WHY? Good question. "Why not?" is one answer.
But that's just one of many reasons.
Conversations Matter to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Every conversation has the potential to build a relationship, to help solve a problem, to learn about something new, and to challenge ideas. Conversations, indeed, have the power to change the world.
The organizers of Conversation Week want to honor and promote the act of meaningfully talking and listening to each other about topics that impact our daily lives.
- In a society, conversation is a way for citizens to share their voice, to participate in decision-making, and to learn what's happening.
- In a relationship, conversation is a way for partners to grow closer, to share openly and honestly, and to build understanding.
- In an organization, conversation is a way for members to brainstorm, problem solve, and become more successful.
- In a community, conversation is a way for neighbors to meet each other, to help each other, and to live together.
The Art of Conversation is in Danger
Democracy, relationships and collaborative decision-making all rely on the specific skills of dialogue - the capacity to listen with respect, to speak sincerely and to seek truth together. Unfortunately, the popular mainstream frequently misrepresents authentic dialogue as rancorous, competitive, fallacy-ridden "crossfire." This can be changed!We can counter pervasive negative and superficial dialogue with a widespread, grassroots effort that lets people experience authentic, quality conversation. Conversation Week seeks to provide people a model to do just that.
Conversations can Connect Us in a Meaningful Way
In a time where the internet and technology have allowed us to "connect" with more people, there is less time spent in forming and fostering real relationships with friends, neighbors, and strangers in a face-to-face conversational setting. Conversations are a way for us to get to know each other.Conversation Café Works
Conversation Café has grown from an idea to a proven method for people anywhere to use to have a meaningful conversation. Designed to have the minimum structure necessary to promote conversation in a small group of people, this method can be learned and used by almost anyone. Conversation Café is the main discussion style to be used during Conversation Week - and the organizers will train all hosts to use it.Also, Conversation Café is five years old! Conversation Week is a birthday celebration!
Conversation is Fun and Fulfilling
Even without the many other reasons for Conversation Week, there is reason to do it simply for the fun and fulfillment good conversation can bring into our lives.
Join us by taking a leadership role in Conversation Week by becoming a host!
Click here to learn more.