Conversation, Creativity and Community: A World Café to Redefine our Community

Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." In the spirit of that statement, Alternatives, is inviting people from all walks of life and abilities to a gathering where the themes of Conversation, Creativity and Community will be explored. Known as The C3 Project, this is the third annual arts conference at Alternatives' Whitin Mill. The conference takes place Saturday, November 7th, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The gathering will utilize the World Cafe process wherein small groups will discuss topics for short periods and then move on. "Everyone has a voice, and we are all much smarter together," explains Samantha Tan, World Cafe facilitator. "It's been used by groups as diverse as the United Nations and the Girl Scouts to discover insights and possibilities for action." Ms. Tan recently facilitated a World Cafe at the Conference for Change Gathering organized by the Dalai Lama in Vancouver.

"Unfortunately, there has been a decline in community spirit in most of our towns," says Alternatives executive director Dennis Rice. "We hope participants will leave the conference with community building ideas and possibilities for creative action in their community."

"This is something everyone will enjoy," says David Webster OTR/L, scD. Mr. Webster works for the VA Boston Rehab Team, a member of the board of the Mass Psych Rehab Association and one of the organizers of C3. "It's about the power of conversation, collective wisdom and unexpected creativity. Although we are never sure what will come out of a gathering like this, we know that it will be powerful."

Participants will also have an opportunity to explore Zentangle, a new art form, which utilizes repetitive shapes to create beautiful images. "To learn that you can relax while creating wonderful works of art is an empowering and uplifting experience," says instructor Rick Roberts, "It's easy, fun and guarantees creative success for the participants."

Conversation, Creativity and Community: A World Cafe to Redefine Our Community takes place Saturday, November 7th, at Alternatives' Whitin Mill, 50 Douglas Road in Whitinsville, MA. There is a registration fee of $60 per person which includes breakfast and lunch. Attendance is limited to 100 persons. For more information and registration contact Hung Pham at (508) 266-6520 or on the web at www.alternativesnet.org/c3_project.asp.