Democratic Meetings: Observations on Their Nature

                     Hints for recognizing a democratic meeting can be found below.

                As you look them over you may find it useful to keep in mind that all democracy is participatory and that each democratic meeting can be a powerful learning experience for those participating. Some participants may be learning intrinsic rules for effective and just communication.

                    

Happenings at meetings democratic or not may include:

~ politics being practiced.

~ persons consciously practicing dialogue skills, methods, and techniques.

~ persons finding that their respect and courtesy are good for them and for others.

~ participants learning intrinsic rules for effective and just communication.


On to the meeting hints. Its democratic as its:

~ of, by, and for its participants.

~ as free as possible from outside powers.

~ autonomous.

~ held in a safe place. An atribute of a safe place is that it is nutral.

~ designed and redesigned to meet the needs of the participants.

~ as inclusive as possible.

~ participants are well aware that it is an important listening expirience.

~ leadership rolls are kept to a minimum and are of wide participation. Turns are taken.

~ a ''teach in'' and a learning experience.

~ a time for understanding before deciding.

~ less autoritarian and hierarchical and more horizontal and egalitarian.

~ a time for thinking together as well as for self.

~ a time when your comments and communications are best addressed to the group as a whole.

~ a time to practice good manners and honesty.


                Tomorrow my observations are likely to differ. These hints and meetings may be less about arrival and more about getting on the right track, less about arrival and more about orientation.

                When you have time explore other posts on this site. Thank you for reading.



                                                                                                        rcs