Sharpen Your Civil Discourse Skills at “How to Survive Thanksgiving Dinner”

HARTFORD, CONN. (October 25, 2018) – Greater Hartford residents will have a unique opportunity to practice their dinner-table civil discourse skills at “How to Survive Thanksgiving Dinner,” a free community workshop on Wednesday, November 14 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro in Hartford.

The program will begin with a brief introduction of civil discourse “rules of engagement” followed by roundtable discussions on three controversial topics: gun control, immigration, and the State of Israel. Each table of participants will be guided by a trained facilitator, using a structure that encourages understanding rather than conflict.

“Civil discourse has rarely been more challenging or more important,” said Laura Zimmerman, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford that is co-presenting the program with Hartford Seminary and the Greater Hartford Jewish Leadership Academy. “This program is designed to help participants feel more comfortable and confident discussing hot-button issues in a constructive way.”

“How to Survive Thanksgiving Dinner” is interfaith, non-partisan, and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required by Wednesday, November 7; contact Deb Howson at dhowson@jewishhartford.org or 860.727.6103.