Give Civil Engagement a Chance

       Valentine hearts are not enough. To truly love, that is to regard the other in an unconditionally positive way, we must listen and be open to the person. This is needed on a personal as well as global scale. In launching One Small Step, StoryCorps©suggests, We are living through complicated days in these United States. The country is increasingly disconnected –our mutual distrust is amplified by everything from the corrosive effects of social media to the forces seeking to weaken the foundations of our democracy. Many people in American feel unheard, alone or distrustful. This project, currently being promoted by NKU Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement, is one way of bringing people together, one on one, to share their thoughts and feelings without judging or being judged.

       The Northern Kentucky Justice & Peace Committee is studying this and other possible activities to promote civil dialogue. But it’s not complicated. At the heart of every process are these basic guidelines:

• Invite someone whose point of view is different from your own to have a conversation over coffee or lunch.
• Don’t persuade, defend or interrupt. Be respectful.
• Share some of your life experiences.
• What issues deeply concern you?
• Be curious.  What have you always wanted to ask someone from “the other side”?

      I am drawn to take action in this way. I haven’t quite figured out who I will invite, or when, or the other specifics that need to be planned to really turn the idea into action. But writing this is my launch pad. Thank you for empowering me by listening.

      A final thought from Rumi:
                Out beyond ideas of right doing,
                wrong doing,

                there is a field.

       I’ll meet you there.

Sr. Dorothy Schuette, OSB