Granny Caravan makes Dayton stop

DAYTON–The Granny Caravan prevailed upon the Dayton community on Thursday, August 29 at Flour Mill Park to ask citizens to come out and "talk like a neighbor" about the issues that tend to polarize society and to help bridge the gap through civil discussion. In turn, they promised to bring those issues to elected representatives.

A few stopped by during the hour I spent with Roz Luther and Shirely Grossman of Spokane. They stopped in Dayton as part of their Unity Tour of Eastern Washington which also included nearby Walla Walla, Pomeroy, and Clarkston. Besides gleaning from me what my concerns were, they shared their impression of Dayton as being a well-kept thriving small town full of welcoming people who take care of their own. They were especially impressed by the Columbia County Public Transportation and learning of the recently established Rivers Walk Assisted Living Facility, as well as efforts to bring in businesses that bring jobs like the upcoming Mainstem Malt.

When conversing, they urged me to speak candidly of my views and they in turn, shared theirs. They asked me to fill out a form where I could list my concerns that they would bring to those elected to represent Dayton constituents. They also provided a handout with tips for "Talking Like a Neighbor" like using concrete, everyday language rather than academic or activist jargon or acronyms. Don't lecture, rant or act superior and avoid formulaic politi-speak. Stay out the policy weeds. And listen. Other points were to state your opinion with humility, empathy, and respect. Also speak to shared values and shared fate and that we're all in this together. And keep it positive while comparing and contrasting sides.

Candidly speaking, this reporter's experience with Roz and Shirely was a positive, warm one as they outwardly demonstrated the values of being a good neighbor.