Learn how to have difficult political conversations
MPR News reporter Catharine Richert introduces the program. University of Minnesota Rochester hosts a workshop at the Chateau Theatre in Rochester April 24, 2024 on talking with people with different political views. (Ken Klotzbach for MPR News)
Election results can bring up some pretty strong emotions. Whether you’re feeling high or low, a look at how to talk to those who don’t agree with you during these divisive times.
Minnesota Public Radio is hosting a Talking Sense event at the College of Saint Scholastica’s Somers Lounge on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.
The Initiative is spearheaded by MPR’s Rochester Correspondent Catharine Richert after years of covering politics and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All this political polarization was really coming home to roost during those few years we were living with COVID-19.” Richert explained to WDIO, “In the sense that people were cutting ties- with not just people they kind of knew on social media with the pandemic- but siblings and lifelong friends and grandparents and parents because they saw the impact of the pandemic so differently.”
Talking Sense is a reporting project that goes a step further teaching Minnesotans to bridge the political divide in their own lives.
In partnership with Braver Angels, the events help people build skill sets that help them have more challenging political conversations.
“The first thing to know is that these workshops don’t focus on winning arguments. In fact, the cardinal rule of Braver Angels is you’re not going to change anyone’s mind.” Richert says, “It’s more about listening, being genuinely curious and asking questions to gain a deeper understanding.”
The event is free to attend, but donations are accepted. RSVP online to let them know you’re coming.