ROUNDTABLE: Disagreeing Without Being Disagreeable: How can we have healthy debate?

At the Old Ashland Armory, Suite 101, 208 Oak Street, Ashland: Sometimes people with good intentions have wildly different opinions that seemingly cannot be reconciled--and sometimes interaction about such ideas becomes personal: “critical thinking” becomes criticism, “argumentation” becomes argument. Some people become hurt or defensive, and others feel or are shut out and shut themselves down. New technologies may make conflict worse, as people get segregated into their own personal echo chambers. How can we have healthy debate, where ideas rise or fall upon their merits? How can we create a safe space, supporting each other, while exploring uncomfortable truths and not stifling them?

Please join us for a roundtable discussion of these questions and possible solutions. Sandra Coyner will facilitate the session with emphasis on sharing stories and building our personal skills.