Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Reading World Café

Well it may not be Paris in the 30's, but I do think this can really be a happening event. Now is the chance to really talk the talk and advocate for issues regarding Reading. The Reading World Cafe, scheduled for Wednesday Feb. 27th 6:30 p.m. at the Field House, is as local a process you can get. While it is not changing any laws or plans for Reading, it can get folks and the powers-that-be a chance to hear what is on your mind. Basically, you sit around a table with other Readingites and discuss what you see for the future of Reading. I am copying the key points from their site so you can get an idea of the format and goals:

World Café Process
The World Café is a structured conversation process that allows large groups of people to talk courteously together about their desires for the future of Reading. Following simple guidelines, participants discuss key questions in small groups at separate tables. The small groups shift and the conversation evolves as people change tables, share insights and perspectives, and discover what is commonly believed, desired and valued by community members. We will harvest emerging ideas from the discussion to identify dreams, opportunities, dilemmas and the next steps for getting what we collectively want.


This is quite an opportunity to bring up some of the ideas that we have discussed since last year. Healthier living, local food, and changing some habits for a better tomorrow. I really think that we will find many,many folks who agree with these "Eco Reading" views, perhaps some citizens may surprise you!


So please sign up. All you have to do is go here or call (781) 942-6660. I will be going and joining in on the conversations. I have high hopes that it will be a Mr. Rogers kind of experience where we all revel in our neighborliness and good cheer. I have no hand at organizing this event nor have I attended this kind of meeting before, but I think that even if you are shy, the small group setting will make it easy for everyone to participate. What do you think? Are you in?

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