Municipality of Westland
Dialogue evening for residents
TOGETHER IN ACTION!

November 2022

REQUEST

The year 2022 is challenging for many residents and entrepreneurs of Westland. The war in Europe, refugees, energy prices, record inflation, COVID-19, housing, the nitrogen issue, climate change: many crises are happening simultaneously. It’s understandable that residents have significant concerns, sometimes leading to heated discussions. On the initiative of Mayor Arends, the municipality is organizing a dialogue evening. “Especially in times like these, it is crucial to engage in conversation,” says Mayor Arends. “Listening to each other and giving space to share concerns and potential solutions form the foundation for mutual understanding.”

EXECUTION

At the World Horti Center, Novella – theworldcafe.nl is organizing an evening for approximately 120 participants, mostly residents but also entrepreneurs. Kjell Lutz is the moderator for the evening. Eighteen round tables are set up at the location, and based on the route on the badges, there is always a good mix of participants at each table. A host from the municipality, also acting as the table host, primarily listens and helps initiate the conversation. The evening begins with a welcome speech by Mayor Bouke Arends, explaining the purpose of the event. The municipality is keen to listen. As an introduction, Stephanie van Rossum gives a brief talk on changing times.

THEMES

The goal of the evening is to give participants the opportunity to share concerns and engage in conversation despite their differences. This allows the municipality to better understand what is going on within the community and explore how it can further support its residents during this challenging time of change. Therefore, it is important that residents speak up at each of the themed tables and also come up with ideas on how things can improve. During the World Café, the 120 participants will visit each of the three types of themed tables in three 20-minute rounds: Making Ends Meet – Dealing with Differences – Keeping Up. Guiding questions help facilitate meaningful conversations.