Youth-led COMMUNITY DIALOGUES: “What do you have to say?”

By Jackie Fischer

The term ‘civil discourse’ has been pulled out, brushed off, and bandied about quite a bit in the last few months.  But what does the phrase really mean? And more importantly, how does it apply to our everyday lives here in the greater Woodstock area?  Over the past couple of years, OCP and partners have sponsored three sets of Community Dialogues, and we are gearing up for another series.  These youth-facilitated events bring people together across the generations to consider real issues and concerns. We often find through the dialogue process that youth and adults share the same concerns.  During Community Dialogues, people answer thoughtfully poised questions from the heart, across generations, and are carefully listened to by one another.  This is civil discourse at its best.

Community Dialogues are led by youth facilitators with adult support, and, over the last two years, they have been held in Barnard, Bridgewater, Killington, Pomfret, Reading, and Woodstock. Each Community Dialogue addresses a particular issue, carefully chosen ahead of time by the facilitators.  Every participant in Community Dialogues has a chance to meaningfully reflect on the topic and to have their voices heard and respected.  

Youth and adult Community Dialogue facilitators receive specific training in how to lead and focus the dialogues. During the training process, facilitators learn active listening skills and techniques for making sure that all voices are heard.

OCP and partners are now preparing for the next set of Community Dialogues by holding free facilitator trainings for both youth and adults. These trainings will be conducted by Robert Bryant on March 20 and 27^th from 1-3 p.m. for youth, and from 12-3 for adults.  OCP and partners are actively seeking both youth and adults who would like to become trained facilitators. Call us now if you are interested!

There are a couple of ways you can be involved in supporting Community Dialogues. One way is to become a trained Community Dialogue facilitator or encourage a young person you know to become a trained facilitator.   It’s fun, and facilitators gain great communication skills. Or, you can participate in an upcoming Community Dialogue.  Showing up to a Community Dialogue is a good way to make your voice heard in our community  and to support youth involvement in community.  Watch this column for upcoming Community Dialogue dates!

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Community Dialogue facilitator, especially young people ages 14-17, contact Jackie at OCP at  457-2679 or jfischer@ocpvt.org This Community Dialogue training is made possible by funding from the Ottauquechee Health Foundation.