The Board of Trustees invites our Beloved Community to a conversation on the exploration of the community’s interest in a name change, during the month of October. The Board has structured a process that will be experienced in “Conversation Circles.” The goal in the process is to have your voices/interests heard, while using our Covenant of Engagement as a model for civil, courageous, and loving conversation.
Depending on the outcome of expressed interests, we’ll see if there is enough interest to go further in the name change exploration. If there does not seem to be a desire of the community to move forward with a name change, the Board would recommend that the discussion end for the year. If there seems to be a desire to explore the topic further, the Board has a process to proceed.
The Process of Exploration
The October conversations, facilitated by the Board, will be done in Conversation Circles. Participants will have an opportunity to express their thoughts/feelings. Then they will express their opinions on a form about going forward or not. An opportunity for non-Circle participants to complete this form will be made available as well. The Board will compile the information gathered and report to the community the results.
Please Attend!
October 2-15: Fourteen days of Conversation Circles will be made available to fit everyone’s schedule.
The circle process (in covenant group style with deep listening):
- Chalice lighting/opening words
- Two minute opportunities to express thoughts/feelings on a name change
- One minute opportunities to express empathy with those who differ
- Opportunity to propose a name change
- Reflection in thought and filling out a form on the issue
- Extinguish the chalice with closing words
If you have questions, please reach out to Brian Meister or Janelle Brittain of the Board along with the other Board members. We look forward to your participation in this conversation.