Transformational Conversations: Moving from Fear to Curiosity

90-120 minute workshop

Hands pointing fingers at each other. Blame concept.

Because dominant white culture encourages us to avoid conflict, many of us raised in it have not fully developed the insight, skill, and emotional stamina necessary to broach and navigate differences of perspective and opinion, especially when harm to a member of a marginalized group is part of the mix. After all, we’re taught not to even see race, let alone talk about it! Too often these unskilled conversations are completely avoided or broached only to go from bad to worse, leaving people in divided camps teeming with assumption and anger that further divides us and wreaks havoc on our communities. There is a different way. In contrast to the social norms of whiteness are norms and skills designed to develop the authenticity and courage necessary to deeply understand one another in ways that forge connection and develop resilience. These are also ways of being that nurture and grow us personally and collectively. This highly interactive workshop will explore how to embed new, transformational norms into our personal and institutional practices. 

WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING... 


"The ability to have transformative conversations requires self reflection, acknowledgment of our areas of weakness, a willingness to do the work - through routine practice - and an understanding that future mistakes are an inevitable piece of our progress."
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"I came looking for ways to manage my organization's equity work and saw that it's more important for me to practice my own growth in relationship building. Sure in the group, but also mostly self-reflection in interactions with friends, family and organization. The follow up materials are truly useful. I am a slow thinker and regret my impulse to manage, fix, get to the point immediately. This work takes patience."
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"The cheat sheet on dominant culture habits and the transformational interventions is a very helpful resource both for myself and when explaining this to others. I appreciated the stress on self-practice as well as role-playing because switching conversational style is an on-going process and won't be mastered easily."
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"One of my big takeaways from this workshop is the power of practicing/rehearsing for difficult conversations. Debby taught us practical role-playing strategies that I'm excited to try with my colleagues."
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"We practice to get better at sports or an instrument. It is just as crucial to practice to have better conversations, especially surrounding the topic of race.”
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"A major take away for me was the feeling of possibilities. I've had so much stress around this issue, and always feel I'm falling short. Debby and Cynthia created a sense of joy and connection."