CEB Dialogue Cafe: Our Words, Our Lives: Sewing, Weaving, Spinning Narratives
Center for Cultural Equity and Belonging (CEB, SB 203)
How do we dialogue across difference effectively? First, we will explore how to create space for ourselves and our full socio-cultural identities, with compassion and care. If we can learn to share compassion and kindness with ourselves, we will be more effective when holding space for differing perspectives and better able to move through challenging dialogue moments. Through poetry, prompts, and sharing of story, we will listen deeply and explore how to reframe our approach in challenging conversation moments with bravery and compassion.
The goal of the CEB Dialogue Cafe is to learn how to hold brave dialogue using story, through difficult topics while holding space for differing perspectives. We will use talking circle techniques that focus on storytelling with deep listening, and discussion techniques that embody compassion and courage. As part of the process, we will explore helpful ways to share our thoughts, interrupt harmful conversations with empathy, and courageously share our beliefs and questions. This is meant to be a trauma-informed and open space of zero judgment. Each session will start with poetry and specific prompts, lead into discussion and sharing of perspectives, and end with a calming moment of reflection or appreciation.
All are welcome to attend these dialogue sessions. Open to students, staff, faculty, and NEC alumni.
Hot chocolate and Fall cookies/snacks to enjoy!
For further CEB events see the CEB Programming Webpage and the October Dialogue Month Flyer
The theme is "Talking Tapestries: The Courage to Engage in Difficult Dialogue". This month, we will focus on developing and practicing helpful tools for challenging dialogue, and will have community and learning opportunities for all to engage in. CEB will also share resources each week.
For support with dialogue on campus, please reach out to Monique.vanwillingh@necmusic.edu.