Op-Ed – An invitation to reconnect with our Yountville neighbors: What do we owe each other?
By Carrie Hays
Join Yountville residents to (re)connect and (re)build our community at a gathering on Dec. 6, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Schmitt Hall at the Yountville Commons, 6554 Yount St.
It’s been a divisive year in Yountville. Many of us have felt the strain of differing perspectives, changes in friendships, uncomfortable interactions and the fragmentation of our community.
What if we made some space to reconnect, not by trying to resolve our differences or persuade one another but by simply listening, sharing what matters to us as members of this community and exploring what becomes possible when we get to know one another a little better.
Inspired by the documentary “The Work in Progress,” I’ve reserved Schmitt Hall at the Yountville Commons on Dec. 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to bring us together for an evening of (re)connection through intentional conversations.
The film documents 100 strangers from different generations, backgrounds and beliefs who, through randomly paired and small-group conversations, explore questions about America: what we owe one another, what we can learn from each other and the work we need to do together as Americans. [1]
Borrowing that idea, what if we substituted “Yountville” for “America?”
At the Dec. 6 gathering, you’ll be randomly matched up with one or two other community members to share your responses to conversation starters such as:
- Describe Yountville in one word.
- What do you value most about our community?
- What does community mean to you?
- What do we owe one another as members of this community?
- What can we learn from talking to each other?
- What is the work we need to do together to shape Yountville’s future?
- What is great about Yountville? What is not great?
This isn’t a debate, a formal town meeting, a time to convince or influence others or an effort to reach consensus on anything. It’s an opportunity to step outside our familiar circles, meet people we may not know or neighbors with whom we’ve experienced tension and discover what becomes possible when we approach one another with genuine curiosity: a community gathering, so we might try to rebuild.
Everyone is welcome. Whatever your views, experiences, or level of involvement as a Yountville resident, you have a place in this conversation. Perhaps finding ways to move forward together begins with something as simple—and as powerful—as listening to one another.
The future of Yountville is ours to shape. That can start by coming together in conversation.
Want to participate? Please email or text me by Tuesday, Nov. 24, if you plan to attend so I know how many chairs to set up. Last-minute guests are welcome, too—there will always be room for one more!
Carrie Hays
707-363-0791 or carriehallehays@gmail.com
[1] If you’d like to watch the “Work in Progress” documentary, it will be streamed live for free on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Here’s the website where you can learn more and register. https://theworkinprogressfilm.com.
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