How would you improve your community?
The Democratic Triangle refers to the balances between citizens, leaders, and the media. Healing the communication through this triangle will help my city (New Orleans, LA) and my country (USA).
The first step is listening to representatives of each sector. For instance, ask the following questions to 6 people in each “corner” of the triangle (citizens, leaders, and media):
- What do you observe about your community?
- What emotions rise up in you from your observations?
- Because of what experience in your life brings up the emotions?
- What do you want for the very best outcome for your community?
- Finally, what will you do (ethically) to help obtain the outcome you want?
The answers to these questions do well to be published.
Next, from all these interviews, what root metaphor arises? A root metaphor is the foundation of a discussion and often has two very contrasting images. For instance, in Geneva, Ohio this interviewing and listening process was done with the following root metaphors:
Geneva is a slum town.
Geneva is a home town.
After the analysis of the individual citizen/leader/media interviews, another big step helps the healing process. This step is a large town meeting.
Town Meeting
The attendees divide into random groups of about 5 to 7 people. They are asked to talk within their groups about what they desire to see done for their community. (Every group’s answers are recorded and put into a master list which is published in the media and sent to community leaders.)
For instance, in Geneva, Ohio, the list included items like “We need a senior center.” “We want enforcement of zoning laws to cut down on blight.”
Follow Up After Town Meeting
The follow-up to all this means planning action steps in separate meetings. Smaller groups focus on specific issues meet and plan their action steps.
Rosemary Althoff, Author 