What is the container that holds?

It's an intense week, an amazing time, and I am soaking everything in through all my pores. Then everyone goes home. Some of us stay in touch for awhile, then gradually we get back into our work routine and the spirit of that week becomes more distant. For a long time I've wondered what it would take to keep the fire burning year-round, right here in my home province. There have been a few false starts. We've come together a few times but the container didn't hold--maybe it was too dependent on one or two ALIA staff, who get distracted by other demands. In a week there will be another meeting in Nova Scotia to explore the possibilities, and I've heard of other such conversations elsewhere. Perhaps this could be a place to share what we're doing, what we're learning, and what "minimal elegant structure" will make the difference.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brad Johnston on June 20, 2010 at 1:46am

Susan - it is a great inquiry. What structures support a new community coming together and holding? I'm going to explore that question of new community here in Toronto and Ontario; and I started the ALIA - Toronto/Ontario group as a first container.

Perhaps there are wise lessons to take from the Summer Institute to bring to this experiment of community building; like - fail early and fail often, and let go of attachment to outcomes and do it anyway, and move in the direction of your energy.

Permalink Reply by Susan Szpakowski on September 30, 2010 at 9:06pm

Brad, I like your "wise lessons." I am currently visiting Tamarack's Communities Collaborating Institute in Kitchener, and taking in a lot of great learning about what's working (and not) in the field. Two big reports were just released, one from the Canadian Vibrant Communities initiative and one from the Aspen Institute, which has been documenting "lessons and challenges" in community change efforts for two decades. I am humbled by the scope and rigor of the work represented here.

At the same time, I am feeling the difference in culture, not as a judgement but just as acknowledging that the ALIA culture, which is closely aligned with Art of Hosting and other cultures that show up at the Institute, is actually distinctive and has its own contribution to this field. It's that culture that attracts me, rather than any of the specifics about what one might do. That's an interesting re-discovery, because heaven knows there are enough things to do, groups to join, etc. already.

Perhaps I would (right now anyway) describe that culture as one that holds presence, ambiguity, not-knowing, and energy with intention and therefore invites authenticity, openness, acceptance, generativity, and courage. Maybe it's because I'm such an introvert, but for me that's a welcome counterpoint to the focus on action, change, and results that necessarily comes along with doing good work in the world.

Permalink Reply by Brad Johnston on October 1, 2010 at 6:44am

I'm interested in what you are learning about the relationship between "active" community cultures and "contemplative" cultures like ALIA related to how they form and sustain. Did I get it right? Tell more.

Permalink Reply by Susan Szpakowski on October 2, 2010 at 8:26pm

Good distillation, Brad, though there may be a better word than contemplative. Or I wish there was. I've tried answering your question several times and find myself getting into theoretical abstractions that aren't satisfying. Probably it's a matter of just doing it--paying attention to being present and grounded together while also sharing learning about what's working, the struggles, etc. in the everyday world of action. I guess it's up to any community to find the balance that's right for them. Do you agree? What has been your experience with communities of practice?

Permalink Reply by Stephan R. Sengupta on October 5, 2010 at 4:36am

Hello,
Just to acknowledge with thanks that it's a very interesting conversation that is going on here.
I'm following it closely.
Warmly,
Stephan

Permalink Reply by Angie Swartz on July 11, 2011 at 12:03pm

Hello,

I find it very interesting to be able to look back on this conversation and acknowledge the importance of how it is still evolving today. Susan, I appreciate all of your points. Is it the container that is missing to allow all of those attributes of ALIA to grow to their next advancement? Perhaps just choosing something more solid that can be molded will allow the group to keep conversations going on a grander scale.