We now live in a time when two new phrases have entered the national lexicon: “social distancing” and “flatten the curve”. Like or not, the terms are to here to stay for the foreseeable future. Even prior to our current situation, we struggled with the knowledge that we had evolved into humans with hi-tech platforms to create thousands of global relationships and “friends”, but when pressed to name the names of twenty people that live within 500 feet of our homes, we come up short. Social distancing is actually extreme “physical distancing” and left unchecked can be hazardous to our mental and emotional health.
This Common Good Espresso series will introduce you to a conversational methodology that can be thought of as an antibiotic to social distancing. Commonly referred to “A Small Group: Six Conversations That Matter”, this method of connecting with others is based on the work of Peter Block. Peter outlined this approach in his best-selling book Community: The Structure of Belonging. We will explore a series of thought-provoking questions. Special emphasis will be placed on restorative justice practices that can be applied in your personal and community relationships. Key points during the series will address: the power of invitation in place of mandates, the refreshing focus on possibilities and how to break our habit of only looking through a “problem solving” lens, the value of actually inviting dissent in our organizations and differentiating it from resistance and finally we will demonstrate why when we recognize gifts in others everything can change.
Lee Rush is our guide for this cohort. Lee is the Executive Director of justCommunity, Inc., a non-profit organization specializing in community development. Lee travels extensively throughout the United States leading seminars and community events designed to leave people inspired to make changes in small and big ways. Lee is a consultant with Design Learning and trainer for the International Institution for Restorative Practices.
Prerequisite: Read & be familiar with “Civic Engagement and the Restoration of Community” and a PDF will be made available during registration for this cohort.
Schedule: Thursday, April 16, 23rd, 30 and May 7 starting at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT for 75 minutes.