Purpose: We aim to help citizens in our community improve in their ability to communicate over difficult subjects. By sharing our perspectives in a space that is safe and learning from others by improving our listening skills, we will become a community that values our differences and will not resort to tactics that hurt others emotionally, economically, or otherwise.
When do you meet? – We meet monthly, typically on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. This can change based on space availability and the schedule of our facilitators. Our meetings run from 7:00-8:45pm.
Where do you meet? – NW Christian Church. 2315 Villa Rd. Our meetings are not religious, and we appreciate NW Christian Church allowing us to use their space for no charge.
How do the Conversation Groups operate? – Based on the feedback of the attendees, we have adopted the following agenda format:
- Welcome, Purpose, & Introductions
- Review of civil behaviors
- Introduction of the topic to be discussed
- Small Group Discussion (40 minutes)
- Groups consist of 4-5 people of hopefully different political perspectives.
- Group Debrief Time
- Groups discuss what the process was like for them
- Groups will also share ideas to improve the process
- Group Share Out
- A member from each group will share the overall thoughts of the group and ways the process can be improved
- Final thoughts and adjournment
Are there any ground rules? – After introductions, we always review the following concepts:
- Listen to your words – Avoid truth claiming. Use “I believe…” statements to share a perspective.
- Instead of preparing a response to someone, think of a clarifying question to ask. Good questions to ask are, “How did you reach that conclusion?” or “What leads you to believe that?”
- Avoid assumptions and seek validate each other’s perspective
- Do not assign or assume the motives of other people
- And always ask yourself, “Am I making it easier or harder for others to speak?”
Where can I find out more about your group? – One of our past co-leaders, Jerrie Lyda, was interviewed as part of the Giving Town podcast. Jerrie covered the inception of this idea, the steps towards uncivil behaviors, and how our work is attempting to interrupt those uncivil behaviors. Please check out Jerrie’s podcast at: https://thegivingtown.buzzsprout.com/1931556/12198786
Who can I contact? – Our primary contact person is Dan Busch. His email address is danbusch89@gmail.com. In addition to Dan, Paul Blattner and Kat Stauffer are co-leaders for the group.
United As Neighbors of Newberg and Dundee Oregon 