Living Room Conversations: Is There Common Ground?

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries with the Conflict Resolution Center invites the public to engage in two “Living Room Conversations” 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Garfield Park Library, 705 Woodrow Ave., Santa Cruz, on Thursday, Sept. 12 and 19. The goal is to reduce polarization and generate understanding across ideological divides.

First there is a film screening, followed by a discussion moderated by a facilitator from the Conflict Resolution Center. The first session features “Divided We Fall,” a 1-hour documentary about ordinary people wrestling with what it truly means to be an American, the divides that prevent unity, and how we can engage in conversation to heal our relationships and communities. To register visit:https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12675098.

The second session is “Listening With Curiosity,” exploring how establishing lasting relationships with people across ideological divides continues the process that began with “Divided We Fall.” Register at: https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12675137.

While participation in both sessions is not a requirement, attending the complete series may prove beneficial to foster dialogue and understanding.

On August 5, 2016, Larry Andersen, an editor/videographer, was sitting on his sailboat moored in Boston Harbor talking with Tom Cosgrove, a strategist, at his cabin in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Together, they hit on the idea of a new reality TV concept to bridge the deep divides in our democracy.

The result is Divided We Fall.

Living Room Conversations is a national organization that offers a sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships.

People meet in person or by video call for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others on one of 150+ topics, including racism, immigration, social media, capitalism-socialism, and gun control-Second Amendment. Rather than debating or convincing others, each takes turns talking to share and learn, and be curious.

No preparation is required, though background links are at https://www.dividedwefalltv.org/