Post Election - Moving Forward Together
Conversation Guide
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Once all the campaigning and voting is over, we are left to process the results (and in recent elections their validity) and resulting transfer of power. While many believe we continue to grow even more divided, there has been a renewed commitment to seeking understanding and moving forward together as a nation. This conversation allows us to hold onto our shared humanity alongside our differences, and explore how we can build on our common ideals whether we feel as though we “won” or “lost” during the election.
Let's Get Started!
Living Room Conversations offers a simple, sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Typically, 4-6 people meet in person or by video call for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others on one of our nearly 100 topics. Rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share, learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, though background links with balanced views are available on some topic pages online. Anyone can host using these italicized instructions. Hosts also participate.
Introductions:
Why We're Here (~10 min)
Each participant has 1 minute to introduce themselves.
Share your name, where you live, what drew you here, and if this is your first conversation.
Conversation Agreements:
How We'll Engage (~5 min)
These will set the tone of our conversation; participants may volunteer to take turns reading them aloud. (Click here for the full conversation agreements.)
- Be curious and listen to understand.
- Show respect and suspend judgment.
- Note any common ground as well as any differences.
- Be authentic and welcome that from others.
- Be purposeful and to the point.
- Own and guide the conversation.
Question Rounds:
What We’ll Talk About
Optional: a participant can keep track of time and gently let people know when their time has elapsed.
Round 1:
Getting to Know Each Other (~10 min)
Each participant can take 1-2 minutes to answer one of these questions:
- What are your hopes and concerns for your family, community and/or the country?
- What would your best friend say about who you are?
- What sense of purpose / mission / duty guides you in your life?
Round 2:
One participant can volunteer to read the paragraph at the top of the web page.
Take ~2 minutes each to answer a question below without interruption or crosstalk. After everyone has answered, the group may take a few minutes for clarifying or follow up questions/responses. Continue exploring additional questions as time allows..
- What does the outcome of the elections mean to you? What are you celebrating or concerned about?
- If the outcome was not what you hoped this time (or if you’ve been disappointed by previous elections), how are you processing that disappointment? How are you planning to move forward?
- What is your experience interacting or staying connected to others you care about who feel differently about the election?
- On issues where goals or values are aligned, what common ground solutions would you like to explore regardless of election results?
- What expectations do you have around the transfer of power after the most recent election? How have your expectations changed over the years?
- Where are you experiencing a personal or collective sense of hope? Where are you feeling concern?
Round 3:
Reflecting on the Conversation (~15 min)
Take 2 minutes to answer one of the following questions:
- What was most meaningful / valuable to you in this Living Room Conversation?
- What learning, new understanding or common ground was found on the topic?
- How has this conversation changed your perception of anyone in this group?
- Is there a next step you would like to take based upon the conversation?
