acknowledge the gifts each of us bring to these interactions.
I include this conversation in my professional practice because it brings me back to the basics of my work: presence, curiosity, inquiry, and listening. This monthly conversation is one way that I work on “the state of the intervenor.” If you would like to join us, send an email to Elaine at elaine@hansen-rd.com