Because we are social beings: why our gatherings are key to our approach
We live in a world where we can Skype and Zoom, Tweet and Snap Chat but ultimately we are innately social beings who need to connect with other humans in the same physical space.
I and Collaborate Out Loud love using social and digital tools to connect, communication and collaborate but we have also seen and know the importance of creating those simple, surprising and social spaces where we can come together.
That’s why we love our community gatherings. These are intentional and informal spaces where anyone who is part of the community (or wants to join the community) can come together and learn, share and make stuff happen. These spaces are heavily shapes by our 11 principles that have been crowdsourced with our communities.
These gatherings give us the opportunity to live and breathe what is important to all of us and live our values. We work hard to make the spaces inclusive, open, transparent and democratic. It is down to the community what they want to use the spaces for and we encourage people to not come with one single hat on but come with everything they have to get the most for them and others. Here are some simple ways to create democratic spaces:
1. Rather than asking people to introduce themselves with their name and role, we simple ask people to say there name and where they are from. They can interpret this however they like but I or kev normally starts off by saying our name and where we are from so that would either be Prestwich or Liverpool. This really works and I have had such mixed group where there has been Chief Executives and carers in the same room but unless they choose to share this later in conversations nobody would know. Everyone is equal with an equal voice
2. Using circles is another great way of creating democratic spaces. Circles have no head, so nobody is in charge and they are a way of helping everyone to feel included
3. Giving people choice over how the spaces is used. I recently did this with a group and I asked them did they want to continue the sessions as was or do something different. They each had a giant ball to throw in a basket so everyone could see the decision that was being made. They chose to carry on but in the name of democracy if they had chosen to do something else then it would have been down to them to decide what.
These are just three simple ways and there are loads more. ultimately though giving people the time, space and conditions where they can just come together, meet new and different people and work on some real stuff is important.
Anyone can set up a collaborate out loud community anywhere, so if you are interested have a look at our community commitment form which is the first step in starting yours.
If you can’t commit to start a community but want to register your interest where you live, work or play then you can complete this simple form and we will connect you with others where you are.
