People in conversation

Post-Election Resource 3: A Conversation for Trust and Understanding

Photo: Two men in conversation

We hope last week’s conversation felt like a breath of fresh air—that you felt heard, energized, trusted, and connected. We want to build on that energy by inviting you to begin stretching your comfort zone. 

This week’s exercise will help you have a conversation with someone who, for whatever reason, seems to be feeling like an outsider after the election. 

We’ll ask you to notice folks who may be having a different response to the election than you are and to reach out to them in an intentional way. The exercise will help you to lay the groundwork for new conversations in your community. It is an informal version of the community mapping we often do in the early stages of any dialogue initiative.

Take a look around you—in your family, office, school, congregation, or among your friends. Is there someone who seems hesitant about stepping into a political conversation? This person doesn’t have to hold a different or minority political opinion in your community (although they might), they just aren't joining in the conversations you’re having right now. 

This exercise will help you enter into a conversation about the election with that person in a way that works for them. 

Click here to download the exercise

Next week, you’ll be given a tool to begin conversations across differences. It might feel uncomfortable. But these conversations also make new possibilities, a renewed sense of community, new trust, and new relationships possible.

Our free post-election initiative, resources, and consultations are all made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Help advance our global mission. Consider making a donation of any size today.

Dialogue is about building a sense of community, together. As always, reach out to us for help or guidance. We are here for you.

John Sarrouf Co-Executive Director and Director of Program Development at Essential Partners.

Katie Hyten is co–Executive Director of Essential Partners.