How to Turn a Conversation Into Community

With Tara Jackson, Director of Arizona Town Hall

In times of division and discord like we’ve been experiencing, how do we come back together?  How do we heal our communities and move forward into healthier ways of living together?  How do we do justice and grow the economy?
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Opposing viewpoints and civil strife have always been with us, even in times of relative calm.  Not all voices have been heard or represented and our communities reflect this.  It’s easy to despair.  But, working diligently, for over 50 years, Arizona Town Hall has sought to give all voices an equal chance to speak and contribute.  AzTH has facilitated 100s of conversations in communities across our state, and included all the voices, so that we can work toward the kind of solutions that make things better for everyone.  

Our guest this week is Tara Jackson. Tara has served as president of Arizona Town Hall since July of 2006. Az town Hall exists to bring diverse and often opposing parties together to solve the most complex and challenging issues facing the state. Tara works with Arizona’s public universities, the media, elected leaders and other stakeholders to determine the best approach for addressing tough conversations.  

Before joining the staff of Arizona Town Hall, Tara practiced law for 16 years and taught law for ASU’s Law School. 

Tara is no single-minded policy or legal grind. She has a creative side she nurtures with online creative writing classes. AND she is a certified yoga instructor and mindfulness teacher. Tara teaches yoga and mindfulness for educational institutions, businesses, yoga studios, local gyms, and non-profit organizations. We get to talk in this interview about the links between community policy and mindfulness. That kind of combo is right in our sweeeeeet spot. 

Tara is a real inspiration - she is whip smart and has the life skills and experience to support this vital practice of helping people from all perspectives come together to find real solutions to the all-too-real problems facing our towns, cities, and state.  But she also has cultivated the deep empathy and self-knowledge that makes her the kind of person we can all trust with our honesty and vulnerability.  In this episode, you’ll get to learn about how Tara works her magic and the real genius of organizations like Arizona Town Hall.

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Music Credits: 
A Hawaiian in Paris feat.-Pierre-Grill

Podcat Munchie uses a wooden planter box as a bunk bed.

SHOW NOTES
​Key Takeaways: 

• Conversation about shared values and shared goals can bridge differences
• Include everyone in the conversation, especially traditionally marginalized or forgotten people.
• Mindfulness and breathing techniques can actually be part of community building as they help us stay calm and rational

Do Tara’s Science:

• Listen to someone with whom you don’t agree without trying to argue or convince. 
• Breathing/Mindfulness
  • Keep your mouth shut! Breath through your nose
  • Slowly, steadily, completely exhale

The Elements of a Vibrant Community

References:

•  Arizona Town Hall
  • Main Website
  • Criminal Justice Topic
  • Vibrant Communities  Project (Ongoing)
  • Video of the Town Hall Process 
• ASU Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resilience 

Complementary Episodes 

• Episode 16 How to Live and Epic Life with Claire Louge
• Episode 45 NACOG Revealed with Teri Drew

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 Go Deeper on the Topic: 

• Vibrant Community Background Document
• Criminal Justice Background Document
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Assessment
• Attend an AZ Town Hall Event 
• Become a AZ Town Hall Member
• FREE Yoga and Mindfulness Videos ​