Engaging in face to face conversations with trusted friends, family members, colleagues and members of our community is another powerful way to drive change.
While social media and lobbying are crucial, in-person discussions when done in the right conditions, are more likely to inspire people to change their opinion and/or take action for the first time. This is because when people hear about issues from someone they trust, they are more likely to engage deeply and consider new perspectives. Furthermore, personal interactions can create ripple effects, spreading awareness , understanding and action further afield.
Creating the conditions for powerful and constructive conversations
Here are some tips that can help, but remember, these conversations are difficult and may not always lead to immediate understanding or agreement. And that’s ok.
It’s important to choose carefully when, where and with whom to have these conversations. Sometimes, the best action is to step back if the other person is not ready for the discussion (or if you are feeling too heated).
With that and mind, here are some tips to help you prepare for your discussions:
- Assess Readiness and Openness Consider whether the person seems open to a genuine dialogue. If they are highly defensive or dismissive, it may not be the right time to engage. Also consider whether you feel sufficiently calm, grounded and empathetic to engage in discussion.
- Check Your Mental and Physical State: Be aware of your own emotions and physical responses. Ground yourself with deep breathing or a short walk if needed.
- Manage Your Expectations Understand that changing personal beliefs takes time and is not always possible. Approach the conversation with patience, knowing that immediate agreement or understanding is unlikely.
- Choose the Right Time and Place: Ensure a calm, stress-free environment like a quiet room or a park.
- Build Trust and Mutual Understanding: Acknowledge the emotional complexity of the issue. Show genuine respect and interest in the other person’s views.
- Tune into Their Mood: Approach with empathy and listen actively. Share personal stories to create an emotional connection.
- Provide Clear, Actionable Steps that they can choose from: Let them know about options available to them such as further education, joining advocacy groups, or making donations.Then let them decide what they would like to do. As humans we are more likely to act when we have decided to do so on our own terms.
- End on a Positive Note: Express gratitude for their engagement. If helpful: summarize key points and agreed actions. If helpful: invite them to continue the dialogue later, understanding change is gradual.
By following these steps, you can create the conditions for more constructive conversations that encourage greater understanding and inspire meaningful action.
If you want to go deeper into this topic here are some courses we recommend, to develop your ability to engage in difficult & powerful conversations:
- “Hard Conversations Workshops” by Jewish Voice for Peace. Unlock the power of meaningful dialogue with a workshop on having hard conversations. Join Esther Farmer and Asher Firestone in collaboration with @jewishvoiceforpeace, as they guide you through the art of powerful constructive conversations. Whether you’re engaging with close friends, colleagues or family members these workshops provide tools and techniques to navigate conversations about Israel and Palestine with empathy and respect. Sign up for monthly workshops at JVP.org/hardconvos.
- “Study & Action for Palestine” by White Awake: White Awake is an organization dedicated to empowering individuals through anti-racist, anti-capitalist, anti-imperial, and anti-colonial education. While they specialize in working with white people, courses are open to all. https://whiteawake.org/study-action-for-palestine-summer-2024-registration/
