DECLARING JANUARY 13-19, 2002 AS CONVERSATION WEEK

WHEREAS, the spirit of democracy and of the city of Seattle is exemplified by our free and lively interchange about our mutual concerns as citizens;

WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001, have created in American citizens a desire to strengthen the bonds between them;

WHEREAS, the city of Seattle believes in the necessity of discourse across political and economic boundaries, and in the healing of understanding that comes from listening to the truth of others, and speaking our own truth;

WHEREAS, Conversation Cafés provide a forum where people may gather together informally to discuss in an atmosphere of inquiry, curiosity and mutual respect the events that have changed our lives forever;

WHEREAS, on the week of January 13th through January 19th Conversation Cafés will take place throughout the city;

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Seattle, the Mayor concurring, do hereby proclaim January 13 through 19, 2002 to be:

Conversation Week

And encourages our citizens to participate in the many conversations organized this week to bring us together in civic discourse.