Workshops

Depolarizing Within: Strategies for Engaging in Politics Without Demonizing the Other Side

Braver angels - Eileen Jacobowitz

Braver Angels is a national grass-roots organization that brings Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. 

Much of today’s epidemic of toxic polarization is driven by how we talk with like-minded people about those on the other side.  Too often we stereotype, dismiss, or ridicule our fellow citizens who support the other political party, its leaders, and its policies.  Although political polarization in some form has always been around, it was less problematic when people interacted more outside their own silos. Nowadays, people on the other side have become not just strangers, but enemies. How we talk among ourselves about them fuels fires that threaten our democracy.

This session, modeled on the Braver Angels Depolarizing Within workshop will: 
●     Help you become more aware of your inner polarizer
●     Help you learn ways to depolarize yourself so that you can disagree without demonizing, dismissing, or stereotyping the millions of people who differ from you politically 
●     Teach you skills for how to intervene in social conversations with like-minded people when those conversations veer into contempt and ridicule for people who hold other views

 

A Faith-Rooted Primer for Understanding and Addressing Bigotry in the U.S. Amid the Violence in Israel-Palestine

Shoulder to shoulder - Nina fernando

No one should fear for their lives and safety because of their religious, ethnic, or cultural identity. Yet amid the surge in violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank, and in the lead up to a U.S. presidential election, there has been a rise in prejudice and discrimination in the United States. Dehumanizing rhetoric and dehumanizing policies are a stain on our country and harm us all. We believe that people of faith and goodwill (especially women!) are powerful agents of change who can resist this dehumanization and forge another path. Focusing on a newly published resource, A Faith-Rooted Primer for Understanding and Addressing Bigotry in the U.S. amid the Violence in Israel-Palestine, participants will explore key recommendations for understanding, countering and preventing anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim discrimination, among other intersecting bigotries. This session will be facilitated by Nina M. Fernando who serves as Executive Director of the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, a national, multifaith coalition that envisions an inclusive and pluralistic United States where all people, regardless of their faith or background, are treated with dignity. Nina comes from a Christian background with close family and loved ones who are Jewish and Muslim, among other faith & cultural backgrounds. She believes that all people are inherently worthy of dignity and is most inspired when at the intersection of faith and social justice. Check out the condensed, Reader's Guide linked here and download the full-primer here.

Bridging Work: Tools and Commitment for Sustained Dialogue in Challenging Times

Newground - Aziza hasan

While bridging work is often seen as a positive and harmonious endeavor, current events have revealed that working through divides and strong differences requires resilience, discipline, and grit. This session will explore the tools and commitment needed to sustain dialogue and meaningful relationships, especially in times of intense disagreement and challenge.

Participants will learn about:

  • The importance of resilience, discipline, and grit in bridging work

  • Tools and methods for continuing conversation when it's hard to listen and speak

  • Strategies for sustaining dialogue in the face of deeply challenging differences

  • How to create a safe and respectful space for dialogue

This session is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about how to bridge divides and work through strong differences. It is especially relevant for those who are working in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or other fields that require dialogue and collaboration across diverse perspectives.

“There is something in the air–the sense of power and possibility–I always leave the conference feeling energized, inspired, and ready to take on the world.” ~Lisa

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