Letter to the Editor: The Table Can Bring Citizens Together

is about bridging the gap and putting people and resources together.  It’s about meeting people we would probably never meet under normal circumstances and exchanging ideas.  It’s about creative problem solving and building a stronger community through civic engagement. 

I have been, in one form or another, a community volunteer since I was 6.  That gives me 41 years of experience (it’s OK to do the math!) and I don’t know any other way to be.  After I was elected to Sumner’s City Council last November, my next thought was how do I meet all the people I am to represent as an At Large Council?  In March, I attended Eric Liu’s Guiding Light Weekend, Live Like a Citizen.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and what it would look like but it was inspiring and launched the idea of The Table.

At the event was another Sumner citizen, parent and volunteer, Melony Pedersen.  As we carpooled home one evening, navigating through the streets of Seattle, the idea of The Table was born, initially as a grant fund competition.  Meshing my desire to know my community in greater depth so I can better serve and our mutual observation and conclusion that as citizen’s at a council meeting, the podium can be less than satisfying, we decided to try something fun and outside the box. Why not?

Here’s the skinny: The Table is designed to be fun, upbeat, positive, energetic and creative.  Doors open at 6:30 to grab a beverage and munchies.  The Round Table will begin at 7pm.  In groups, you will conquer that table’s topic and write down the ideas (you are not marked off for grammar or incomplete sentences!).  In 5 minute increments, you’ll rotate tables then we’ll share the ideas with everyone.  After a short break, the floor will be open to citizens and business owners to share whatever you like.  Go ahead, say what’s really on your mind!  If I know the answer, I’ll tell you.  If I don’t, I’ll find it out for you or maybe someone else there will know.  But, it’s not just Melony and I acting as proctors.  This is about dialogue and community input through the amazing minds that call Sumner home.

We’re calling out all “garage-meeter-breakfast-discusser-fence-talker-coffee-clutcher-wine-sipper’s” who we know are out there but don’t feel comfortable coming to council meetings.  This is designed for you!  Meet us there and bring a friend.

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For more information:

Nancy Dumas : ndumas@ci.sumner.wa.us 253-299-5794 or Melony Pedersen melonyk@gmail.com

While The Table is noticed as an Open Public Meeting, this is not a council meeting and no council action will be taken.

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