- Suzy Kassem: “We cannot control the way people interpret our ideas or thoughts, but we can control the words and tones we choose to convey them. Peace is built on understanding, and wars are built on misunderstandings. Never underestimate the power of a single word, and never recklessly throw around words. One wrong word, or misinterpreted word, can change the meaning of an entire sentence and start a war. And one right word, or one kind word, can grant you the heavens and open doors.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh: “In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change. Continue reading
dialogue
Friendship with the Poor
“If there is no friendship with them [the poor] and no sharing of the life of the poor, then there is no authentic commitment to liberation, because love exists only among equals.” -Gustavo Gutierrez, A Theology of Liberation
Gustavo Gutiérrez Merino, OP is a Peruvian philosopher, Catholic theologian, and Dominican priest, regarded as one of the founders of Latin American liberation theology.
Social Inquiry/Pastoral Circle
The three steps to the social inquiry/pastoral circle are:
- See (look, listen): observation, fact gathering, to look and listen
- Judge (learn): utilizes socio, economic, political, religious, spiritual, cultural, ethnic, psychological critical analysis to ask reflective questions given the particular reality observed–this is a process of assessment and evaluation where critical learning occurs
- Act (live): in light of what is seen and “judged,” one acts accordingly, one lives. Continue reading
Dialogue and Vincentians in Action
Guillermo Campuzano, CM. Winter Quarter 2009
We all know that the main element of Vincentian spirituality is shaped by the direct encounter with the poor. Essentially, what should happen for this encounter to be transformative for people who are engaged in direct-service? The answer is simple: a conversation, a dialogue. Continue reading
The Power of Listening
“If speaking is silver, then listening is gold.” –Turkish proverb
Listening is a magnetic and creative force.
When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.
When we are listened to, ideas begin to grow within us and come to life.
People are more happy and free when they are listened to. Continue reading
Reflection and Action
“In short, praxis is the process by which people reach deep understandings of themselves and their world by cultivating a conscious, active, and purposeful engagement with that world. Praxis also emphasizes that how an individual is positioned relative to systems of power strongly influences how the individual understands those systems of power.
Dyadic Encounter
This is an activity best done in pairs.
Complete each of the following sentences and discuss with your partner:
Locked Eyes
Intention: To help participants engage in a form of dialogue that is beyond a verbal conversation. This activity is meant to help people share in an intentional bonding moment that may put them outside of their comfort zone.
Risk Level: Medium
Time needed: Decided by facilitator, anywhere from 5-15 minutes
Appropriate location: A space with low traffic and minimal distractions
Materials needed: Stopwatch/timepiece
Part I. Personal Reflection
Invite participants to think of a time in which they could not effectively communicate an idea or thought. Give them examples of possibly speaking through language barriers or talking to someone who is not listening. Help them think of a time in which their parents or siblings did not understand a choice they made or did not fully comprehend an experience that they wanted to share. Allow silence for reflection after giving examples.
Part II. Paired Activity
Have participants pair up with someone and invite them to stand or sit in front of each other. Have them “blink out” their eyes and shake hands with their partner. Invite them to lock eye contact with their partner until you say “time.” The facilitator has the choice of how long they want this activity to run.
Part III. Discussion
After you say “time,” have the partners discuss their experience with each other. What was the other thinking? What did you assume I was thinking about? What was your comfort level with this activity? How hard was it to keep eye contact with me? How do you feel right now? Next, invite the partners to come back to the big group and discuss as a whole.
Part IV. Close
Reiterate the point that communication goes beyond the verbal discussion. Challenge participants to look for that nonverbal communication in their everyday interactions.
Pro-Tips:
The facilitator should think about whether or not to share the activity time with participants. Telling participants or not telling them leads for interesting twists. There will probably be laughing/awkward giggles throughout the activity. I suggest letting the laughter happen. Although it may be distracting the concentration of other participants, it opens conversation about another form of dialogue and communication.
Troubleshooting for Facilitators
Given the non-authoritative and flexible nature of facilitation, it is not unusual for situations to arise that can compromise the effectiveness of the reflection. Facilitators need to stay alert to these possibilities and be prepared to deal with them. Following are suggestions for handling such situations:
1.) One person dominates the discussion or continually interrupts it.
Make it clear that you want input from everyone: “Can I hear from someone that hasn’t spoken yet?” “I’ve noticed that no women have said anything about this issue. Would anyone like to say something about this?” Continue reading
Responding to Misunderstanding
Share this quote:
“We often become a part of [or begin to associate with] what is called a resistance community, a network of persons with similar ideals and goals. As a result of this involvement, we experience the fact that others—friends, relatives, family, members of our [physical] community—simply do not comprehend what we are about. We feel misunderstood, alienated, criticized, even persecuted.” -T. Wiesner
Open the floor for people to share anecdotes of experiences or simply vent about times when they have felt misunderstood by “others” — friends, family, or members of our community.
Activity: Ask participants to write a letter to someone they feel misunderstands their call to service and justice work. This should be someone you personally know. Try to express exactly what you want from them (Do you want to convince them, understand a little better, or just be more respectful?). You need not worry if this is a realistic demand or not.
Allow about 10-15 minutes to finish letters and time to share letters after completion.