Dialogical CD method explained here is introduced by Peter Westoby and Gerard Dowling (2009). There are four levels in this method; (1) Micro Method: building purposeful relationships, joining with others, bonding, (2) Mezzo Method: strengthening groups, banding, (3) Macro Method: forming of organizations, structuring the work, building, and (4) Meta Method: linking organizations, structuring the work beyond the local, bridging (Westoby & Dowling 2009: 63-66). This project focuses on Micro and Mezzo Methods.
Micro level focuses on building purposeful relationships through dialogue (Westoby & Dowling 2009). What is dialogue? Smith (2001) explore what dialogue is and the purpose of dialogue by looking at arguments of four people; Paul Freire, Hans-George Gadamer, Jürgen Habermas, and David Bohm. Firstly, Paul Freire defines dialogue as “the encounter between men, mediated by the world, in order to name the world” (Freire, quoted in Smith 2001: 1). Secondly, Gadamer explains dialogue as “a process of two people understanding each other” (Gaadamer, quoted in Smith 2001: 2). Thirdly, Habermas argues for an ‘ideal speech situation’ that is a situation where there is an effective equality of chances for each person to take part in dialogue (Havermas, cited in Smith 2001: 4). Fourthly, Bohm argues that the process of dialogue is a process of ‘awakening’ and it requires a free flow of meaning among all the participants (Bohm, cited in Smith 2001: 6). The arguments of these four people and Martin Buber, who are also influential for the argument about dialogue, emphasise the points that dialogue is a process of leaning and creative participation, and that requires trust, respect and appreciation (Smith 2001).
According to Peter Westoby and John Owen (2009), and as interpreted by Kelly and Sewell (cited in Westoby & Owen 2009: 4), Buber identified three connected and enfolding movements in dialogue (cited in Westoby & Owen 2009: 4). Westoby & Owen explain that dialogue moves from ‘I’ (first movement) to ‘You’ (second movement) to ’We’ (third movement) and establishes mutual or developmental relationship as suggested by Buber (cited in Westoby & Owen 2009: 4). First movement is an interaction when one person presents himself/herself to another person. He/she introduces who he/she is and why he/she is here. Second movement is when there is a response from the other to first movement. Third movement is the response to the response. This process requires careful attention to listen what is being said and to make connection with what is being communicated. Buber argues that true dialogue goes through these three movements flowing reciprocally. Westoby and Owen suggest that it is important to hold own agenda but also interact with the other’s agenda. Holding one's own agenda too tightly prevents an effective first and second movements and possibility of third movement (Westoby & Owen 2009).
Mezzo Method
The aim of Mezzo level is moving private concern to public action and forming of participatory action group. This level starts from sub-community and tries to build block of sub-community through ‘0-1-3’. This is the basic structural unit for social action and networking is important in this level (Westoby & Dowling 2009; Westoby & Owen 2009).
The dialogical method explained above will be used to build trust and purposeful relationship with stallholders and strengthen the connection among stallholders.
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/romulofotos/3501936770/ (creative commons license)
References
Smith, M. K. 2001. ‘Dialogue and conversation’. The encyclopaedia of informal education.
Westoby, P. & Dowling, G. 2009. Dialogical Community Development with depth, hospitality and solidarity. Australia: Tafina Press.
Westoby, P. & Owen, J. 2009. ‘The sociality and geometry of community development practice’. Community Development Journal. Advanced Access Feb 2009.
Posts
I like the micro method on dialogical community development by Peter Westoby. Since he clearly explain that the purpose of the micro method is to build purposeful relationship. I think lots of community development works push them self to have bigger audiences, and ignoring the individual, where the engagement supposed to start with these individuals.
ReplyDeleteMicro and Mezzo methods are the things that I will remember most in community development works. I agree that it is the fundamental things to "see what people see" and "lets do it together".
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good works
Nicely put Hisayo. I feel that CD is an important aspects of our lives. It is the best and an inexpensive (depends) way to connect like minded individuals from a community or across organisations. The power of CD is tremendous as 'I' may not be able to bring about change that easily as compared to the'we' effect. A wise man once told me " Son remember 1+1 = 11 " so a group with a purposeful relationship can bring about 'positive CHANGE'.
ReplyDeletee.g. President obama started with the 'I'....he interacted and got 'You' involved and together 'we' can and will bring about change.
All the best for your course and keep on writing.
Ciao
Dear Andri
ReplyDeleteHehehe :) I like this photo because I can see trust and respect between grandma & grandpa :D
Dear Rio
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comment :) I agree with you! Community is made up by the collection of individuals, each person is different and unique. We need mutual respect to have purposeful relationships. I know it is ideal and it is challenging to achieve in reality, but if we could build purposeful relationships starting from individuals, the relationships in the community become really strong, meaningful and lasting :)
Dear Ferdy
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comment!! I know that you will never forget Micro & Mezzo methods, hihihi :D I think this dialogical method is really useful in our daily lives to build relationships! I'll also remember your dialogue with JP in workshop, hahaha :D
"see what people see" is not easy but critical. We need to wear someone else's shoes if we really want to understand her/his context. When we can do this, we learn more!!
Dear Andy
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your visit & comment!!
Wow, thanks for sharing with me the story of your experience with a wise man told you "1+1=11". I like it and will remember it :)
Also, President Obama!! My lecturer, who taught us this dialogical CD method, recommended us to read his book "Dreams from my father" since President Obama also has experiences in CD. Have you read the book? I haven't finished reading it but should complete reading when I finish all the assignments.
I didn't know you are interested in CD until now and I'm so glad to be able to share our ideas here :) Thanks to my lecturer for this course for giving me this opportunity through the use of blog and thanks to facebook that helps us to connect even when we are in different parts of the world, haha!