Lessons from a Town Meeting

I tuned in last night via Zoom to the special meeting billed as a "School Collaboration Discussion," a joint meeting convened by our selectmen and leaders from Colebrook. This issue has of course come up before, and I have to confess that I didn't have high hopes. Previous talks have stalled out, sometimes devolving into unpleasant behavior fueled by an "us versus them" worldview. Happily, my hopes were surpassed, and I was reminded of a few important lessons.

Firstly and not surprisingly - but noteworthy - it's easier for me to be less engaged when I am viewing remotely, not physically present. Yes, Zoom serves a purpose, especially when we're at a distance or if we lack the ability to travel during evening hours. But, for me being muted with the camera off does not serve perfectly for community building. I was in attendance and hearing most of what was said, but I have to believe I would have behaved quite differently if I had attended in person. At the very least I would have shook hands, smiled, and chatted with others who care about our towns. I certainly would not have left the room more than once to refill my glass of water. 

Secondly, I was reminded of the truth behind the longstanding caution against making assumptions. I had assumed that at least some of the shenanigans from past meetings would resurface. They did not. It is not a small thing these days to learn in a new way that interactions between people can change and evolve for the better. I recognize that I can be jaded, so I will keep praying for clearer vision to see more often the possibility that things can work out better than they have previously. Better outcomes naturally require work, communication, sacrifice, and much more, but their odds of unfolding are infinitely higher when we believe they will.

A third lesson is more of a reminder: people are caring and good. My neighbors, regardless of their zip code or any other borders dividing us, care about each other's families and futures. One dear friend reminded all of us (in their own unique way) that our situation is interconnected with the destiny of folks around the country. It is always a good thing to remember that we are not alone. Some spoke louder than others and even went on too long, but the gathering carried a consensus of not mere unity but trust in each other to discern the best path forward, one focused on the children. No magic answer popped up, but it was both humbling and heartening to witness a fairly free and open exchange of different ideas from a variety of perspectives shared with civility. 

I'm not always right, and it's a delight to be reminded of this when I drift into cynicism. Community isn't always clean or easy, but it regularly helps to correct some of my lesser tendencies, and it often renews my trust in what is to come. Bring on more resolute hope, Lord.