Governance With RCS: Hints about the nature of a democratic meeting
Some hints for recognizing a democratic meeting:
As you look over the hints below you may find it useful to keep in mind that all democracy is participatory and that each such meeting can be a powerful learning experience for those who attend. For example, some participants may be learning intrinsic rules for effective and just communication.
On to the hints. A meeting is more democratic the more it is:
~ of, by, and for the participants.
~ free from outside powers.
~ autonomous.
~ designed and redesigned to meet the needs of participants.
~ as inclusive as reasonable.
~ an important listening experience for the participants.
~ a place where leadership roles are of wide participation and kept to a minimum.
~ a "teach in" and an informing experience.
~ often more for understanding and less for decisions.
~ less authoritarian and hierarchical and more horizontal and egalitarian.
~ a time for thinking together.
~ a time when your comments are best addressed to the group as a whole.
~ a time to practice good manners and honesty.
~ held in a neutral space.
Other things that can happen at a meeting, democratic or not:
~ Politics may be being practiced.
~ Some may be consciously practicing dialogue skills, methods, and techniques.
~ Some are finding that their respect and courtesy are good for them and others.
~ It is held in a safe place.
~ Some participants may be increasing their understanding if the vocabulary of the business and hand.
Hope these words have proven more more orienting than dis orienting.
There is a great happening at any meeting. People showed up!
Thank you for reading. Show up again and explore ways of searching this blog.
bye for now,
rcs