Courageous Conversations
Join us to discuss important issues in a safe environment where differing opinions, patient listening, and respectful discussion are welcome.
Have you ever wondered how someone on the other side of the political fence could possibly have the opinions they do?
Have you avoided talking to friends or family members because you know you disagree with them about religion?
Are you interested in understanding others more, especially people who disagree with you?
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.
Upcoming Conversations
Click through to see what we’ll be discussing this month.
Courageous Conversations: Listening Workshop
Courageous Conversations Agreements
Engage to Understand
The goal in dialogue is to understand others more fully and to make connections with others. Come with an open mind and a willingness to hear others’ experiences and opinions. It is not our goal to reach an agreement, and that’s okay!
Listen to Learn
Devote your full attention to the speaker. Set judgment aside, don’t interrupt, and listen to learn something new rather than thinking of how you want to respond. Look for areas of agreement or shared values; you may be surprised how much you have in common.
Embrace Vulnerability and Speak Your Truth
We all feel vulnerable when sharing personal opinions that others may not accept. Share what’s important to you and speak from your experience. Appreciate others who are doing the same.
There’s More Than One Answer
We will choose to recognize each other’s worth and value even when we disagree in our opinions. Ask questions to learn about alternate points of view, experiences and cultures. No one has all the answers. Avoid generalizations, exaggerations, assumptions, and all or nothing statements.
Tone Matters
Tone of voice and body language communicate attitudes we may not say in words. Make sure your non-verbal communication lets others know you want to listen to what they have to say.
Past Conversations
Click through to see information about our previous conversation topics.
Courageous Conversations: Immigration
Courageous Conversations: Let's Talk Race
Courageous Conversations Book Club
Courageous Conversations Book Club
Courageous Conversations: Social Media & Mental Health
Courageous Conversations: Making Ends Meet
Courageous Conversations: Let's Talk (Political) Parties!
Courageous Conversations: Book Challenges
Courageous Conversations: Tips and Tricks
Courageous Conversations: Mental Health
Courageous Conversations: Prisons
Courageous Conversations: Abortion—Getting Beyond the Labels
Courageous Conversations: One-on-One
Courageous Conversations: Voting & Elections
Courageous Conversations: Gun Policy
Courageous Conversations: Social Safety Nets
Courageous Conversations: Health Care
