Just in time for the 2022-23 summer Tim Dunlop delivered a great new book. I couldn't put it down.
His point is that the standard two party political system in Australia - and more broadly across Western countries - is letting us down. Its about trust. Increasingly the people don't trust politicians and Dunlop takes us through his thinking about why. I'm interested in the methodology used by a large number of Independents over the last few years. The "kitchen table" conversations are the basis for hearing what matters to community members. Yes, listening, and responding.
He says:
The challenge that remains for all of us who support the democratic advances made on 21 May (2022) is to invest the institute\ions of the state with the same processes of engagement and co-operation. To do that, we need to understand the origins and power of the Voices Of methodology.
I couldn't help agreeing. What we do in our daily work in the community is all about listening to what communities tell us, but importantly being faithful in responding to that voice authentically.
If you want to hear more, here is an article and podcast: https://nofibs.com.au/podcast-tim-dunlop-talks-about-his-independentsday-book-voices-of-us/