Our West Listens: Plan and Run Your Community Listening Session (in person workshop WERRIBEE)

How do we listen deeply to our communities and turn what we hear into collective action? Our West, Our Future and Real Deal Geelong are broad-based alliances bringing together multicultural and community organisations, faith groups, unions, service organisations, environmental groups and others with deep roots across Melbourne’s West and Geelong. Our goal is to build organised community power for the common good. That begins by listening to specific stories from people’s lives - not assuming we already know what matters most or jumping straight to solutions. At this practical and participatory workshop, you will: • take part in a Table Talk and experience the kind of community conversation at the heart of Our West Listens • learn how to host one-to-one conversations and listening circles within your own organisation or community • explore how community organising builds relationships, develops leaders and brings organisations together around shared concerns • learn how the stories we gather will help our alliance identify the pressures people share and decide what we are ready to take action on together. Through Our West Listens, organisations across Melbourne’s West will hold one-to-one conversations and listening circles with 1,000 people by April 2027. We will bring together what we hear, identify the issues where there is energy for action, research possible solutions and decide what we want to work on together as an alliance. We will then organise alongside the people closest to these pressures, engage decision-makers and build the collective power needed to create change. This workshop is for people connected to organisations and community groups across Melbourne’s West who want to help their communities be heard and play an active part in the alliance. No previous experience necessary. Come ready to listen, share, learn and help turn community stories into collective action. Attendance is free, however registration is required. Afternoon tea will be provided. Hosted by Our West, Our Future and Real Deal Geelong. For more details, please contact: Angela Ashley-Chiew Our West, Our Future [email protected] 0488 549 922 Sally Fisher Real Deal Geelong [email protected]