Episode 30: Conversation Starter: From Polarization to Healing

In this podcast, Parker, Carrie and John Paul Lederach discuss America's growing edge, the roots of violence and the ways societies come back from division and conflict.  Here are a few questions for your own exploration, journaling, and (we hope) conversation with others. We encourage you to use the online Zoom format for dialogues with family and friends.

To learn more about John Paul Leaderach click HERE

To check out his many wonderful books click HERE

Some Approaches to this Month’s Questions

You may want to explore the podcast and Questions of the Month privately, through journaling and silent reflection. But we urge you to consider gathering online for an exploration with one or more family members or friends. If that idea appeals to you, look into using Zoom, Facetime, Skype or some other video platform or talk with each other while practicing safe social distancing.

If you aren’t familiar with Zoom, it’s easy to learn and has proven a wonderful way to host “face to face” conversations during the pandemic. A full-featured Basic Plan with unlimited meetings is free. There’s a 40 minute time limit on conversations among three or more, but you can log right back on for another 40 minutes. If the technology baffles you, check for online instructions, or get on the phone and ask any middle-schooler you know!

For group explorations, we first listen to the podcast individually or together. Then, before you meet, review the Circle of Trust Touchstones from the Center for Courage & Renewal. They’re designed to create safe space for open-hearted dialogue on a wide range of topics.