After having many conversations about how to deal with the current political tensions in Polk County, the resounding opinion seems to be that the best thing our party can do is to work on ourselves. To do this, we have decided to use a relatively new social management process known as Appreciative Inquiry. It builds on what is good rather than looking at everything as a problem to be solved.
Our goal is to provide positive, constructive conversations about politics and our local party as a way to counter the current hostile political environment that has left so many of us angry and hurt. We also believe this process will strengthen, energize and grow our local party.
In the next few months, we will be forming a team of "inquirers" who will contact a sampling of committed Democrats and Democratic leaning Unaffiliated voters to do two things:
- Let them know how much their support and engagement in our political process is appreciated; and
- Ask them to talk about 2 or 3 things that they like about the Polk County Democratic Party or that they think our local party does particularly well.
We know that there are plenty of areas where we can improve, but for this project, we want to know what we're doing right. The confidential responses will be compiled and analyzed to help us rediscover and remember the Party's successes and strengths that can then be used to grow our party and plan for the future. We believe the process itself will enhance our sense of identity and shared values and will renew our group's hope, motivation and commitment.
Please be thinking about the 2-3 (or more!) things you like about our local Democratic Party or the things you think we do particularly well. You may be getting a call or email from our "inquirers" for your opinion!
~Margaret Parker, Chair
Polk Dems Appreciative Inquiry Committee
