PULSE OF READING

On Wednesday, May 9 over 65 residents and leader gathered to talk about what's at the heart of our community.  The event, held at the Reading Public Library (64 Middlesex Avenue) was facilitate by Deb Gilburg and Lori Hodin.

​

Process:

Participants sat in groups of 4-5 to answer three rounds of questions.  Between each question, people switched tables, giving them an opportunity to listen and share with a different set of thoughts and perspectives. The questions were:

1) What do I value most about this Community?

2) What are the community's strengths, challenges and opportunities?

3) What ideas create purpose or focus for a larger community conversation?

​

Results:

There were lots of shared values and ideas among all the tables and groups.  From Butterfly Park to Bridging the Divide, from Building Networks to Block Party - there were some common threads that pulled the evening together:

1) Community development

2) Getting to know each other

3) Volunteers and networks

4) Reading old and new

5) Communication

6) Social Media

7) Bridging the divide

8) Increase diversity

​