Frequently Asked Questions
with George Kinder
Fiduciary
Q: What is Fiduciary?
A: Fiduciary is a commitment to support humanity in face of all earthly dangers. We must make certain that every institution, every hierarchy of power in civilization is dedicated to human flourishing and freedom. Supporting humanity in this way must be a requirement for any institution to exist, the ticket to becoming a corporation, a government or a non-profit and to maintaining that status.
Q: What is Fiduciary In All Things?
A: To be a Fiduciary In All Things (FIAT) requires us to attempt to live it in everything we do. Our greatest challenge is to bring our institutional structures to the recognition that their fiduciary responsibility, their FIAT, is what connects them to each of us and to being human and to the planet. It is essential and not secondary to their being. I am promoting a commitment to support the legislation of a Fiduciary Standard for all corporate, nonprofit, and governmental institutions in all things through several graphics that you can find on the Golden Civilization and George Kinder website. These graphics are meant for everyone who supports humanity to share online on through social media. Click here the share and learn more.
My First Conversation
Q: I’m hesitant to host a conversation in case I present it imperfectly. Is it okay to just go ahead and host it even though the structure may not be exactly as you describe?
A: Absolutely! We encourage you to follow the basic three chart structure and tailor the conversation to fit your audience. You can attend George’s ongoing workshops (held every 3 weeks) to review and discuss how to improve.
Q: How do I connect with others who might have hosted a conversation? Would they be interested in helping me?
A: We have limited resources, but there are conversationalists worldwide that are willing to collaborate and support new groups that are forming. Email info@agoldencivilization.com to inquire about our existing network for conversationalists.
Q: I am a Life Planner. How might I incorporate these conversations with my clients, if they are interested?
A: Golden Civilization Conversations make great client appreciation events. Many Life Planners have used them successfully to expand the notion of Life Planning individuals to Life Planning all of civilization. George Kinder is often eager to participate in such an event as a guest facilitator.
Structure:
Q: I’m new to meditation. Is it required to do the suggested 1-15 minutes of mindfulness to open a Golden Civilization Conversation?
A: The purpose of having a period of silence and/or meditation at the beginning of the conversation is to put people in an introspective mindset. We want to awaken their own inner listening so that they will be prepared for the work to come. We recommend that you always include some form of inner listening exercise, whether it be silence, taking a few deep breaths, a short meditation, or a prayer if your group would be appreciative of it. You should aim for this portion of the conversation structure to last anywhere from 1-15 minutes, depending on your own comfort level and your group’s needs.
Q: I teach yoga and I would love to incorporate some form of Golden Civilization Conversations into my lesson. What would be the most effective way to do this?
A: After you lead everyone through a mindful yoga practice, consider bringing in elements of a Golden Civilization Conversation, asking everyone to bring what they have learned out into the world, essentially turning their inner listening into outer listening.
Q: I feel hesitant about leading a conversation because of the division that might surface. What advice do you have for facilitating a conversation where conflict surfaces?
A: Its completely understandable to be hesitant to lead a conversation because of the possible division that might surface. These conversations are inclusive and democratic in that every voice is welcome and encouraged. It’s essential to keep the energy up throughout the conversation and list everything that people say for each of the charts. No response is given more weight than any other during the brainstorming.
Once everyone has felt heard, it is helpful to have participants vote on the obstacles that they feel most crucial to limiting the vision you all have crafted. At this point, the group might naturally split into smaller groups who will be focusing on specific obstacles and action steps to take to eliminate them. It is important to jump right to and emphasize the next segment, action steps and commitments because it will keep the energy of the group high and will foster a sense of community as they form alliances with others who will be focusing on the same obstacles.
Q: What if someone in the group shares ideals that limit other’s freedoms or could be dangerous to our society?
A: This conversation structure has been designed to bring out the similarities in what we want from our societies, not the differences that the media and politics are trying to capitalize on. In these conversations and in our vision. George Kinder has been party to dozens of conversations all over the world, in countries that protect democratic freedoms and those that still struggle with it. In the visioning phase, he has never witnessed a person asking for corruption or war, for example. There are different qualities that are valued, but those are important to hear. We are focused on participative democracy where every voice can be heard. Having conversations that allow the space for empathetic listening and freedom from judgement are the first step for bridging that gap.
Q: What kind of group provides a rich experience? Should I be trying to limit size or demographic?
