Why Having Difficult Conversations Across Difference Matters and Ways to Engage in More Equitable and Inclusive Communication Workshop Led by Dr. Devon Geary
This workshop explores the personal and political forces that drive us apart and together. We'll discuss the equitable and inclusive communication methods that dialogue facilitators use to talk about and across differences. The workshop's second session is dedicated to applying these methods in conversation.
Session 1: Let's Talk about the Political and Personal Forces that Separate and Connect Us
Session 2: Let's Talk about Identity and Connect in more Equitable ways for a Better Democracy
Dr. Devon Geary:
Dr. Geary is a senior project manager in the Institute for Common Power, earned her doctorate in interpersonal and political communication from the University of Washington, where she was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award.
Throughout her career, she has been part of several initiatives focused on race and democracy, including at the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Mississippi, the Highlander Research and Education Center in Tennessee, and Project Pilgrimage in Washington state.
Dr. Geary is committed to building diverse connections in pursuit of political equality, what Dr. Danielle Allen calls “bridging ties” that unite people across differences and lead to more egalitarian civic, health, education, and economic outcomes. In the Institute, Dr. Geary creates and expands programming like learning tours through the American South, educator initiatives, and virtual and in-person lectures and workshops. One of her sheroes is Ella Baker who inspired people to fight for a “freedom of the human spirit” that “encompasses all” of our rich humanity.