How to Host a Peaceful World Conversation
How to Host a World Conversation
Whether you are a traveler or travel host, a hometown hero or nomadic networker, these tips will help you start your own Peaceful World Conversation!
This is an exciting adventure in envisioning the kind of world we all want and inventing "next steps" as we travel the world. Peaceful World Conversations connect people who are moving about, learning and participating from culture to culture. We are privileged enough to travel and we have a lot to give.
There are two variations of Peaceful World Conversations: Drop-In/Casual Conversations and Scheduled/Hosted Conversations. Both offer an informal environment where individuals feel invited to walk in and sit together to talk in small groups around a table about topics of interest. The Drop-In/Casual Conversations is more of a site or space for a conversation to happen than a specific conversation. It can be a table, room or even a sign on a wall. The idea is inform visitors of the idea and encourage the development of Peaceful World Conversations. An example of this is a conversation table in a public setting that is available at any time. A placard or sign would indicate that the table is host to Peaceful World Conversations and perhaps suggest a few topics and talking points. People simply sit there at their pleasure, signifying their interest in talking with others.
On the other hand, Scheduled/Hosted Conversations are time-committed, hosted events which last for a specified time with a simple taking-turns agenda and guidelines for a good conversation. These conversations usually last around 90 minutes, a length of time that allows the conversation to really take shape but does not require a huge commitment from participants. Announcements for these conversations are posted on site and on the Peaceful World Foundation’s online calendar. Guests may attend by reservation or drop-in, depending on the host.
For Travel Hosts:
- Owners, managers, and hosts of travel spots (bed and breakfasts, hotels, hostels, cafes and other meeting places) can provide a table and a welcoming environment to encourage patrons and guests to start a Drop-In/Casual Conversation.
- You may decide to host your own scheduled conversations at your place of business, or provide the space to interested travelers and locals who approach you about hosting a conversation there. Making yourself available to work out the details of the scheduled event with the interested conversation host (arranging time and date, preparation of refreshments, promotion, etc...) is important part of helping this be a successful Peaceful World Conversation.
For Travelers and Locals:
- Travelers and members of any local community can take the initiative to begin a conversation with willing strangers and friends. There are no requirements or restrictions on what you talk about or where the conversation may lead, as long as everyone's different perspectives on a given subject are heard and welcomed.
- Approaching the owner or manager of a business where other travelers are likely to meet (bed & breakfasts, hotels, cafes, etc...) is a good idea to work out an appropriate time and space to host a Peaceful World Conversation. The conversation will inevitably adapt and adjust to the type of space that is available, so being flexible as to the details of the arrangement is a good way to ensure that everyone will be happy with the event and that the conversation will be successful.
We wish you insightful and joyful conversations!
