Community conversations, the second edition. A book written by Paul Born of www.tamarackcommunity.ca

In today's waterfowl podcast, episode 32, I read from a library book by Paul Born. Community Conversations had lots of interesting tips like future search and open space. This is something i had adopted, without knowing that it was already a practical technique or formal process. In my work over the last year by chairing the TAAC (Tahsis Age friendly Accessibly committee) I have been really trying to cultivate an attitude that is based on the 4 key principal created by Harrison Owen in the 1980's of 1. Who ever comes is the right people. 2. Whatever happens is the only thing that could happen. 3. Whenever it starts, it was mean to start. 4. When its over, its over. In reading this book it helped me to value and respect the process more. I see how the consultant the village had hired to produce the original age friendly report and further the transportation foccused one had used the cafe model to engage with public stakeholders in our community. During todays recording i read chapters 8 (food, movies and conversations) to the conclusion and resources including chapter 10 (building learning communities). The 9th chapter "giving voice to photos; a picture really is worth a thousand words especially if you are asked to explain it." Paul Born. I hope to continue using many of these engagement techniques as i stand for re-election on the UBCM executive at the upcoming virtual forum Obstacles to Opportunities in September, as small community representative. I will continue endeavour to advocate regarding financial mechanisms for fire protection in small, rural and remote places and serve the village of Tahsis in the last year of my first term. Thank you to the librarian who placed this book on a feature shelf for me to find at the jalna branch of the london public library. Thanks also to the listeners, featured guests and everyone else for being a part of the waterfowl flock.