Communication via Palaver tree

The Palaver Tree is an indigenous democratic institution found in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Palaver Tree, where villagers gather to talk.

Descriptions of the assembly include the following:

• Ritualistic
• Democratic
• Indigenous
• Free debate
• Consensus building
• "Right to Speak
• A goal of harmony, rather than "truth"
• Community
• No urgency
• All-inclusiveness
• Systematic treatment

Such institution that promotes freedom for all its members to communicate and debate important issues seems ideal. Voices are not oppressed, community is strengthened through a ritual in which creates a common bond, and, most interestingly, harmony is valued.

In the United States, we strive to promote a certain "truth" to every dilemma - but is this truth always the best answer? I think that by striving to reach harmony, groups in which hold a debate may strengthen their relationships with one another. Sometimes there is a right & wrong answer; other times, compromise and peace should be the answer. By pushing ourselves to reach harmony, we fully invest in the final outcome.