Civic Engagement and the Restoration of Community
Six
Conversations That Matter
SM
The
Invitation
Constructing the Invitation
The elements of invitation are:
·
The context and possibility of the gathering
·
Who needs to be in the room
·
Making clear that attendance is a choice
·
What hurdle is required of them should they choose to
attend
·
A strong request to attend
·
Picking the form of the invitation
The Possibility
–
Begin the invitation by telling them the possibility we
are committed to. This becomes the context of the gathering. The more
personal the better.
The List
–
Who are the critical people to invite? The intent is to
bring together people across boundaries. Who should make the invitation?
People show up based on who invites and their connection with those
people. The more who join to issue the invitation, the more powerful.
A Choice
– refusal is perfectly acceptable. The invitation must
allow room for a “no.” If “no” is not an option, then it is not an
invitation. Emphasize that you value their decision NOT to attend, have
faith that there are good reasons for not attending.
The
Requirements
– tell
them explicitly what is required of them should they choose to attend.
There is a price to pay for their decision to attend. They will be asked
to explore ways to deepen their learning and commitment. They will be
asked to postpone problem solving and the negotiation of interests. They
will not be asked to compromise their interests or constituent
interests, just to hold them to the side for the time being.
The idea
is that everything that has value has a price and must be purchased.
Make the purchase price explicit.
The
Request
–
end the invitation by telling them that you want them to come,
and if they choose not to attend, that they will be missed, but not
forgotten.
The
Form
–
The more personal the better. A visit is more personal than a call; a
call is more personal than letter; a letter is more personal than email.
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