Shifting from ‘me’ to ‘we’: Talking with your kids about politics and the importance of modeling unlikely friendships through civic engagement

Talking with your kids and your family about politics can be tricky. Forming strong friendships outside of the family with those who share diverse perspectives can be equally challenging. In these conversations, fostering a sense of connection and empathy, even when perspectives are vastly different, is vital for social-emotional and relationship health. It’s also a critically important skill that even our youngest learners can develop.  Join us for an evening of empowering and action-oriented conversation that sets the stage for healthy dialogue about politics with your child, your family and your friends. Along the way, we will:

• Learn how to listen differently
• Understand the keys to starting this trend within your own home while strengthening your family health along the way
• Gain understanding of the importance of forming unlikely friendships with individuals who see things differently than we do
• Discuss how we can stand by our own beliefs while expanding our understanding of other perspectives.
• Imagine what civic engagement balanced by strong connections with our kids and our community might look like
• Uncover critical skills for difficult conversations and gain new perspectives on how to create bridges with those we love and know 

Nadine Wise (D) is the program manager for Next Generation at the National Institute for Civil Discourse. She organizes facilitator workshops and training, including “Building Trust through Civil Discourse,” and participates in the strategy planning to expand the number of state legislatures in civil public discourse. Wise is an experienced liaison with state agencies, legislative offices, and a public university. 

Brent Hill (R) currently serves as program director for Next Generation at the National Institute for Civil Discourse. He is also the highest-ranking member of the Idaho State Senate. Hill is a frequent contributor to newspapers and other publications and authored “A Matter of Principle” that explores the fundamental ideals that guided America’s founders.

Libby Steele is a licensed professional clinical counselor who graduated with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Dayton. She has trained through the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio’s three-year postgraduate program and in the dynamic Oaklander Gestalt Play Therapy model. Steele works closely with individuals and their families to provide a supportive and engaging environment for real and lasting change. 

Matt Dunatchik is a licensed professional clinical counselor who graduated with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Dayton. He has worked in a college counseling setting as well as with adolescents in an Intensive Outpatient Group Program. Dunatchik is a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio.