Conversation Project: Relationships for Resilience
In a time of intensifying social and ecological crises, in a cultural context of individualism, the pressure to practice "self-care," build "personal resilience," and "transform oneself" is pervasive. While "doing your own work" is important, we overemphasize the individual to the detriment of our human communities and the rest of the living world. The deep transformations we need will be cocreated, and the deep resilience we must develop will be relational. In this conversation, we will explore the dynamics of our strongest relationships, seeking to name the qualities and practices that underpin resilience. How can we bring our insights more intentionally and broadly to bear in our human relationships and in our relationships with our home—lands, waters, and ecosystems?
Conversation Project: Reentry and Empathy
Reentering society after being imprisoned or dealing with addiction is a difficult process, and people who go through it are often stigmatized. This conversation will explore the feelings, challenges, and experiences people encounter while reentering society and encourage participants to reflect on similarities to their own feelings and experiences. We will illuminate the connections we have with one another, and leave with a better understanding of what it is like to return to community after time away and a stronger sense of connection to those who are doing so.
Conversation Project: Talking About Gender
Do you remember the first time you were taught how to “be a man” or “act more ladylike”? Do you recall moments of permission where you got to break free from the pressures of your gender? Everyone experiences gender differently, which can cause confusion when the gender of others challenges our own understanding. By exploring our own histories with gender, we can open ourselves up to being curious about the experiences of others. In this conversation, participants will be invited to reflect on and share the ways gender was taught to them, moments they challenged gender expectations, and ways they live in their gender today.
Conversation Project: Talking About Values Across Political Divides
“How can I be me without making it difficult for you to be you?” This question gets at the fundamental challenge of being in society together. We live in a contentious political world, and it’s difficult to talk about our deepest values and beliefs in safe, civil, and respectful ways. In 2021, the Pew Research Center found that nearly six in ten Americans felt that political conversations with those you disagree with are generally stressful and frustrating, as opposed to being interesting and informative. If we avoid such conversations, we lose opportunities to form a community with others that reflects our best selves. How can we learn to share our values in ways that bring us together rather than push us further apart?
Resources for Conversation Project Hosts
Tips, timelines, and materials for organizations hosting Conversation Project events
The Conversation Project
The Conversation Project is an opportunity for organizations to partner with Oregon Humanities and host a conversation for your community.
Community Conversations
Oregon Humanities' community conversation programs provide opportunities for participants to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs, learn about the experiences and beliefs of others, and cultivate a stronger sense of agency in their communities.
Engaging as Fellow Humans
Tyler White creates conversations for social change.
Read. Talk. Think.
Things that make you say O. Hm.
Making Woodburn History
Gustavo Gutierrez-Gomez makes it his mission to get people together.