Managing Polarization: Turning differing opinions into better design

Polarization isn’t just political – it fundamentally limits our ability to address global issues like climate change.

This is a Call-to-Action for Local:
Engineers, Designers, Executive Leadership, Data Scientists, Urban Planners, Architects, Science Educators, Researchers, Academics, Sustainability Professionals, Management Consultants, Project Managers, Economists, Finance Professionals, HR Professionals, Procurement Specialists, Customer Service Agents, Sales Representatives, etc.

Description:
Uncomfortable topics such as politics, social equity, and climate change naturally generate differing viewpoints. The world is in a challenging position socially, economically, and environmentally. This results in fear and a wide range of valid + opposing emotional responses.

To address this challenge, workshop participants will develop skills to engage in constructive, compassionate dialogue with those holding differing viewpoints. This workshop provides tools and techniques for managing these polarized conversations with empathy and curiosity.

Outcomes:

1. Practice using interpersonal tools to leverage differing opinions into constructive discussion.
2. Explore paradoxical questions, such as “What is my individual responsibility in addressing climate change?” – “Why does humanity appear to be stuck?”
3. Cultivate compassion and curiosity in place of fear, anger, and judgment.

Logistics:
Date: Thursday March 13, 2025 : 5-7pm
Location: theDock – Center for Social Impact
Cost: $10 or by donation
Payment: Cash, e-transfer or Online through eventbrite
Certificates of completion are available for those seeking continuing education hours