Beyond Small Talk

This kaupapa started with observing growing division within our communities and a desire to nurture more mutual listening, understanding and respectful connection across difference. Our very small team all have a heart for making the world a better place.

Join us to learn ways to bridge difference through communication and connection. In a safe and inclusive environment, practice conversation skills over a cuppa tea, to understand each other better.

Upcoming session themes:

September 6 & 17: Recognising and responding to misleading information

October 4: Families and Communities Thriving Through Empathy: an introduction to Nonviolent Communication

October 15: Putting Peace Trolling into Practice

November 1: Depolarisation initiatives: What, So what? What next?

See further details below

Recognising and responding to misleading information.

In this session we will apply critical thinking skills to understand the many different ways that misinformation shows up, using a game called the Cranky Uncle. We will then explore topical examples and how we might respond in conversation to misleading information.

It is preferable but not absolutely essential that you bring your own device (phone, Ipad, tablet) for playing the game.

Families and Communities Thriving Through Empathy:

This session is an introduction to NonviolentCommunication (NVC), offering us a way of communicating that supports us to connect from the heart. Led by Wayne Prince and Deb Hipperson, they offer a guide for reframing how we express ourselves & hear others. Beyond habitual reactions, our words can become conscious responses based firmly on an awareness of what we are perceiving, feeling & wanting to:  

·         Foster supportive relationships at home, with friends & work colleagues.

·         Break patterns of thinking that can lead to anger, arguments and depression.

·         Learn more skills for giving & receiving empathy.

·         Learn the power of connecting to our own needs.

One of our team did an online version of this workshop with Deb and Wayne and said it was fantastic. They introduced us to the Jackal and Giraffe metaphor, gave clear examples of active and compassionate listening which we then practiced in small groups. Highly recommended!

Putting Peace Trolling into Practice

In this session with Janie Banfield we will discover how the practice of ‘Peace Trolling’ can enable us to remain more fully aligned with our own values within challenging social media spaces. This workshop provides an opportunity to learn and practice a few small changes to normal ways of responding which can enhance your natural ability to connect with others who hold very different views. Practice using five habits (based on NVC) to interact in a way that is respectful, empathic, honours our common humanity yet enables you to still speak up about what is important to you.  Social media spaces can be a great practice ground for showing up more empathically face-to-face too.   

Depolarisation initiatives: What, So what? What next?

Come and hear about Phoebe Balle’s research on Aotearoa initiatives to reduce hostility, distrust, and "us/them" thinking within and between polarised groups. What picture is she building of the strengths, challenges and opportunities of this work? So what have we all learned from our local experience of Beyond Small Talk this year? What next as we draw this project to a close?  Join in conversation about ways to continue to support this kaupapa, if not in its current form.