The Generative Powers of Civic Dialogues

- Rachel Remen

Stereotypes, judgments, defensiveness, fear and a priori decisions about whose opinion counts often sabotage conversations before they even begin. What makes constructive, creative dialogue among ‘ordinary’ people possible?

Imagine Chicago sees three interconnected powers as vital for civic dialogue. First is the power of positive framing. Human beings are full of potential, rich in strengths and talents, with energy and vitality to dream and create. Even complaints mask a deep desire for change. Conversations therefore do not need to be about what our problems or needs are, but about how we can harness our capacities to improve our lives and make our communities even better. Stating affirmatively what we value, what we hope, what we want, enables us (as well as others) to understand and act on behalf of that vision. Reframing negative comments into positive desires can provide a way out of traps and into possibilities.

Second, citizen conversations are invigorated by the power of inspiring questions. We can investigate anything — trouble or joy. The questions we ask set the agenda and determine what we find. Honest, open questions, asked in a spirit of friendship and genuine interest, enrich and deepen dialogue. They can clarify confusions and open up new images and understandings. Questions invigorate the imagination and stimulate learning and shared understanding. At a time in which the answers in hand are not sufficient for the challenges at hand, asking the right questions becomes even more urgent.

The third generative power is active listening. Genuine dialogue is creative; something new happens in the "in-between" space that listening creates. When citizens listen deeply to one another, they honor each other and cultivate the trust and relationships so crucial for joint action to occur. They start not only to see, but also to ‘hear’ the possibilities for their collective future.

- Jody Kretzmann