But the statement does not haunt me. Actually, I am rather pleased about it, for our eclectic practice certainly benefits those who experience it - if we listen to their recollections rather than try to measure them from the outside. For this reason, I have tried to apply my youth work thinking and the practical knowledge derived from it to other parts of my life.
Think of a youth club and how we seek to build a community of young people, giving the elders certain responsibilities and making sure that newcomers are made welcome. Now think of an academic conference over a period of some days. What are the strategies to make people feel they are part of that community? Usually none. The arrogant assumption is that things will naturally fall into place. But they will not - certainly not for all - unless there is a place for passing through, where people can just casually show up and make contact.
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