#Because
Our reaction is to shut-down those who disagree with us. But you know what? It's not in the Human Family's best interest to dismiss, disregard or disrespect other people's ideas.
Until we can figure out how to problem solve, #TOGETHER, then the issues that we face as the global #HumanFamily are going to be very difficult to answer. And there will be a lot of friction along the way. The solutions of tomorrow will need a unified plan of action, and a unified response.
We fail the Human Family when we do not work to find common ground. We fail the Human Family when our lack of productive #communication is an impediment to finding effective ways to mitigate #global suffering.
It’s no question that the pandemic has exacerbated existing social and political frictions; and has also created new ones.
Spaces for #citizens to engage with one another in productive ways are crucial to our health as the Human Family. In this new world where physical proximity is limited, online platforms have an opportunity to supply this space.
Anonymity, disinhibition, and the adoption of anti-social online norms can leave online discourse lacking civility. If we are strategic about our conversations, they can produce more civil dialogue and progress.
#CovidDiscourse is the voluntary and strategic act of engaging in productive conversations about the pandemic; with both those who have similar vantage points, and with those who share wildly different stances and beliefs than us. If we want to effectively end the pandemic, we need to think in terms of the entire Human Family, and less as individuals. We are at war with the virus. We need to see the virus as the opponent, and not each other.
We need to engage in productive discussion to end the pandemic, as well as address the challenges the world faces.
Why? #BecauseDiscourseMatters
BECAUSE we care about the Human Family.
BECAUSE Framework for Productive Discourse:
Boundaries
Empathy
Clarity
Ask
Understanding
Solidarity
Encourage
Boundaries:
Set clear boundaries for what the discussion will look like. Is there a time-limit? Is there a rule that after the conversation ends, it ends? Are there subjects or triggers that are off-the-table? Are there cues for ending if it gets too heated? Agree on what will happen if the established boundaries are broken.
Empathy
Do your best to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. How does it look from their vantage point? How does it feel? The intention of the conversation is to understand, and not to win. Be willing to open yourself up to a level of vulnerability. Maintain a safe space for discussion.
Clarity
Choose a specific topic area to discuss, and stick to it. Differentiate opinions from facts. When possible, back facts up with data. State what you believe clearly. Remember that “I don’t know” or “I’m not entirely certain, but I believe that…” are also clear and valid statements.
Ask
Ask questions. Never assume. What, explicitly, is your stance or belief? Why? What facts or experiences led you to this stance? What values do you have that align with your stance? How do you think people in a society with very different and opposing values should operate?
Understand
To understand we must listen with an open mind. Don’t interrupt. Be attentive and considerate of the other person’s point of view. Take equal time when speaking. Paraphrase what they said, and ask them to do the same for you. Repair and refine any misunderstandings.
Solidarity
Identify and call attention to areas of agreement. Common ground builds a shared social identity. It creates a sense of “we-ness.” It puts us on the same team. It fosters connection and care for the collective. It strengthens our ties as a Human Family.
Encourage
The amount of insight we gain can be massive. Applaud yourselves for working through the conversation to find common ground. Encourage each other to continue to take part in discourse together. And encourage each other to expand the conversation with others.