Dialogue Toolkit: Organizing for Food Security at a Local Level

One of the things we know is that the power of the people is where change happens. While we may wait on governments and other responsible authorities to make shifts and provide leadership, the reality is that it is up to us to push and to present strategies and solutions for change.

The following is a simple dialogue plan that you can implement in your home community to build bridges between grassroots individuals and agencies working to affect change around food security. We know in the midst of the pandemic and other social, environmental and political contexts, that poverty and food insecurity is deepening and we need real solutions, local solutions, now. This dialogue plan was piloted in Edmonton, Alberta in November and December 2020 and serves as a simple guide using a circle process to bridge. All you need is online conferencing capacity, a good notetaker, and a patient and loving facilitator.

The intention of these gatherings is to bring together a diverse team of agencies and individuals who have been working to support the food security needs of vulnerable members in the community. As an outcome of these gatherings, you will have prepared an Agenda with a set of clear and practical recommendations and calls to action for food security stakeholders. This Agenda will be built over the course of three 2 hour sessions. These can be held online for safety however in person is always a good preference if possible. We have integrated the facilitation plan as well as sample invitation and reminder emails below.

In Edmonton, we honored people’s time by providing $75 for each session they attended. Righting Relations may have capacity to support you in providing this honoraria. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at westhub@rightingrelations.org.