We need to talk....

Good afternoon friends! I’m late. It was worth it. Thanks for understanding.

The Cobbs just touched down in NWA after a whirlwind trip to D.C. for the full spectrum of historic, community, and political education. Lisa found the perfect little place to stay in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It was urban and easy. We were right across the street from this great open air market and food hall. There was dancing, drumming, eating, art, and oh so many signs for discussion.

Collectively, we logged about 100k steps each day. We took a sunset stroll from our porch to the Capitol and all the way down the mall to pay a visit to Lincoln. The energy of the evening was inspirational. So much so that it beat back any potential complaining.

We did museums, visited friends, tried new things, and even got in a father/son run. This trip was the third installment of The Annual Cobb Summer Concert Series, and the 2024 attraction was Green Day. Time of our lives? That’s a stretch. But it was pretty darn great.

The following morning we got a tour of the Capitol coordinated by a staffer with Arkansas Congressman Steve Womack’s office. I left so happy and grateful for how much my kids knew about American History. I was also very impressed with how much they seemed to appreciate walking the halls where this country continues to be built, playing with different viewpoints, and recognizing the hard work of so many different Americans.

Folks, we’re gonna be alright.

D.C. is a company town. This was my first non-work trip to The District. It allowed me to see how this unique community has built some muscles around convening, conversing, and connecting. Locals gather together, outside, a lot. It’s fun. It’s active (so many runners!) It’w respectful.

We all need to talk more, listen more, and scroll less. Let’s focus on the needs and ideas of our neighbors, push back on the algorithm, and lean into a rhythm of face to face connections to serve our shared experience. This sounds easy, but it really takes a lot of practice, kinda like being a massively successful rock band.

Investing in Tools and Training for Communicating

Civic Arkansas is a Winthrop Rockefeller Institute initiative to improve the civic health of Arkansas by empowering communities and citizens to practice collaborative problem-solving at the local level.

Let’s talk about the good things happening in our communities and learn about barriers to participating in voting, volunteering, and community meetings.

The session is 90 minutes, and will provide opportunities for anonymous input, individual answers and some small group discussions.

I’m proud to be an Activator for this program and I hope you’ll join me on August 13th. Please share within your network!

The Business Case

1. Improved Collaboration and Innovation:

   • Effective communication bridges gaps, fostering collaboration and innovation.

   • Companies with strong communication practices see a 50% reduction in employee turnover (SHRM).

2. Enhanced Customer Relationships:

   • Businesses building effective communication strategies report a 23% increase in customer retention.

3. Risk Mitigation:.

   • Effective communication strategies reduce misunderstandings, minimizing risks and fostering a positive corporate image.

4. Competitive Advantage:

   • Companies that prioritize a variety of viewpoints and effective communication are better positioned to enter new markets.

   • Such businesses report a 19% increase in revenue due to understanding and responding to diverse market needs.

The Community Case

1. Enhanced Social Cohesion:

   • Effective communication bridges divides, reduces conflicts, and promotes mutual understanding.

   • Communities with strong communication networks tackle social challenges collaboratively.

2. Increased Civic Engagement:

   • Enhanced communication skills empower individuals to engage in meaningful dialogues, fostering a sense of belonging. This leads to greater participation in community initiatives.

3. Improved Public Services:

   • Governments that communicate effectively better address community needs, leading to more efficient public services, benefiting the entire community.

4. Economic Growth:

   • Communities with solid communication frameworks attract businesses and talent, driving economic development.

Supporting Roles of Non-Profits

Non-profits are positioned to bridge communication gaps within communities by offering resources and training, and by fostering environments where multiple viewpoints are understood and respected.

1. Training Programs:

   • Non-profits can offer workshops to focus on conflict resolution, active listening, and cultural competency.

2. Resource Development:

   • Creating guides, toolkits, and online resources highlighting best practices for community dialogues helps facilitate structured and productive conversations.

3. Facilitating Dialogue:

   • Organizing forums and discussion groups to share perspectives and acting as neutral facilitators fosters broad input.

4. Advocacy:

   • Partnering with educational institutions and businesses to integrate communication training into their programs is active advocacy for seeding community conversation.

Supporting Roles of Business Leaders

Business leaders have outsized influence in promoting effective communication within their organizations and in their communities.

1. Corporate Training:

   • Implement comprehensive communication training programs for employees.

   • Encouraging continuous learning through seminars and workshops focused on healthy discourse.

2. Creating Inclusive Cultures:

   • Foster a workplace culture that values open communication.

   • Establish forums for employees to express viewpoints and share feedback.

3. Community Engagement:

   • Partner with non-profits to support communication initiatives.

   • Sponsor community events that promote understanding and cooperation.

4. Leadership by Example:

   • Demonstrate commitment to effective communication through personal behavior and policies.

   • Leaders who actively listen and engage with different ideas set a standard for their teams and communities.