Obama and Conversation

In a recent New York Times article
a friend recalled some Obama advice when he visited New York after Obama was a student at Columbia.

"Mr. Ramos visited Mr. Obama in New York City in the early 1980s after Mr. Obama had graduated from Columbia University.

“I was just so blown away by New York, so intimidated,” Mr. Ramos recalled. “And he said to me, ‘Mike, don’t worry. New Yorkers are just like everybody else — they appreciate a kind gesture and a thoughtful response.’ ”

This just about sums it up! This is what should lie at the heart of all of our conversation: a kind gesture and a thoughtful response.
Those of us involved in social change should always remember this, or we just drive people away.

Democracy begins in conversation, John Dewey

At the heart of all social change is conversation. No matter what change you want, start talking about it! Talk to people on the street, talk to your neighbor, talk to the person next to you in the grocery line. Take a risk and start a discussion group. You can learn how here!

Why Conversation Is Important for Community

Hi everyone, Welcome to my latest blog! I'll be discussing the relationship between conversation and community, and why it's so necessary for democracy.