Community Conversations
Reflective conversations offer a space where framed yet open-ended dialogue can take place. The goal of a reflective conversation is not to find solutions, settle a debate, or come to a consensus on a topic. Reflective conversations help to build community, gain understanding, and help us really listen to one another.
These kinds of conversations revolve around a “big question” that can’t be easily answered. It is important to be able to move past explanation and factual information. To make this transition easier, objects are used to centralize the discussion. Objects can be pieces of art, excerpts from literature, movies, music, or poems. The use of the objects brings a sense of equality to the conversation and raises the level of discussion.
Reflecting on ideas as a community through conversation is an important way for people to explore their beliefs and the relationship between what they think and how they act. It is an effective way to build community and strengthen how we work together.
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
Same Mission. Many Stories.
DIALOGUES WITH WOMEN VETERANS
This sustained discussion program focuses on the stories and experiences of women veterans. Hosted by university students around the state, veterans have the opportunity to share their experiences, listen to the stories of others, and come together in safe space to reflect, contribute, and connect. Conversations are led by trained university students, Michigan Humanities staff, and university staff.
Third Coast Conversations
Water in the 21st Century
A series of statewide public conversations took place in 18 communities focused on the cultural, social, historical, and environmental factors that connect Michigan’s people to their water. Third Coast Conversations used the humanities to help more people engage and contribute to the greater good by providing resources for local organizations to create facilitated discussions around the topic of water.
Covering Crisis: Democracy and the Informed Citizen
Urban Farming in Detroit
Michigan Humanities partnered with Michigan State University environmental journalism students to hold reflective community conversations. Michigan State University students selected the topic of Urban Farming in Detroit. After working with their partnered journalist, students toured sites, and learned how each of the different urban farms operate and their respective business models.
Covering Crisis: Democracy and the Informed Citizen
Regenerative Agriculture
Michigan Humanities partnered with Central Michigan University environmental journalism students to hold reflective community conversations. Central Michigan University students selected the topic of Regenerative Agriculture. After working with their partnered journalist, students toured sites, and learned about outcome-based food production operating in harmony with nature.
Contact
For questions about community conversations, contact Katie Wittenauer at kwittenauer@mihumanities.org.