WHAT?

From Group to Community “In genuine community there are no sides. It is not always easy but by the time they reach community the members have learned how to give up cliques and factions. They have learned how to listen to each other and how not to reject each other. Sometimes consensus in community is reached with miraculous rapidity. But at other times it is arrived at only after lengthy struggle. Just because it is a safe place does not mean community is a place without conflict. It is, however, a place where conflict can be resolved without physical or emotional bloodshed and with wisdom as well as grace. A community is a group that can fight gracefully.” M. Scott Peck M.D., The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace

Thomas Sergiovanni states that “the need for community is universal. A sense of belonging, of continuity, of being connected to others and to ideas and values that make our lives meaningful and significant -- these needs are shared by all of us.”

“The people in one’s life are like the pillars on one’s porch you see life through. And sometimes they hold you up. And sometimes they lean on you, and sometimes it’s just enough to know they’re standing by.” Anonymous

This is what we shall look for as we move: freedom developed by human beings who have acted to make a space for themselves in the presence of others, human beings become “challengers” ready for alternatives, alternatives that include caring and community… We want to discover how to open spaces for persons in their plurality, spaces where they can become different, where they can grow.”

We want to discover how to open spaces for persons in their plurality, spaces where they can become different, where they can grow.” It is important to hold in mind … that the person – that center of choice – develops in his/her fullness to a degree he/she is a member of a live community. Maxine Greene (1988) The Dialectic of Freedom

Safe and Trusting Environment Physical/Emotional Safety and Relational Trust Balancing “Me” and “We” Empowerment and Social Commitment Conditions for Creating a Sense of Community

Ownership Focus (goal setting) and the 3 R’s (Routines, rituals, responsibilities) Intentionality Being intentionally inviting and making Time for relationship building Conditions for Creating a Sense of Community

HOW?

Two Perspectives on Sequencing 1.Ice Breakers 2.Deinhibitizers 3.Trust Activities 4.Problem Solving Initiatives 5.Challenges 1.Getting Acquainted 2.Learning to Trust and Support Each Other 3.Setting Goals 4.Using Communication Skills 5.Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution 6.Extensions

“I am because we are.” African Proverb

Laurie Frank GOAL Consulting 1337 Jenifer Street Madison, Wisconsin USA