Last week, a group of Golden Civilization Conversationalists came together for a Zoom call to discuss recent conversations and ways to enhance the movement’s momentum. Representing a few different backgrounds, it was great to hear the different perspectives on topics discussed and we encourage everyone to watch the recorded session at the link below.
The main agenda item of the advisory call was to take a closer look at encouraging conversation groups to continue to meet, to grow the movement, and to promote societal change through clear action steps.
Julian Powe, facilitator of one of the most consistently meetings groups in Primrose Hill, London, shared some of the reasons that he believes has contributed to his group’s sustained commitment to meet.
the relationships and trust that already existed before the group started meeting due to his inviting many of his friends, family, and colleagues to the initial meeting. Relationships have deepened through this work.
the individuals that were gradually brought into the fold brought new energy and became key elements of the group's continued motivation
Julian's own personal interest and commitment that energizes and focuses the group through organization and facilitation
Julian noted that one thing we might be able to focus on in the future is identifying a leader among the group to take the initiative of organizing future meetings and holding members accountable to attend. This leader should also help guide the conversation of what obstacles and action steps the group will focus on. He also noted that not all of the group members need to be focused on one theme, the group can be working on separate items.
This conversation led to a discussion about other conversation groups that have met a few times, but not regularly due to too many other personal activism commitments among members. In these instances, a theme was identified that most participants noted a feeling of invigoration and reigniting of their passion. This human flowering, as it was noted, could be a great way for the Golden Civilization Conversations to help reduce burn out among these activist groups.
The GCCs could in this way be marketed as a team-building exercise perhaps in a corporate environment or for nonprofits, political groups, and/or educational institutions.
Relating to the general pattern that the inner obstacles have tended to outweigh the external obstacles in Conversations, this could be a great way to introduce mindfulness in a corporate setting.
Finally, there was the expressed continued interest to host conversations in areas where there will be a difference of opinion and diversity among audiences. All call participants agreed that the Golden Civilization Conversations should be a space where people of different backgrounds can feel comfortable speaking. George was able to share some of his experience presenting to a number of diverse audiences, and his conclusions that although the obstacles and action steps differ with relevant priorities, visions for A Golden Civilization tend to have the same elements, no matter the location or audience.
In the spirit of promoting conversations where there are differences of opinions, the group discussed a few different tactics that can be employed by the facilitator:
When inviting a dialogue for a difference of opinion, there is value in pointing out that the motivating factors or desired result might be the same; or allowing that realization to come about organically
Scientific presentation of sides can also be a tool in allowing each side to speak their piece
These conversations require courage to listen, and though there is great value in them, it is often harder in the moment to facilitate or listen/respond if what is being shared conflicts with your personal values.
Please reach out if you have interest in leading a Golden Civilization Conversation with a group within your community. We would be happy to schedule a time to go over the resources and conversation structure on a Zoom call with you.
