Community Conversations are facilitated dialogues on selected topics held via Zoom. Dialgoues generally last an hour and a half. A facilitator provides the structure for the conversation with all being invited to speak within the process or pass if more comfortable simply listening. We invite you to our Zoom Living Room, an open, trusted space. Community members come together to relate and to connect. An invitation to share perspective, generate understanding, build relationships, and ultimately strengthen the community.
Upcoming Event
Youth Conversations
June 16th, 5 pm via Zoom: Homelessness in Savannah, a Youth Community Conversation
Open to all high school students and city leaders.
To express your interest, please email KeyShawn Housey, khousey@mediationsavannah.com.
Introduction to Facilitation
February 18, from 4-6 pm
Register here
A two-hour workshop to learn best practices to provide facilitated dialogue sessions (community conversations).
Hosted by the Mediation Center and South Fulton Community Mediation Center.
Last Conversation
“What does it mean to be a neighbor?
Agreements we set as ground rules to ensure a safe environment for conversation:
Be curious and listen to understand.
Conversation is as much about listening as it is about talking. You might enjoy exploring how others’ experiences have shaped their values and perspectives.
Show respect and suspend judgment.
People tend to judge one another. Setting judgment aside opens you up to learning from others and makes them feel respected and appreciated. Try to truly listen, without interruption or crosstalk.
Note any common ground as well as any differences.
Look for areas of agreement or shared values that may arise and take an interest in the differing beliefs and opinions of others.
Be authentic and welcome that from others.
Share what’s important to you. Speak from your experience. Be considerate of others who are doing the same.
Be purposeful and to the point.
Do your best to keep your comments concise and relevant to the question you are answering. Be conscious of sharing airtime with other participants.
Own and guide the conversation.
Take responsibility for the quality of your participation and the conversation as a whole. Be proactive in getting yourself and others back on track if needed. Use an agreed-upon signal if you feel the agreements are not being honored.
These ground rules and our Community Conversations are inspired by Living Room Conversations.
What does it mean to be a neighbor?
Microaggressions 2.0 – Navigating Cultures
Microaggressions
Election 2020: What’s at Stake?
Stop Telling Stories
Setting Healthy Boundaries while Sheltering in Place with Co-habitants During the Pandemic
Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Campus Life
Anxious Around ReOpening…for You and Your Family
Unmasking Shame
Empathy is not Endorsement