Exploring the principles and dynamics of effective gatherings, this chapter draws insights from Priya Parker's book, The Art of Gathering. Through anecdotes and reflections on their book club experience, the hosts discuss the balance between inclusivity and exclusivity, emphasizing the importance of group dynamics, commitment, and shared experiences in fostering a cohesive community. The chapter underscores the significance of establishing boundaries, rules, and a disputable purpose to create emotional safety and sustainable group dynamics.
Why do so many book clubs fall apart? Do the best parties have rules? And does Angela’s husband want to date you?
- RESOURCES:
- "Do Conversations End When People Want Them to?" by Adam M. Mastroianni, Daniel Gilbert, Gus Cooney, and Timothy D. Wilson (PNAS, 2021).
- "3 Steps to Turn Everyday Get-Togethers Into Transformative Gatherings," by Priya Parker (TED Talk, 2019).
- The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, by Priya Parker (2018).
- Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, by Sebastian Junger (2016).
- Beartown, by Fredrik Backman (2016).
- “The 36 Questions That Lead to Love,” by Daniel Jones (The New York Times, 2015).
- A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman (2012).
- "Sense of Community: A Definition and Theory," by David McMillan and David Chavis (Journal of Community Psychology, 1986).