Embracing Diverse Ideas in a Polarized World

We are living in a highly polarized time; there are political divisions, a growing wealth gap, media echo chambers. Polarization can lead to a growing sense of distrust in institutions, government, and even between individuals. We have each likely seen polarization’s negative effects in all of these areas – perhaps even right here, at our own organization. We face the risk that society-wide polarization can divide our our organization and keep us from doing the important work that we need to do to meet our goals. 

We each bring our own unique perspectives and reasons we have joined this group. Today, we want to explore the tension that can happen when a group holds diverse opinions and wants (or needs) to work together.  Diversity has many meanings – there is diversity of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, experiences, religion, and more. For the next 50 minutes though, we are focusing on diversity of perspectives and opinions – although as we will likely discover, other types of diversity may show up as well.

Note to facilitator: If you already have working norms for group conversations, this would be a good time to highlight them.  Otherwise, you might want to ask: We are going to be talking about issues that are potentially intense or emotional for some members of our group; what guidelines will help you feel comfortable to share vulnerably? Take some responses and add these if they have not been mentioned: assume good intentions of one another, speak from the I (only speak on behalf of yourself), allow for multiple voices to be heard (step up/step back), and respect the expertise in the room. 

Also, if there are bosses, leaders, and/or adults (facilitating for teens) present, they should decide how they will participate in order to make space for the employees, members, and teens to share – and perhaps articulate their intentions to the group.

Diversity has been defined as, “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety” (source: Merriam Webster Dictionary). We remain focused on diversity of perspectives and opinions, which is sometimes called worldview diversity. Jewish tradition has wisdom to offer around this topic. This text is from the Mishna, which was codified around the year 200 C.E. It is written in Hebrew and is a book of Jewish ethics compiled together.  

בֶּן זוֹמָא אוֹמֵר, אֵיזֶהוּ חָכָם, הַלּוֹמֵד מִכָּל אָדָם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (תהלים קיט) מִכָּל מְלַמְּדַי הִשְׂכַּלְתִּי כִּי עֵדְוֹתֶיךָ שִׂיחָה לִּי. 

Ben Zoma said: Who is wise? One who learns from every person, as it is said: “From all who taught me, I have gained understanding.” (Psalms 119:9)  

In a polarized world, it can often feel like people are shouting at one another.  Today, we are going to do the opposite.  We are going to engage in a silent conversation called, “chalk talk.” One of the benefits of doing this is that there can be equity of voice since everyone will be communicating at the same time, without anyone speaking over one another.

There are six prompts around the room which we are going to silently discuss in writing. Begin by answering one question and then moving to the next. After you have answered all of the questions, circle back and respond anonymously to others’ responses. Your responses can be as simple as, “why?” or “can you share more about that?.” 

One way we will honor all the voices in the room is to acknowledge that spelling or writing in English may not be everyone’s most comfortable modality. The chalk talk isn’t about correcting spelling or grammar. It is about allowing people to express themselves freely.

Read the chalk talk prompts aloud:

• What helps you share your perspectives with this group? What makes it challenging for you to share? 
• What topic or subject have we done a great job of inviting in diverse opinions about?
• What topic or subject could we do a better job of inviting in diverse opinions about?
• What do you notice about what types of opinions are allowed and are not allowed in our group?
• What perspectives do you think are missing from our group that you think would benefit us?
• What new guidelines for working together would you like to propose?

I will let you know the chalk talk ends by saying, the chalk talk is now closed. Does anyone have questions on the directions or the prompts? The chalk talk is now open. I’m going to invite you to stand up and choose a question to begin. 

Note to facilitator: You may want to take on the role of “keeping the conversation going” by writing responses and questions that help to keep people writing.  After 7 minutes, announce the chalk talk is closed.  Take 3 minutes to circulate, making sure you have read all/most of the comments looking specifically for trends or takeaways that emerged.