In less than 24 hours, the Harrisonburg Intercultural/Interfaith Summit will be underway.  The vision for this event is a few months old, and is simple: provide an opportunity to build bridges across the many cultural communities in Harrisonburg.  We have 53 languages spoken in our school system, but, as in many communities, don’t connect across the invisible barriers the language and cultural differences create.  Tomorrow is a step to build those bridges.

Two weeks ago, I was a little nervous about the event, as not so many people had registered.  Well, interest has really picked up and, as of this moment, there are 68 partner organizations and 142 people registered and a few hundred other people thinking about attending.  I was just interrupted by an elderly gentleman calling me to inquire if his coalition, Veteran’s for Peace, could attend – of course!

How has this interest been created?  I’ll submit it wasn’t created at all – the interest already existed and was simply recognized and focused on a time and place by actively extending an invitation to listen to people about what they care about (not talk at people about what we care about).

Keep an eye on www.HarrisonburgSummits.com over the next day and week and see what topics and conversations are created.  And, as with any Open Space meeting, be prepared to be surprised!