Opportunities to Engage

Challenging conversations require a ‘container’ to be constructive.  CERI aims to provide a space for community members to engage with each other on difficult conversation topics. The goal of this “space” allows those with differing views to learn about the other side, without a commitment to adopt or share a common view. We offer three primary forms – and forums – for engaging in contexts of conflict and difference: Deliberation, Dialogue, and Restorative Practices.  All focus on mutual learning and effective communication, but they have also have different goals and emphases.

Deliberation focuses on a specific issue like homelessness, free speech/speech regulation, grazing rights, or gun control; conveners do preparatory research and provide participants with background information on various issue options, and participants engage on that information and the relative merits and tradeoffs of these choices.  Participants learn that all well-reasoned perspectives have merit, and all have tradeoffs.

Dialogue is a process where participants main focus is intergroup learning, focused on differing experiences and privileges, such as racial or gender disparities, religious differences, or transgender rights.  Many issues may be part of the discussion, with participants sharing experiences and perspectives and respectfully asking questions.  Dialogue is not about winning an argument or coming to an agreement, but about understanding and learning.

Restorative practices, sometimes called restorative justice, are processes used to repair harm to individuals and communities after an acknowledged harm has been committed.  An RP process focuses on accountability and repair, rather than sanctions or punishment. It aims to reintegrate a community through mutual learning about experiences, intentions, impacts, and unintended consequences.

Future engagement opportunities will be posted here.

Film screening in partnership with the Native Student Alliance (Wednesday May 25th) in Sie Complex room 1150 on DU's campus from 5:30pm-9pm. Open to DU community. Registration recommended but not required. 

Film screening of Parasite and facilitated table dialogue (Thursday, March 31st) in Sie Complex room 1150 on DU's campus from 5:30pm - 9pm. Open to Korbel community. Registration encouraged but not required.

"A House Divided" Deliberation, a conversation about political differences (Thursday, April 21) from 5pm - 7pm, open to DU community, held on DU's campus. Space is limited and registration is required

Deliberation on Keeping America Safe, focusing on security, for Korbel community during Week 7 of spring quarter. More details coming soon!

 

People sitting in a circle having a deliberation

Deliberation

For a deliberate, constructive conversation where the focus is a specific issue or policy question.

People sitting in a circle conducting a dialogue

Dialogue

If at the heart of what is needed is better ways of being in relationship with those of different perspectives and experiences. 

People sitting in circle conducting restorative circles

Restorative Practices

If what is needed is improved understanding, accountability, and repair for a specific harm.