The Bottom-Up Revolution

When Does Listening Become Taking Part?

November 10, 2026·14 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

For people trying to improve their towns, finding others who understand the struggle can make all the difference. Hearing how people elsewhere are approaching familiar challenges can give us new ideas for our own communities and a sense that we're part of something bigger. But what keeps people coming back to these conversations, and when does listening become taking part? In this special Member Week edition of Bottom-Up Shorts, Norm Van Eeden Petersman reflects on the responsibility we feel toward our towns and what it means to support this work together. If these conversations have been valuable to you, consider supporting Strong Towns directly by becoming a member here. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Do you know someone who would make for a great Bottom-Up Revolution guest? Let us know here.   This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Thank you! Join fellow members discussing this episode in The Commons.

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