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Living Room Conversations: Politics and Personal Relationships

February 18, 2021 10:00am to 11:30am

Living Room Conversations are a simple way to connect with our neighbors and get to the heart of what we share in common with one another.

These guided conversations, led by a host from the Franciscan Peace Center and conducted online using Zoom, have powerful, positive impacts across society - including a sense of respect, understanding, and even friendship in unexpected places.

The backbone of a Living Room Conversation is a conversational model developed by dialogue experts in order to facilitate connection between people despite their differences, and even identify areas of common ground and shared understanding. Each participant is asked to adhere to a set of Conversation Agreements and structure to help assure a good experience and allow participants to get to know each other. Each conversation will be limited to 6 people to allow each participant an opportunity to engage fully.

Sign up for the conversations that interest you. If the conversation is offered at a time which does not work for you, let us know and we will do our best to schedule another session at another time.

More Curious Less Furious - Friday, February 5, 12noon-1:30 PM SESSION CLOSED

Many media and culture sources promote the idea that we should view those who disagree with us as enemies. This approach limits our ability to solve the major problems of our day. Research shows that curiosity which seeks multiple perspectives can open the mind, increase empathy, reduce fears, encourage self-awareness, and promote humility. Curiosity about how and why other people arrive at values and beliefs can lead to better solutions, understanding, and appreciation. Life experiences shape who we are and sharing stories can help bridge gaps and encourage mutual respect. We can make a choice to become more curious and less furious. In this conversation, we will share thoughts and experiences about choosing to be curious.

Listening Courageously - Tuesday, February 9, 6-7:30 PM SESSION CLOSED

"Courage is the most important of all virtues because without courage you cannot practice any of the other virtues consistently," Dr. Maya Angelou said. When you think of being courageous, you might think of facing a common fear like the fear of heights or public speaking. Facing fears like these involves discomfort and uncertainty. We might wonder if the potential benefits will outweigh the potential risks. But why might it take courage to listen? How might listening to different points of view make us feel vulnerable or at risk? And what are the possible benefits?

Politics & Personal Relationships - Thursday, February 18 10-11:30am - SESSION CLOSED

How can we better maintain and create relationships and work towards healthy communities in spite of political differences? Is this even possible? This conversation allows us to start exploring how we can disagree and still care about each other and how we can work together when we find agreement. Whatever our differences, let's identify the shared values that we can build on for the good of our country. Generosity. Kindness. Freedom. Respect. Human dignity.

The Opportunity Gap - Wednesday, February 24, 4-5:30 PM

Generally speaking, the opportunity gap refers to inputs (the unequal or inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities), while the achievement gap refers to outputs (the unequal or inequitable distribution of educational results and benefits). America prides itself on creating the opportunity for all citizens to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps." We aspire to have a fair playing field and want every child to have the opportunity to succeed. There are strong indicators that we are not living up to our aspirations. Many communities and individuals are experiencing a tilted playing field. How can we respond?

Ready to dive in?

Click HERE TO REGISTER