PULSE OF READING
What's at the heart of our community?
Upcoming Conversations
Change and Transition (May 30, 2019)
A Matter of Civility (September 2019)
Building Our Community (October 2019)
Belonging: Diversity in Reading (November 2019)
The Pulse of Reading - what is at the heart of our community?
Four residents seated at round table discussing shared values and concerns.
The Pulse of Reading - what is at the heart of our community?
ABOUT
The Pulse of Reading is intended to be an inclusive, community initiative to assess the vitality or “heart” of our town. Led by the Reading Public Library and using the World Café* conversation process, the program is designed as a series of gatherings and conversations where residents can explore questions about the opportunities and trials facing our community, and what matters most to them. Through safe and respectful dialog, we can discover shared values and connect different perspectives to help us collectively define and confront the challenges of a growing and changing community.
As these conversations progress residents, town leaders, and businesses will have the opportunity see what themes and insights are emerging at a collective level and commit to taking positive actions that grow and strengthen Reading.
* The World Café is an open source conversation process designed to bring diverse groups together to explore those important questions that matter: http://www.theworldcafe.com
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
Interested in joining the conversation? Registration requested, but please feel free to drop in! Contact us with questions or to sign up for our mailing list.
In general, Conversations last approximately two hours and are held at the Reading Public Library unless otherwise noted.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
We can host up to 60 participants per conversation event, and participants will be asked to break out into small groups. As the event progresses, you will change tables, meet new people and answer questions that will help us identify shared community values and concerns. To learn more about what we've covered, visit "2018 Series" and "2018 Pilot Program" pages to see photos and information from these events.
WILL THERE BE MORE EVENTS?
The library plans to host four Conversations in 2019. However, Reading is a growing community with lots of different voices, and we need your help in finding ways to reach out and listen. Please contact us if your organization would like to host a conversation or if you have suggestions for our 2020 Series.
HOW CAN I HELP?
We are always looking for volunteers to help run these conversations. Extra hands are always welcome. Please contact us if you would like learn more about volunteering for the Pulse of Reading.