Reminder: this program is virtual. After registering, you will receive an email with access to both the zoom meeting code and the link to our webinar. Please keep this information for the program on May 14.

Despite a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, many groups and organizations find that their members still have a hard time talking across differences in race, class, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, or any other kind of identity. We often lack the tools to help us graciously navigate conversations like these—and so we avoid having them. We just don’t talk, even though research shows groups who share diverse viewpoints are more innovative, better at problem solving, more open to feedback, and better off in the long run.

In this workshop we will explore how avoiding conversations about difficult social issues can lead team members to feel unheard, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and misinformation. Fear of “saying the wrong thing” can actually result in worse outcomes. Rather than avoiding potentially contentious conversations, we will develop stepping stones to increase awareness, mutual understanding and growth. In short, we can all benefit from diversity and inclusion. But it won’t happen by itself. We have to do our part to be the change that we want to see, by creating productive spaces for these types of conversations and learning how to effectively navigate difficult topics.

This workshop will also address communication during this time of social distancing, and navigating difficult dialogues in virtual spaces.