Page 265 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

However, with trained facilitators at each table, we knew the drill and could explain the

instructions for those who had difficulty hearing the front of the room. The event proceeded quite

smoothly otherwise as there were no major interruptions or in-fighting to report. Overall

participants seemed quite enthusiastic.

The sessions start off with a one-page survey that asks their scale (opinion rating).

Connected Conversation – “Since the election, have there been ways that your values and

perspectives have been stereotyped by the ‘other side’? If so, what is it about who you are and

what you care about that makes those stereotypes especially upsetting?”; “Are there some

stereotypes of your own party that you feel are somewhat deserved—even if they are not fully

true?”; “What aspects of the other party or candidate do you admire—or at least understand to

be reasonable counter-balances to excess on the side you generally support?”; “Given the

challenges we face, what dreams do you have for yourself, your family, community, or country?”;

“What steps can you take toward making one dream real?”

• Increased opportunities for this type of forum

• Trust

• The willingness to “really listen”

• Faith in humanity

• Learn how to truly collaborate

• Opportunities for “bipartisanship”

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