A: Golden Civilization Conversations have been conducted around the world, with financial audiences (the structure stems from a financial life planning methodology, EVOKE), family gatherings over several generations, diverse collections of people (public spaces or church groups), and very finite groups (professional associations or specific coalitions of similar age or special interest). Each collection brings something different to the table and each one has its own value. As conversations are held continuously with the same group, deeper connections form through the work being done and this is the glue that holds the conversation group together and sustains their energy toward making a difference together. Put some thought into assembling a group that you think will have the energy and interest in continuing to meet, whatever that group looks like!
Transition to Virtual GCCs
Q: I’m skeptical about attempting deep conversations like this over an online platform. Is it possible to have meaningful and empathetic conversation over Zoom or other video conferencing software?
A: The Kinder Institute, which teaches the similar EVOKE method has recently created an online version of their training. An essential part of the training is showing financial advisors how to demonstrate empathy while their clients share deeply personal stories, hopes, and dreams. Despite fears that it would not be as effective, trainer and client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Beginning these conversations with meditation is also helpful in setting the tone and differentiating these conversations from other meetings that participants have attended using the platform.
Q: Since the online format removes logistical barriers, should I try to invite a group of multinational individuals?
A: Invite anyone in your network to attend a Golden Civilization Conversation. It could be a local audience, a national audience, or an international audience. Choosing to invite a multinational audience can enrich the conversation through differing cultural lenses and historical contexts.
Q: I know that some of the people I will be inviting might be more introverted. How can I aid as a facilitator in equalizing the group and make sure that everyone has a voice?
A: If you are a talking circle enthusiast, there are ways to mimic a circle, and one of the best ways to make sure this runs smoothly is to assign a moderator. Listing rules or expectations at the beginning is important so that everyone is on the same page. Some suggestions would be placing everyone on mute and then calling on participants to share, mimicking the way a talking stick would be passed around, using breakout rooms for small groups, and using the chat.
Q: What are the right circumstances for utilizing breakout rooms?
A: Breakout rooms are especially useful in breaking the ice if the participants in your conversation are hesitant to share immediately with the entire group. Breakout groups can also be used in the Action Steps and Commitments section, based on the voting during the Obstacles section. Smaller groups can focus on tackling specific Obstacles and then report back to the larger group.
Q: I’ve noticed that longer Zoom meetings can wear out an audience or participant group. How do I prevent fatigue while still making sure everyone feels heard?
A: Breakout groups can help keep energy in the group high in longer meetings through segmentation of the participants for sharing. Everyone has a chance to share their thoughts with others, but not every participant is listening to each person. It is also helpful to provide an agenda at the beginning so that participants can follow along and anticipate the different parts of the conversation. Feel free to include breaks between sections and you can always add an inner listening exercise.
Philosophy:
Q: How will Golden Civilization Conversations create lasting change in our society?
A: With media and politicians intent on bringing out our divisions instead of our similarities, Golden Civilization Conversations are taking a grassroots approach to participative democracy. The conversations embody an ideal that we should not be codependent with our politicians. The disengagement and disillusionment that we feel when our values are not reflected in policies after the energy of elections die out is what the conversations and the community stemming from them is focused on. Instead of getting overwhelmed by how far we have to go, we are allowing people to get energized by what could be, by beginning with a vision unencumbered by obstacles. We already have the communication skills necessary to enact change; it is the energy to keep fighting for our vision that we lack. These conversations build energy and help us find allies who share the same desires!
Q: We are always told that you can’t change someone’s world view. What do you do about conflict during Golden Civilization Conversations?
A: Through experience, we have found that community to community the qualities of the visions crafted are very similar and tend to be virtue-based. As a whole, we have found that people are in sync about the world they want to live in. That being said, the conversation structure purposefully doesn’t draw attention to differences but to the similarities of the group. It encourages an intermingling of spirit and inspiration. The conversations should remain a place free of judgement and a place of listening for all participants who feel compelled to share.
Don’t see your question here? Join us for our Golden Civilization Conversation Teacher Workshops with George Kinder.
Live sessions are held monthly and led by Golden Civilization Conversation founder, George Kinder. Connect with other conversationalists, ask your questions, and share your hosting experiences to receive constructive feedback.
Can’t make the session? No problem. Be sure to register so that you receive a recap email with a recording of the session.
