Responding to Divisions over Differences: Helping CAR Scholars & Practitioners Navigate Narrative Fault Lines in a Post-Election World

Responding to Divisions over Differences:
Helping CAR Scholars & Practitioners Navigate Narrative Fault Lines in a Post-Election World

Thursday, December 8, 2016
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Metropolitan Building, Room 5183

Please join the Center for Narrative & Conflict Resolution for a conversation designed to explore how we as conflict analysis and resolution practitioners can constructively respond to the challenges of a polarized nation. For many of us, our position within the CAR community has meant that family, friends and community members have been looking to us to help them make sense of a way forward. In the aftermath of an exhausting presidential campaign characterized by divisive discourse on all sides, what role can our field play in creating opportunities to elevate meaningful dialogue around contentious issues?

Trump’s recent election was heralded by his supporters as a triumph—they have spoken, and been heard. For Hillary supporters, a Trump presidency fuels fear that bigotry and misogyny will be unleashed, pulling us all back to policies and practices that favor the rich and the privileged. These two narrative lines reflect the tremendous chasm in our country today. How can we speak through these differences in a manner that engages, rather than accuses? How do we respond to intolerance (our own, as well as our Others’)? How can a narrative lens help us more skillfully navigate these tricky conversations?

We invite you to come explore these questions at an event that will provide participants with a place for reflection and dialogue, as well as some narrative resources for effectively engaging in this critically important moment. For more information about the event, please email Jessica Smith at [email protected].