A Conversation at International House.

Tuesday May 11, 1999

Have you ever seen children playing at the local swimming pool? Have you noticed them all playing in the same space without regard to colour race or creed?

This was seen by participants of the Conversation at International House on Tuesday May 11th as real hope for our country and our community. That tolerance and acceptance is perhaps possible in the face of some other rather less positive aspects of our interactions. To support the creation of a 21st century that will be a suitable place for these children to live, we need to learn to stand in a place of accommodation and inclusively.

A wide range of perspectives were aired at this event. Topics such as work style and quality of life choices, reconciliation between political poles, clarification of meaning of community and points of view about the optimism or pessimism of a variety of outlooks.

"What would you decree if you had the power, to make the 21st Century a compassionate and friendly place? A question of this nature is bound to raise a range of issues and the following "Manifesto" was offered by the group.

  • Do something at least once every day to extend the sense of 'us-ness' as against a sense of separation.
  • Question your assumptions at least once everyday.
  • Check in and be aware of the distractions in your life.
  • Stop Genetic Manipulation.
  • Have people understand consciously that death really happens. It's inevitable.
  • Extend people's immersion in the arts. (And your own)
  • Learn another language.
  • Smile often as a way of honouring others.
  • Address poverty. Local and global.
  • Address environmental issues. Local and global.
  • Keep doing what kept us happy as children.
  • Create the possibility for opportunity for people (and ourselves) to live out their own story.

The meeting finished with agreement that these suggestions are how we might approach our own contribution to creating a worthy 21st Century. How about you?

The next International House Conversation will be on Tuesday June 15th.