How do we begin a conversation with people who are culturally different from ourselves? Where do we begin? How do we keep from offending someone? What if they get angry or hurt? These are just some of the many questions that result in barriers and fears that keep us apart and in silence. Together we will explore what it will take to walk across the room – what we can learn in that journey about ourselves, and in the process, develop an authentic and meaningful relationship with each other, even in the midst of a conflict or misunderstanding.

Using various learning methods with an emphasis on experiential learning and personal stories participants will learn:

• How to engage in a conversation with someone who is culturally different
• Conflict intervention skills
• Exploration of intent and impact on the communication process
• The use of responsive and listening techniques
• The Art of Responsive Inquiry
• How ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation affect responses
• Communication skills needed for a multicultural world
• Use of The Art of Mindful Facilitation to resolve conflicts