Peter Block is an author and consultant whose work focuses on empowerment, stewardship, chosen accountability, and the reconciliation of community. He has been a leading-edge thinker for many years and has published ‘The Abundant Community’ (written with John McKnight, 2010), and ‘Community: The Structure of Belonging’ (2008).
Here are some highlights from Peter’s website “Abundant Community” and his most recent blog post “The Future Right Now”:
“Caring for our community and convening citizens to care for their community is difficult work. We are working against the whole tide of the dominant culture which worships individualism, self-interest, and competition. As a culture, we collectively hold the idea that if you are poor, vulnerable, and can’t compete, well, it is your fault. This is part of the reason community building is so isolating.
Though you will never see it in the news, there is a surge of localism going on, a citizen-based movement toward interdependence, generosity, and cooperation that is changing the world…Mike Butler is an example of where the future of leadership exists right now. Police Chief and now also Fire Chief of Longmont, CO, Mike has been reconstructing the role of public safety for twenty years. He has demonstrated that citizens’ coming together in a place keeps it safe. He is making fire houses centers for community health. He does this not as a guerilla venture, but on the radar and in full view. Mike joined John and me for a conversation on May 29th that is available for free at online/dial-up conversation."
The 2012 CO Restorative Justice Summit, which takes place on the UCD campus in Denver August 9th to the 11th, will feature Peter Block as a keynote on Day Two. To learn more about the Summit, click here. Early bird prices have been extended through July 10th and there are student scholarships for those 23 and younger, as well as group rates available. The Summit also has hotel sponsorship from the Quality Inn Denver with rates at just $72/night and group rates available at the Sheraton Downtown Denver for $99/night. We hope to see you at the Summit!
Comments
and healing in the silence. I heard that this past week. There was talk about the need for the circle facilitator to allow for the space of silence. One participant shared that silence was something she had studied while studying music. I hadn't thought of
that before. A musical manuscript actually identifies purposeful space for silence. That space is noted by a symbol musicians call a "rest." A rest allows for a breath, a change and contemplation. I am challenged to be more mindful - and comfortable with silence.
It is okay to take a "rest." Important things happen in the absence of noise.