Here the notes from the meeting:
Valuing Diversity
Some Ideas that came out of the discussion
Know your communities/ mapping.
Avoid evangelism
Link up local community groups via events i.e. street parties/ picnics.
Is the Transition handbook aware of diversity?
Creating opportunities to make links with B.M.E (Black and ethnic minority) groups. It was said that their priorities of B.M.E. and white working class groups are largely family / community not environmental.
Dealing with Conflicts
Respecting people’s difference, understanding others & patience were seen as inportant factors.
“Think it possible that you may be mistaken”.
Conflict arises whern there’s a lack of listening / communication.
It’s important not to be so anxious to talk that you don’t hear what the other person is saying.
In a conflict situation some may respond with rudeness / critical behaviour: not listening / not responding.
Not responding to the person who is angry / forceful may be valid .
What’s needed is an understanding of the position of the other person for there to be a learning process in ther communication. And a willingness to respect that even though it be very different to yours.
There may be a danger that fragmentation due to frustration may occur within the group and people may leave after being offended. – (Am sure that this would’n’t happen in most transition groups!
A person may come to the group with another agenda and want this to to be pushed forward
Cheers, Alex
