I have an idea for an experiment. Ive learned a lot from multiple perspective conversations on FB and I think there are additional benefits from practicing these face to face in real life. What if we started Conversation Clubs for the purpose of increasing community interactions among those with very different political opinions? For instance, attendees could be randomly assigned to small groups and perhaps could choose to identify themselves as newcomer or experienced based on their self-assessed skill at interacting calmly on hot topics. Initially the club could practice on easy topics suggested by organizers, just getting to know each other. Each time, attendees would be re-mixed into new groups. When people felt ready, they could opt to choose for their table an intermediately controversial topic-- local to national-- and discuss it. General guidelines to productive conversation could be taught briefly at the opening of each session. And over time tables could choose to gradually take on more and more difficult topics with higher emotional levels. I dont know if member would also want to identify with a party or ideology-- am thinking not, because what we want to do is learn to think outside those parameters. Would maybe have to rely on there being a likelihood of differing opinions on controversial issues. I could imagine a club like this becoming a way for communities to digest and process issues outside of the traditional political structures such as City Hall Meetings and attendees might provide feedback to the traditional structures.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:07:52 +0000