Community dialogues have arisen in countries all over the world to address various issues (Douglas, 2007). They provide a venue for members of the community to connect, learn, and share ideas about issues that matter to them. These sessions allow members of the community to connect on a wide range of topics of interest, whether it is land use developments in their neighbourhood or larger concerns about racial equality and social justice. They are organized by members of the community for members of the community on topics that are relevant to the community. They are, by design, open to anyone and require no previous knowledge or affiliation.
One example of an ongoing community dialogue program is the Conversation Café Initiative that started in Whidbey, Washington, co-founded by Vicki Robin, who co-authored the book, “Your Money of Your Life.” The initiative was started to help create spaces for social interaction that foster “empowered citizenship.” Robin states, “The Conversation Café project addresses the need to increase social intelligence, to build social capital and generate the social engagement so we can actually HAVE a wise democracy.” (Conversation Café, 2008 )
Another example of a program that aims to engage people in community dialogues is the World Café initiative, which support groups to follow their methodology for hosting conversations about issues that are relevant to the community. According to the World Cafe website,
These conversations link and build on each other as people move between groups, cross-pollinate ideas, and discover new insights into the questions or issues that are most important in their life, work, or community. As a process, the World Café can evoke and make visible the collective intelligence of any group, thus increasing people’s capacity for effective action in pursuit of common aims.
Community Dialogues on Climate Change
While there is agreement between different agencies and actors on certain issues relating to climate change and energy uncertainty, there is still considerable debate surrounding what actions should be taken to address these challenges. Furgal and Seguin (2006) state, “To ensure success and sustainability of adaptation strategies, development of local and regional monitoring, analytical and decision making capabilities are needed to support cooperative and empowering approaches to research and action” (p. 1969). Community dialogues in the form of Conversation Cafés can play an integral role in bringing together members of different sectors of society, and facilitating the exchange of ideas. In general, the objectives of these projects are mainly:
• to provide a venue for discussing feasible actions for the local community
• to inform members of the community about recent and upcoming developments;
• to connect and explore different perspectives, and the nature of future challenges;
• to engage the community in learning, visioning, and problem-solving activities;
• to foster the development of communal goodwill; and
• to improve critical thinking and communication skills.
Locally, the recently formed Climate Café Collective Society, run by a steering committee of volunteers (see www.climatecafes.ca), follows a similar model to Simon Fraser University’s Philosopher’s Cafés, taking the form of a casual community dialogue usually facilitated by a guest ‘speaker’ and involving a relatively small group of people. The thinking is that having small groups allows for more participation between individuals.
This month, the topic for the cafe is on transportation alternatives – ways to reduce or eliminate using the car. A very timely topic, as it’s happening just as Bike to Work week and Bike Month are set to start in Vancouver and across BC. It is also happening in conjunction with 30 Days of Sustainability, an annual series of events that aim to inspire and provide people with the knowledge and skills to transition to a lower footprint lifestyle.
Upcoming event:
Living Car Free Cafe
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 | 7:00 pm
Bean Around the World, 2528 Main Street (see map)
www.climatecafes.ca | info@climatecafes.ca | Join the facebook group
Owning a car is not only bad for the environment, it’s bad for your pocket book, but living without one is not always easy. For those who need more convenience and flexibility than walking, biking or public transit can provide, car sharing is a practical alternative.
Join Climate Cafes for a discussion of the various challenges and opportunities in leading a car free lifestyle and find out if car sharing is right for you. Tracey Axelsson, founder and director of the first English speaking car co-op in the world, The Co-operative Auto Network, will be present to explain the mechanics and history of car sharing and co-ops.
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Links:
- Community Climate Change – Global Warming Cafe (Vancouver, BC)
- 30 Days of Sustainability – Sustainability Cafe Events (Vancouver, BC)
- General Guidelines for Hosting Conversation Cafe
References:
Douglas, B. (2007). A see-change movement as a vehicle for cultural change and local action on climate change. Social Alternatives, 26(3), 46-49.
Furgal, C., & Seguin, J. (2006). Climate change, health, and vulnerability in Canadian northern Aboriginal communities. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(12), 1964-1970.
Filed under: Vancouver, climate, community , action, activism, citizen, climate change, community, dialogue, grassroots, sustainability, Vancouver
