Depolarizing Conversations: Turning Disagreements into Conversations

This free two-hour event aims to build skills that help prevent tense conversations from becoming arguments.  These are especially helpful during these polarized times -with friends, family members, work colleagues, at school, and with those you encounter while leading civic renewal activities.  These skills may also help holiday and family  gatherings stay calm.

This event is an adaptation of the Braver Angels’ workshop, “Depolarizing Within,” without the political party references. Participants learn and practice the highly effective  “LAPP Skills:”  Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, and Perspective, using non-partisan examples.

Participants will learn:

• How to disagree with others without demonizing, dismissing, or stereotyping large segments of our nation’s population or members of your community

• Listen to understand

• Speak in ways others will want to hear and be heard

• Affirm the importance of building relationships

• Feel safe to practice those skills

• To take a “LAPP” = Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, and (give your) Perspective when faced with challenging conversations