Principles For Conversation

As you approach a classroom session, ground yourself in empathy, humility, and curiosity. Be thoughtful about what you want to say or ask. Remember that the experience of watching this film could be particularly challenging for some folks. Proceed with care and consideration.

Before contributing to the dialogue, consider the following practices for fostering brave spaces distinguished by psychological safety.

• Listen to learn, not to respond.
• Share air time––take space and make space for others to share
• Speak from the “I” perspective.
• Turn to curiosity before criticism.
• Meet people where they are. Everyone has a different starting point.
• Be compassionate; honor human emotion.
• Before assuming, ask clarifying questions.
• Choose dialogue over debate. 
• Challenge ideas, not the person.
• Assume good intentions.
• Lean into discomfort with curiosity, not judgment.
• Expect and accept a lack of closure.

Following the classroom session, consider how you can learn more and continue the conversation. Perhaps you can share your film experience and learnings with a relative or friend. Maybe you can integrate into your daily life a tip that you learned from the film. As you continue to learn and practice, remember that your goal is to promote safe spaces and healthy relationships wherever you go.