Session 23 Closing: Possibility Conversations

A community organiser once pointed out that “If people don’t have the power to change a bad situation, then they don’t think about it” (Saul Alinsky). His point was that you need to have a reason for knowing about issues. He believed that once people are organised and begin to have a genuine opportunity to act and change conditions, they start to think their problems through, show their competence, seek special counsel and look for answers. This closing session offers you the opportunity to find others and get organised (even without organisations).

We will first provide a synopsis of all the segments of the Forum, including some personal reflections from organisers and participants. Then we will share our compilation of available opportunities to participate in community networks or interest groups, or collaborate to advance some collective interest. (For example, a quota hiring interest group, community currency action group and research community of practice are just some existing groups you might be keen to learn about and join). If you wish a particular group exists, simply suggest this and you might be surprised who else shares your interest. There will also be an invitation to all to share your ideas, express your feelings, and make offers or requests to the community before we bring the Forum to a close.