Living Room Conversations

To build bridges is to set the standard for respectful dialogue even when others won't do the same. It can be a hard ask. But it's the ONLY solution for unifying the country in such divisive times. Ensuring that you, yourself, are respectful, civil, and focused on listening and understand-- that's all we can do. By the example of those who care, the country will change. It may not be sudden, but we believe it's possible.

“Don’t mistake interaction for connection." Becca Kearl, our Executive Director, spoke at the Kennedy Center for International Studies at Brigham Young University. She spoke about the need for connection in an ever-polarizing world. Only through proper listening, meaningful conversations, and willingness to be vulnerable can we connect with those around us and forge a better tomorrow. “We share our lives through conversations.”

Yesterday I attended my first Living Room Conversations event thanks to prompting from Braver Angels on the daunting topic of homelessness, an issue never far away from many in Los Angeles. It was a fantastic event with fantastic people, including Keith Cascio, whom I finally got to meet in person. The format of the conversations is great and I hope to use their open-source format to adapt issues on multilingualism and multiculturalism for conversation through Kultur Mercado. I'll be honest, one drawback to the event was time. While two hours seemed ample, we were just beginning to go deep as we wrapped up. I'd love to see this expanded into a format that invites 2-3 sessions for participants to further explore these issues and wrestle with them a little more. Overall, it's a great organization laying the groundwork for navigating difficult conversations in an age most defined by polarization. And a special thank you to the Prohuman Foundation for helping me develop additional tools over the last several months to help be a stronger voice and leader in this arena of bridge-building.

Last month, Living Room Conversations received a Community Action Award from the Berkeley Martin Luther King Jr Breakfast Club, in recognition for our local work this year. It was a big event and a special morning. What an honor to be one of three recipients for the award. We are grateful for the work we get to do and hope to reach even more communities throughout 2025!

After 5 years of testing, the School Community Toolbox has its FIRST OPEN CALL!! We are looking for both facilitators and school representatives committed to addressing polarizing issues and improving understanding between schools and their community. Spots are limited with special introductory pricing and the deadline for applications is February 28 so APPLY TODAY!! Link below NAFCM: National Association for Community Mediation

As a gift to you, we have put together a "Conversation Buffet" all about love and relationships. This is a series of insightful questions designed to spur on meaningful conversations. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gMvEeuta

??Do two enlightenments hold the secret to healing what ails us in the United States??? Seth David Radwell says "yes." Join us on Friday, February 21 with this winner of the International Book Award for Best General Nonfiction for our February webinar. We'll unpack the divides across the United States, including how historical, cultural, and psychological factors contribute to the polarization we see today - and how all of us, particularly advocates, can be part of healing those divides. You'll gain insight into: - The role of competing Enlightenment traditions in shaping our political and cultural landscape; - The intersection of identity, religion, and ideology in the current climate of division; - The "magical formula” that can be distilled from the analysis of the schism across various periods of our history; and - The imperative for all of us today if we are to bestow a democratic republic to the next generation. This webinar is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the root causes of America's polarization, fostering more empathetic and productive conversations, and supporting our collective move forward through repair and reconciliation. Register now to join us Friday, Feb. 21 at noon ET/ 9 am PT: https://lnkd.in/eGRdq2Xs As always, ALL are welcome regardless of field or level of experience. #HealingDivides #FreeWebinar #WebinarSeries #BridgingDivides #BuildingTrust #EffectiveAdvocacy #Advocate #Changemakers #ProfessionalDevelopment #DefendDemocracy

Come discuss race and ethnicity with our very own Youth Council, and Belonging Inclusion Partner, Ana?s Maseda! Our intention with this conversation is to cultivate healing, understanding and belonging through conversations about race between diverse groups. And with it being Black History Month, we are adding a special twist to this conversation! Register here: https://lnkd.in/giU2aGdJ

At WebJunction, we're shining a light on how libraries strengthen social connection and belonging. Dive into our latest piece for insights and practical resources to support your work. Grateful for the good work and inspiration of these people and organizations who are among those highlighted in the article... Shamichael Hallman, IREX, Urban Libraries Council Priya Parker Susie Wise, Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley Eric Klinenberg Living Room Conversations Citizen University Vivek Murthy

Do you want personalized training and resources?? Go to https://lnkd.in/gKA8FChD to find out how to get started! Let's build a better world one conversation at a time. Annie Caplan