Not A Public Forum

 More about what our dialogue practice groups are and what they are not. Our practice groups are social, but not usually public.

            A public forum is an important place, doing, and happening. A public forum is of great value to a people. It is a place for news and information to be exchanged, and may be a place to convince others of the value of one's positions. It may even be a place for economic or religious contention. Such forums are important tools of democracy, nation, and community.

            Members of dialogue practice groups often support public forums, but cannot be one. The public forum is a place for the practice of free speech wherein the limits are so broad so that it seems that anything goes.

            In our dialogue groups we aim for higher levels of meaning, understanding, and ability to think together. We aim for greater respect and valuing for the assumptions and opinions of others. With appropriate modesty, we aim to better understand the meaning what others are saying for us.

            We like our group to be inclusive. We are interested in sharing peace, meaning, and understanding. In our groups we practice talking among ourselves using rules for, and ways of,  carrying on our talk effectively.

            To beginners our talk sometimes seems purposeless. We seem to have no agenda, to have little authority or hierarchy. However, with our rules, ways, and skills, we limit fear, anger, and contention as we enhance understanding, meaning, and peace. At times we are pleasantly surprised by evidence of a new power of thinking together.

Here on Mago Bill,  you can find more posts about dialogue. But if you are really interested by this post you can click on:

 Dialogue With RCS.  Then click on the blue URL just below.

for Mago Bill
by Richard Sheehan