The purpose of this series is to enhance the capacity of faculty and staff to engage in conversations about challenging, emotionally-laden topics (i.e. race, discrimination, policy, politics, etc.).  The skills learned in this series can be applied to the workplace, the classroom, and in interpersonal and community contexts.

 

Registration required.  Must attend all sessions to earn a digital credential.

SESSION #1:    Active Listening Concepts, Tools, and Practice

The goal of this session is to enhance participants active listening skills for building empathy and understanding. Participants will learn and practice 3 key active listening skills:  deep listening, reflective listening, and opening spaces for dialogue.

Fall 2020:  September 29 from 12-1:30 (register)

Spring 2021:  February 23 (time and mode TBD)

SESSION #2:   Navigating Emotions in Difficult Dialogue

This session focuses on tools and strategies for navigating discussions that provoke strong emotions.  Skills and concepts such as mindfulness, identifying needs & feelings, holding safe spaces for conversations, and asking effective questions will be learned and practiced.

Fall 2020: October 13 from 12 – 1:30 (register)

Spring 2021:  March 9 (time and mode TBD)

SESSION #3     Collaborative and Deliberative Dialogue  

 This session applies the skills learned in the previous two sessions to practice a model for collaborative and deliberative dialogue.  This type of structured dialogue is a process for building collaborative understanding and solutions.  This process helps people identify, understand, and discuss diverse values, viewpoints, and issues from a collaborative problem-solving lens.

Fall 2020: October 27 from 12 – 1:30 (register)

Spring 2021:  April 13 (time and mode TBD)