New ways of addressing old challenges

During the course of this week, I had the opportunity of attending a Research-Exchange. It was an interesting kind, where “Experts” – Professors and Doctors of Philosophy at various universities globally and “Practitioners” – executives and leaders of community organizations are sitting together and deliberate on issues. The sessions were very educational, informative, and insightful and thought provoking. This is not just another meet of experts, but an exchange that is far insightful in reconciling the practices of expert researchers and community practitioners. The idea is a brainchild of Kettering Foundation.

There were multiple issues and research themes under the microscope in numerous sessions. A number of issues really impressed me about the structure and method of deliberation. Firstly, the bringing together of practitioners and experts to discuss issues that are affecting people in communities. Secondly, the huge presence of women across the board in the groups of experts and practitioners. Thirdly, the willingness of the participants to give each another the space and opportunity to voice their views, and fourthly, the participants’ self-initiative in pro-actively communicating their views, without having to wait for someone to provoke a discussion.
What also impressed me during the sessions was how experts and practitioners were able to make their views heard, without one group looking down on the other. I also admired the attitude of the organizers and planners, who appeared to be interested more in listening, absorbing, and asking questions, instead of dominating the discussions. It was the way they allow participants to dominate discussions that somehow resonates with me. This might not be an easy thing to achieve, but it is a fabulous way of mitigating issues in deliberation.

The other issue of interest is the way presenters approach “sensitive” and “contentious” issues. They play with the idea that we might not agree or take a vote on every single issue “now”, but it is the beginning of a conversation that we need to have. We might not find practical solutions to ongoing problems and challenges in every given situation, but some time in the future, we will. At the end of the Exchange, I just wish that our national leaders could come down to our level and becoming wiling participants in community weekly meetings, instead of simply treating our people with contempt. Our leaders need to listen and allow our citizens and communities to contribute their views to the national conversation.