Dialogue and Deliberation

Friday, October 23, 2010

On Friday I went to a program hosted by the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD). Clearly, the intent was to get people together beyond networking who are working in negotiation on the East Side (what is it called) of the Rockies. There were about 50-60 in attendence of diverse ages and gender but not of race. The design was two lectures and a bunch of break out groups and the requisite butcher paper + post its. It was valuable for networking opportunities. People who have been in the business for decades were approachable and interested in talking to young folks just starting out.

Some good quotes I heard:
Stan Deetz, UC Boulder 3CG: (paraphrase) It used to be that people were satisfied leaving a consensus with "I can accept that, and I can live with that." But that breeds mediocrity. Instead, we should try to get to: "I never thought of that and I'm excited about getting on board with that."

And, same guy, the reason for being here (in consensus building) should be because "I can't be smart enough alone."

The free book I got was called "Standing in the Fire: Leading high-heat meetings with clarity, clam, and courage" by Larry Dressler. Let me know if you would like to borrow it!

It was held at the Wellshire Inn, a hidden golf resort in a Denver neighborhood. For lunch they had delicious sandwiches and salads and cookies!

Peter Adler, President of the Keystone Center
Paul Alexander, Director of the Regis University Institute for the Common Good
Martin Carcasson, Director of the CSU Center for Public Deliberation
Stan Deetz, Director of the CU Center for the Study of Conflict, Collaboration and Creative Governance
Peggy Kerns, Director of the Center for Ethics in Government of the National Conference of State Legislatures
Steve Konieczka, Doctoral Candidate in UC Boulder Communication Department
Drew O’Connor, Co-Director of the Civic Canopy
Amanda Roman, Executive Director of the Citizens in Charge Foundation

Here's a link with more info about the event and registration: http://www.ncdd.org/events/denver.php