Diverse individuals reaching consensus

A little over two years ago I applied for a new concept position The Gazette was launching: A community member who would be willing to volunteer once a week to attend editorial board meetings with the professional staff. It was an opportunity for the newspaper to get the 'regular citizens” perspective on any given subject and add their point of view to the conversation.

It appealed to me if it was really going to be on the level. I felt my chances of being selected were slim but I filled out the application. To my surprise I got a call to come in and interview. Ushered into a conference room at the newspaper across from the 'brains” behind the local printed word, I sized up everyone in the room. They looked rather normal. I didn't sense I was being questioned by the FBI. When it concluded I felt it was a pleasant exchange.

You cannot believe my shock when I was contacted and told I was one of the people chosen to be a part of this new concept of citizen input.

My first day, I was nervous. I had studied in depth every subject listed on the agenda. I felt the whole 'regular citizen” population was counting on me not to let them down. I would sit quietly and not speak unless spoken to. After all these were the journalists who determined the printed word. Silence did not last long.

Oh, what a joyful ride this turned out to be. The people sitting at the table whose columns and articles I respected and admired in a few short weeks became my friends, confidants and colleagues. We have shared so much more than information during the past 30-some weeks. We came together as a team of diverse individuals who surprised each other on a weekly basis. We are able to speak candidly and honestly about everything. We span several decades in age, life experiences, gender and perspective. Whatever the intended result for this community addition to the editorial board, I feel it has been very successful. We have agreed, disagreed, been passionate, confused but through it all we reached a consensus. I look forward each week to the time I can spend with people I love, respect and trust.

I highly recommend anyone interested to apply. It is a fantastic opportunity.

' Neighborhood advocate Linda Seger is past president of the NW Neighborhood Association and has been a community representative to The Gazette's editorial board since 2013. Comments: lsiglin44@gmail.com

Interested in joining our editorial board? We are currently seeking community members for 2015.