Understanding and Change Begin With Dialog

This fundamental truth underlies the audacious effort Conversation Week 2007, slated for 25-31 March. The goal: kick-start conversations -- around the world -- that can change the world.

The event marks the fifth anniversary of one of the sponsoring organizations, Conversation Café, a Seattle-based organization:

Imagine if everyone in the world asked the same question, at the same time, at Conversation Café tables around the world? Imagine hearing back from every conversation? What did you learn? What did you discover? What prejudices and blinders fell away? Imagine the world as Café, for just one week and then for a week a year and then every week, every year. A world in conversation.

Perhaps you grew up like me, with parents who warned you to avoid conversations about politics and religion, but would like to talk with others -- strangers, even! -- about important questions like these.

Then this might be your chance to spread your wings, with support and training.

What will be discussed? That's still in development -- vote for the 10 most important questions and help the organizers, even if you don't want to be the host.

When the last week of March gets closer, you'll be able to search for conversations to see if there is one near you. But why wait? Become a host now!