The Art of Difficult Conversations

The election will be over. The holidays will be right around the corner. And for many of us, that means sitting across the table from friends and family members who may see the world very differently than we do.

So, how do we talk to each other?

Join us for a timely, interactive conversation about navigating uncomfortable conversations, listening across differences, and finding ways to stay connected without abandoning the things that matter to us.

Our guest will be Erin O'Connell, Regional Organizer for the Red Wine & Blue Network's Mountain/Desert Region. Erin's years of advocacy for public education helped her recognize the power of community and of building bridges with people who hold different viewpoints. Her own experience with friend-to-friend organizing eventually led her to Red Wine & Blue, where she now works with local groups to help strengthen their communities.

This won't just be a presentation. We'll practice.

Erin will share strategies for creating more constructive dialogue, lead us through conversation exercises and role-playing, and use conversation cards to help us practice responding when discussions become difficult.

We'll explore questions like: How do you start a conversation when you know you disagree? How do you listen without feeling like you're conceding your values? When is it worth continuing a difficult conversation, and when is it better to move on? And how can we disagree without allowing those disagreements to destroy relationships?

Because changing minds isn't always where change begins. Sometimes it begins with keeping the conversation going and making room for one more person at the table.

There is no charge to attend. If you're able, we appreciate a $5–$10 donation to help cover the cost of the meeting space.

Event venue & nearby stays

Craft Wine & Beer, 22 Martin Street, Reno, United States

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