Disagree Better: Meaningful Dialogue Across Differences: Practicing Curiosity, Compassion, and Connection

A skills-filled evening that focuses on:

Cultivating Curiosity

• Start with self: Increase awareness of your own thoughts, beliefs, emotions, assumptions, and biases.
• See the whole person: Move beyond labels and stereotypes to better understand each person's unique lived experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.

Practicing Compassion

• Listen deeply: Engage with care, empathy, and openness to foster trust, psychological safety and reduce defensiveness or escalation.
• Practice perspective-taking and perspective-getting: Seek to understand the experiences and beliefs that shape others' viewpoints while remaining grounded in your own values and experiences.

Building Connection

• Identify shared goals and purpose: Shift from an adversarial mindset to a collaborative "third space" where common interests can emerge.
• Find a path forward: Recognize areas of agreement, mutual understanding, or shared commitment to a healthy, respectful relationship.