A Good Convenor Empowers the Group

In a healthy LifeRing meeting, there is broad participation and engaging conversation, involving practically everyone at some point during the meeting. The convenor’s distinct responsibility is to facilitate and protect the sober connections of all members with each other. When the convenor has laid the foundation properly, meeting members can engage in "sober-sober communication" with one another throughout the meeting. 

The meeting is not about the convenor. The meeting is about facilitating sober connections between the participants, so that the participants themselves become connected and empowered. In an established LifeRing meeting where everyone is familiar with the format, the convenor may be almost invisible. It's only when there is a snag in the meeting's process that you may discover who the convenor is. The key difference between a convenor's role and that of a member is its focus on the needs of others.

The image contains two circular diagrams labeled "Drawing A" and "Drawing B." In both diagrams, a circle with a "C" represents the convenor, and five other circles represent meeting participants. Drawing A, labeled "Strong meeting," shows a convenor and five participants, with lines connecting every circle to every other circle, including the convenor. Drawing B, labeled "Weak meeting," shows a convenor and five participants, with lines connecting only the convenor to each of the participants. There are no lines connecting the participants to one another.                   

A strong meeting has connections between every participant, as shown in "Drawing A". This is the goal of a convenor. A weak meeting, on the other hand, is one where all communication only goes through the convenor, as in "Drawing B". This type of convenor acts more like a lecturer or guru, not a convenor. 

The ultimate aim is to build a vibrant, interconnected community where every voice is heard and every member feels empowered, knowing that the strength of the group lies in the connections they forge with one another.