Beechworth ‘Dialogue To Change’ Orientation Workshop

The Neighbourhood Centre in historic Beechworth in Victoria’s NE will host a Dialogue to Change Orientation Workshop.

What Actually Happens In A Dialogue To Change Workshop?

• ‘Dialogue’ and ‘deliberation’ are used to explore issues of concern and to develop solutions
• The process empowers diverse groups of ordinary community people to work together to bring about change in their lives and in their communities
• The process is particularly useful in communities with a high level of diversity or in a process of change
• The process is based on the work of Everyday Democracy in the US and on the 125 year old Swedish Study Circle tradition, customised for the Australian context

Workshop Details

Venue Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre, 30 Ford St Beechworth
Date 30 October 2009
Time 10am – 4pm
Facilitators Dr Mark Brophy, Sally Thompson, Mary Brennan
Cost $95 per employee PLUS one service user, volunteer or community member FREE
Provided Lunch and notes
Booking Form below

Is a Dialogue to Change Program Right For Your Community?

Mark Brophy suggests you consider the following:

1. Change

Can change occur through participation?

It is very important that people know what is ‘up for grabs’. Can anything change as a result of participating in a Dialogue to Change Program? People will more likely participate, be involved and carry forward action ideas if they know that some decisions are not made yet. They then own the issue, the challenges, the alternatives and the solutions.

2. Time

Do you have at least two months to set up and organise a Dialogue to Change Program?

Very short time frames are a challenge and need to be avoided. Time restrictions will make a Dialogue to Change Program difficult to organise, recruit participants and create meaningful solutions. Short deadlines may result in reactionary decisions that are not thought through.

3. Support

Are the decision makers supportive of a Dialogue to Change Program?

It is challenging to run a Dialogue to Change Program when those who hold the power are unwilling to support it. If decision makers are unsupportive of a Dialogue to Change Program a more traditional approach may be more appropriate.

4. Issue

Is the issue one that is of interest to participants?

How can we describe the issue so that it will interest all kinds of people?

Issues that work best for a Dialogue to Change Program relate to the real concerns and daily lives of many different people in the community. A good question to ask is: What is currently happening in the community that is of concern? There is a helpful article in Edition Eight of The Circular – ‘Naming, Framing, Deciding and Learning’. See: http://studycircles.net.au/the_circular_edition_eight_june_2009

5. Intent and Purpose

Is the Dialogue to Change Program the correct approach for you?

The International Association for Public Participation – Community Engagement Spectrum and the National Coalition for Deliberative Dialogue – Engagement Streams and Process Distinction Framework are both useful tools to use to establish if the model suits your purpose and intent. These tools are covered in our workshops, however, if you need more information on these, please contact us.

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BOOKING FORM

Community Wide Dialogue to Change Program – Orientation Workshop @ Beechworth

Friday 30th October 2009
Register by 16th October please.

Tax Invoice /Registration Form
ABN 79847262902

Please forward payment with your registration

Name of Employee/s : __________________________________________________________¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

Name of Community Member/s: __________________________________________________

Organisation: _________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Telephone: __________________________________________________________________

Email/s: _____________________________________________________________________

Total: (@$95 per employer, plus 1 community member free) $____________

Payment Options (please tick):

? By Post: Cheque Payable to ACEVic can be sent to PO Box 478, Yarraville, 3013
? EFT Transfer: BSB: 633 000 A/C: 129124814

If using EFT, please indicate the date of transfer:

________________________________________

Refund Policy: No refund can be given from 2 weeks prior to the event. Transfers available

Please return this form to:
Jacqui Ralley,
ACE Vic,
PO Box 478
Yarraville, Vic, 3013

Or by Fax: (03) 9315 3358

For further information contact Jacqui Ralley on
(03) 9315 2610,
office@acevic.org.au