"What We've Got Here Is Failure to Communicate"

How many of you remember that line from the movie classic, “Cool Hand Luke”?  Better yet, how many of you can relate to it?  I know I can. 

Communication is the bedrock of community.  I suppose that should come as no surprise - both words have as their origin the Latin “communis”, meaning “common” - as in sharing some trait, or feature, or mission.  The structure of both words is also interesting.  The first four letters – “comm” – are followed by “unity” and “unication”, (the latter of which isn’t really a word at all, unless I’m playing you in Scrabble!)  The point is that both words fully formed seem to unite, rather than divide, people.  

I recently had a conversation with a couple of valued friends, who pointed out the importance of transparency in our communication with each other.  In my own experience, I know that it’s sometimes easier, less painful, to “talk the talk” of transparency than it is to “walk the walk”.  But honest, transparent communication – done with love – opens us up to deeper, more meaningful relationships … in each of the many and varied communities we might find ourselves in.

My vow is to continue to work on my communication skills and to become more transparent in the process.  How about you?

Kathy Flynn, Candidate

Madison, Wisconsin