democratic circle Purpose Statement

To create a circle of communication within our local community made up of a diverse group so that we may meet people we might not otherwise meet. To share our concerns, ideas, and values. To become aware of our community at a level that is beyond race, gender, class, religion, education level, and political party. To understand the issues that are brought to our attention through the media and politics with a broader perspective.

An additional outcome of the democratic circle is that members introduce each other to a possibly state-wide, national, and/or global issue that affects us in Longmont, and informs us of ways to locally participate and/or affect that issue. This provides each member with a chance to choose to participate in that issue further in the community.

democratic circle Community

This democratic circle community is centered in Longmont, Colorado: Our neighborhood, the neighborhood across the creek, the apartments downtown, the subdivision across town, and so on. It also includes anyone who is interested in this concept and wishes to hear or speak on issues that are of interest to this democratic circle community.

democratic circle Method

To invite community members to gather on the third Thursday of the month at a member’s home, which will be chosen on a rotating basis, or at a neighborhood venue, such as a coffee house or library. To discuss an issue that at least one member holds dear and at least two other members wish to learn more about. We will keep a list of issues that members would like to present, and then poll members through the web site to determine if two other members of the group are interested in discussing an issue. We will attempt to rotate through all the members who wish to present an issue so that no one member presents at two meetings in a row. We will keep track of meetings, issues, and comments on the democratic circle forum at the web site, http://electricrider.net/drupal/?q=forum/27.

democratic circle Issues

democratic circle issues are problems that do not have an obvious solution and that we, as individuals, cannot solve alone. These issues affect us personally as well as the community in which we live. We encourage members to propose ideas for issues even if they don’t see an obvious connection to the community. We may find that, after airing the idea, the issue does affect the entire community! You can find examples of issues discussed at previous meetings here (http://electricrider.net/drupal/?q=forum/27)

democratic circle Discussions

During democratic circle discussions, the presenter will include a definition of the issue and why it is important to him or her as well as to the community. The presenter may also include his or her personal experience in regards to the issue and the larger significance of the issue. The presentation should be no longer than an hour including questions. It is up to the presenter whether to hold questions until the end or allow question during the presentation. We encourage you to make a handout to pass out at the discussion. After the discussion, please send a summary of the talk to Ellen so she can post it. You can find examples of summaries here (http://electricrider.net/drupal/?q=forum/27)