What if We Didn't Have to Agree? Preserving Relationships While Communicating Across Differences

Join the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution as we welcome CMMi Stewards, Ilene Wasserman and Arthur Jensen, for a virtual event titled,What if We Didn't Have to Agree? Preserving Relationships While Communicating Across Differences on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 11 am Eastern US Time (UTC-5).

In the middle of a holiday season, many dread the seemingly inescapable arguments, hurt feelings, and tension that can arise. With this in mind, Ilene and Arthur will share creative, relational approaches to navigating conversations with loved ones about potentially polarizing and divisive topics. Together, with webinar participants, we will explore possibilities for finding coordination even without coherence. 

In communication, each moment is a chance to practice curiosity and compassion- two foundational elements for the continued co-creation of better social worlds. Now, more than ever, each of us must understand our own ability and responsibility to act mindfully into our relationships. 

In preparation for the webinar, we invite you to reflect on recent conversations with friends and family members where disagreement occurred. Please consider the following: (1) Where did the conversation start? (2) What did the conversation feel like? and (3) Where did the conversation end?

This webinar is the third installment in our ‘Communication Creates’ Series, where we explore theoretical and practical applications of Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM), with a particular emphasis on using a ‘communication perspective’ to make sense of what we are making together in our communication and how we can act more mindfully in our relating to co-create better social worlds together. We hope to see you there!

For more information on CMM, check out our Resource Hub here: https://cmminstitute.substack.com/.

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Ilene Wasserman, President of ICW Consulting Group, has over 30 years’ experience in organizational consulting, leadership development and executive coaching. Ilene is a Senior Fellow at the McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is the lead executive coach for the Advanced Management Program and coaches with the Women’s Executive Leadership Program, and the MBA programs. She has also been an Executive in Residence for CCL, where she provides guidance on women’s leadership, diversity and 0rganization development and leadership.

Arthur Jensen (PhD, University of Massachusetts) is Emeritus Professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Syracuse University, a Board Member of the CMM Institute and a co-director of the Cosmopolis2045 project. Arthur served as a faculty member and department chair, and for the past 16 years, before retiring, as senior associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Syracuse University. For nearly a decade, he also served as academic director of the Bachelor of Professional Studies program for part-time students at Syracuse University.

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Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Time: 11:00 am Eastern US Time (UTC-5)

Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)


Cost: $20 (Professional)/ $10 (Student)*

*We want everyone who is interested to be able to participate this event. If the cost presents a barrier to attending for you, please do not hesitate to contact abbievanmeter@gmail.com.