Courageous Conversations: Asking Questions

Are you a Republican or Democrat who has questions you wish you could ask someone from “the other side?” Are you an Independent or Unaffiliated voter who has questions for either or both major parties? Join us for a workshop on how to ask neutral questions followed up by an opportunity to ask those questions and engage in thoughtful dialogue on the topics you want to know.

• The program will begin with a brief time to mingle with other participants.
• Next, we’ll break into small groups organized by political parties, in which we’ll explore the questions you want to ask and craft them in the form best suited to opening dialogue.
• Next, we reconvene as a large group to ask the questions we wrote in the workshop and engage in thoughtful discussion on the issues raised.

Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

Please note: this program will only run with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats. Independent/Unaffiliated voters will be invited to select which party they’d like to meet with in the small group time and will count towards that group’s number. If there are more participants from one party than the other, we will accommodate as many people as possible, in order of their registration.

Registration is required.

Be Prepared

Prior to the conversation, please review our Courageous Conversations Agreements. Printed copies are available at the Library.

There is no required reading for this Courageous Conversation.

What are Courageous Conversations?

Courageous Conversations is a small-group discussion series that will provide an opportunity for people of all backgrounds and viewpoints to discuss important local, cultural, social, and political issues in a safe environment where differing opinions, patient listening, and respectful discussion are welcomed as a necessary part of building connection with others and identifying shared values. Participants may be asked to read short articles, books, or listen to podcasts prior to the meetings and will be asked to abide by our shared discussion guidelines.

Library staff will facilitate the conversations and ensure that all participants have the opportunity to share in the discussion.

The event is in person and attendance space is limited; please remember to register.