A little about this space...

For awhile now, Gary and I have been talking about putting together this space. I think blogs in general offer a unique opportunity to build community that other ways of meeting don't - their accessibility doesn't depend on being at any particular place at any particular time, or knowing any particular group. Conversations can continue around a post for as long as anyone has an interest, can usefully digress and can be easily revisited long after the original moment has passed. Some of the social dynamics that tend to squash participation during live meetings are also somewhat lessened here - without a face to go with the voice, and with all the voices in writing, the tendency to pidgeon hole and stereotype is somewhat lessened and hierarchies of opinion can be more easily challenged. I think this encourages those who might not ordinarily participate in public discourse to begin to do so - at least, I know this was true in my case.
Here is some of what we have in mind
for this site:

• A place to share information leading to better informed opinion about immediate issues in the ward;

• A place where neighbors can share their vision to help shape the longer - term policies that will impact this ward and neighboring wards in the future;
• A place where we hope that personality, personal history, and ideology will take a back seat to pragmatic discussion that takes all stakeholders into account;
• A place where we can learn from local, national and international thought leaders with expertise in areas relevant to our major concerns;
• A place where we can have access to and open exchange with those who aspire to leadership positions in the ward; and
• A place where we can celebrate people and places that make this ward great, to provide perspective, awareness and encouragement.

We think everyone potentially has something valuable to bring to the table, regardless of how long you've been here, where you came from or why you are here.

We want to know what you want to know more about - we'll do our best to facilitate.

We welcome you to join us.

-- Rebecca Rouilly