 Facing heightened divisions in our nation and world, we explored the meaning of Civility in our February 2020 Community Conversation. Conversing first in pairs, and then in small groups, we discussed the question: “How do you define civility?” Our definitions went beyond politeness and kindness, to exploring what civility means for a deeper engagement with each other. Here is a summary of what came out of our small and whole group conversations, ideas that are pertinent to challenging times.
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 Bend’s sixth community conversation welcomed 37 participants. For the first time, participants registered to attend on the Library’s web page. Entering the Brooks room, I saw colorfully diverse faces, encouraging, since we would be discussing racial, age, and cultural diversity. Our room’s colorful tables and tickets, as well as the array of smiles, started the evening on a cheery and optimistic note.
 “Brrr! It feels like winter’s arrived,” declared a jolly stranger, as I entered the Brooks Room in Bend’s Library November 7, 2018. An aromatic, eclectic, and attractive dinner banquet and two cheery faces greeted me, quite a warm and welcoming contrast to the “Brrr” comment airing in the background: my introduction to Bend’s fifth Community Conversation.
 Let’s talk! All over our country, people are responding to our political differences and racial divides by coming together in conversation and sharing stories. I want to talk about why I believe in holding Community Conversations here in Bend, Oregon. In future posts, we will share others’ stories about their experiences with Community Conversations.
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