You are cordially invited to participate in the next CONVERSATION CIRCLE at Damon Hall in Hartland VT next Wednesday, November 29, 6:00-8:15 pm

Topic: RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP: WHAT, WHO, AND HOW?

This Conversation Circle will dig deeper into the issues of guns which we began in last month’s Circle. We will drill down to the critical issue of responsible gun ownership and explore various perspectives and concerns about WHO may or may not be a responsible gun owner (i.e. who should or should not own a firearm), WHAT responsible gun ownership means, and HOW do we achieve it.

This focus on responsible gun ownership strongly relates to many other important questions and concerns that can illuminate and enrich the discussion. They include:
Reducing gun violence;
Balancing the rights and safety needs of gun owners and non-gun owners;
Balancing the 2nd amendment freedom to bear arms with enhancing the public good through appropriate regulation such as universal background checks;
Addressing lethality of weapons (Semi-automatic firearms, etc.)

As always, participants will be encouraged to connect with and understand the mindset of those on the other side of the issue, and to consider what common ground there may be.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Please RSVP so we can prepare for the # of people.

In this time of social division, turmoil, and confusion, where it has become difficult for people to communicate in a caring and constructive way, the Conversation Circle is an alternative approach to talking with each other, for the purpose of learning, understanding, empathizing, connecting with each other, building bridges, and strengthening community.

The Conversation Circle is a structured and facilitated conversation among a small group of people (maximum 8 people) with a variety of viewpoints and perspectives. In a Conversation Circle, each person shares their views, perceptions, experiences, hopes, and concerns around a topic of interest, without interruption, rebuttal, or feedback, during two rounds. In addition, there is at least one round of open discussion. It is not a lecture or debate where people get on their soapbox and try to convince others, nor is it a meeting to make decisions or reach agreement. Rather, the Conversation Circle is an open get-together where participants listen respectively to each other, with an attitude of open-mindedness, appreciation, acceptance, curiosity, discovery, sincerity, and brevity, all of which participants agree to. This opens the door for greater connection, common ground, and collaboration to address community needs, challenges, and goals.

We will begin promptly at 6 pm to maximize the conversation time. Light dinner and refreshments will be available.

For RSVP or more info, contact Gary Shapiro - gshapcrc@sover.net or phone 802-229-1165

Sponsored by the Hartland Public Library