2007-07-21 Unconference
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Sustainable Bloomington: A Community Conversation about Our Future
This third local unconference follows the first and second unconferences conducted locally. This event will focus on “sustainability” and include participants from the City government, universities, media, and local interest groups.
- The Politic Exchange presents
- Sustainable Bloomington: A Community Conversation about our Future
- Monroe County Public Library, Room 1C
- Saturday, July 21, 2007 @ 1p-4p
ABOUT THE TOPIC
The event will begin after Farmer’s Market with two small-group discussions conducted between 1-4p. The intent of this unconference is to provide a social space where citizens from all backgrounds and perspectives can come together and discuss issues related to Bloomington and our collective future. We would like to have as many simultaneous conversations as possible, representing a wide range of perspectives, so come prepared to speak on the specific issues that interest you the most. And bring a friend!
We strongly encourage all members of the Bloomington community to come and engage your fellow citizens as we develop a common vision of a sustainable Bloomington. This is not an event about consensus as much as it is about raising awareness and understanding our common goals. These are the ingredients that motivate us to later action.
HOW IT WORKS
The Politic Exchange is an ad-hoc format for small group conversations that should include participation from stakeholders for the topic of the day. A brief welcome introducing the topic of the day will begin at 1p, with participants invited to write topics on the Big Board (they will be encouraged to do so before 1p as well). Everyone breaks up into the discussion group of their own choosing and has a conversation for the next 45 minutes. The larger group reconvenes to share summaries of our discussions. Then, it happens all over again for a second 45-minute discussion.
An unconference is a paradox, a new idea as old as campfires. Dave Winer made the term popular among technologists while organizing conferences for bloggers in 2004. The concept, though, has been around for as long as people decided to gather in circles to talk.
Each unconference begins with a brief welcome introducing the topic of the day. Participants are invited to write conversation ideas on a white board. After reviewing these suggestions, everyone joins the discussion group of their own choosing and has a conversation for the next 45 minutes. Introductions are made, and someone in each group becomes responsible for documenting and publishing summary notes. The larger group reconvenes to share their summaries. Then, it happens all over again for a second 45-minute discussion. After the event, participants publish reflections on blogs, forums and wikis to create living documents that can be used and re-used later.
Chaos is a key ingredient. While the idea of gathering in a room for a conference without any agenda may be disconcerting, the experience is often very rewarding for those who participate. It is empowering to suggest a topic and quickly identify the small group of people most interested in talking about it. Even if an idea is never discussed, the act of announcing it to a room full of engaged people could create future benefit. Any topic that intrigues at least two people is the right one for that day.
Whoever comes are the right people. Whatever happens is the only thing that could.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This community conversation will appeal to anyone interested in how local consumption can match our available resources. This includes:
* Departments in City and County Government * Academics * Environmentalists * Media and Public Relations Professionals * Local Bloggers * Local Residents and representatives of Neighborhood Associations * Industrialists and Business Owners * Transportation experts
Specific stakeholders have been contacted to participate, but this is an event open to the general public. Please reserve the early afternoon for some engaging conversation on an important subject.
More information is available by joining a Yahoo! group created for these kinds of local events. Contact Kevin Makice (812.360.2557) about free registration. All stakeholders and general public is encouraged to attend.
See the additional notes on planning for meta information.
