Ever find yourself avoiding a conversation because it feels too awkward, too charged, or too likely to go sideways? This four-session workshop is an invitation to do the opposite – with skill, confidence, and care.
Join us for a community conversation series that will build your skills for engaging in conversations across differences. The sessions will be held on Feb. 10, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, and May 12, from 7-8:30 p.m. First Parish, located at 225 Boston Post Rd. in Wayland, will host. The series is made possible through the support of First Parish’s Lydia Maria Child Fund, and is sponsored by the Wayland Public Schools and the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. You can register for the series (or a single session) here.
Together, we’ll build practical tools for real-life and online conversations, especially with people whose experiences or perspectives differ from our own. In a supportive, low-stakes setting, you’ll practice showing up with curiosity, self-awareness, and empathy – even when things feel uncomfortable or you don’t agree.
The series will be led by jamele adams, a gifted educator, facilitator, and community peacemaker. Across four in-person sessions, participants will practice empathetic listening, learn from one another, and build trust and connection. Participants will also help shape the series by choosing the discussion topic for each session, ensuring the conversations reflect what matters most to the group.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with concrete, usable tools for engaging across differences—without losing connection or respect. Whether you’re deeply experienced in these conversations or just beginning, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and grow together—and to strengthen the fabric of the Wayland community.
For more information, email chairHRDEIC@wayland.ma.us.
Photo by Angela Hobbs on Unsplash