Special guest post by Diane Musho Hamilton, founder of Ten Directions Integral Facilitator training.
Having conversations about race, ethnicity, religion, or politics activates some of our most deeply held identities, values, and emotions. These conversations are challenging on so many levels, whether we are impassioned participants, detached observers, or hopeful facilitators.
In this Integral Facilitator® open call (posted below), titled “Having a Hard Conversation: Perspectives on Ferguson” I outline some important structures that we can use to support ourselves and others in navigating through the terrain of emotionally intense discussions. I offer a map or set of “guideposts” that can support you, regardless of your role, to navigate these kinds of conversations in a more inclusive and nuanced way.
I invite you to listen for several important elements in the structure of the call that demonstrate what an integral framework can bring to our “hard conversations.” These elements include the use of three primary perspectives, identifying levels of development (in ourselves and our groups), and consciously bringing shadow voices into the conversation.
I hope that this brief introduction offers you a valuable experience of how you can begin using an integral framework in your dialogues and group work.
Ten Directions is offering a 3-day training on Integral Facilitation in Boulder, October 6-8, at the Integral Center (right before the Integral Living Room). The early registration price expires September 8th. More info here.
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