Legislators at a Crossroads: PCI’s Newest Pub
An elected leader’s authority to convene is based on the office, not the person. Generally, when an elected official or a respected leader convenes a meeting, people from across the spectrum are willing to come. But to keep them there, and keep them participating, people must believe that the leader is not predisposed to one side or another and is trying to find a solution that all sides can embrace.
Convening does require a different way of interacting with the public. It is different from telling citizens what the solution is or talking to them about what needs to be done. It is different from chairing a committee or leading a meeting to gather "input." Rather than making decisions for people, legislators who act as conveners get people involved in finding effective solutions together and taking action themselves. Often this requires leaders to hone new skills.
Our new publication describes those skills. It is a product of collaboration between PCI and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. PCI also gratefully acknowledges the support of the Rockefeller Brother Fund for support of the workshops we are providing for legislators who are interested in developing these kinds of skills.
The publication can be downloaded from the PCI website. For a copy of the publication, send three dollars for shipping or contact PCI.