Hello

 

Do you have a few hours a week to help us shape a new direction for Talk Shop – a vehicle to spread deliberative discussion?

 

We are a small group who’ve developed a successful practice of deliberative discussion we’ve named Talk Shop. The core of its practice has been developed over 15 years. It has people alternating between breakout groups and full meeting discussions led by a facilitator. We’ve held 30 events since we got together about 2 1/2 years ago, with partners such as the WEA in Liverpool, Edinburgh, Huntingdon & London; the Diocese of Worcester; the Global Education Centre in Exeter; and a local coffee shop in Hereford. Topics have included Fracking, Inequality, Climate Change, Crisis in Democracy and the EU: In or Out.

 

We live in a world where trust and confidence in politicians and our institutions of democracy are in crisis, and where the forces of division appear stronger than the channels of connection. Yet, we have to find a way of living together whatever our views. We recognize that we may have to agree to disagree but ideally our conversations should help us to find common ground. We believe that this can be achieved by deepening and extending democracy throughout society.

 

Our mission is to invigorate democracy by involving ordinary people in informed conversations that enable them to have greater influence over the decisions that affect them.

 

We don’t get paid for this, although we do ask for traveling expenses. We live all over the country so we meet by phone for an hour each week, and 3-4 times a year get together for 24 hours.

 

We’re looking for people with ideas and connections in this space, and perhaps experience in developing partnerships, who can help us shape the next step of our growth, and perhaps bring a bit of diversity to the group too. If this is something you might consider, please get in touch and we’ll find a way to meet you.

 

Thanks a lot for your time.

 

Perry, Stuart, Martin & Bob