DIALOGUEBRIDGING STORIES—BUILDING UNDERSTANDING

Tendency to go to what we

believe is right and marshal

arguments to support it

Federal Court Judge Michael Phelan, in his

recent ruling on access to medical

cannabis, criticized expert witnesses on both sides for their

“almost religious fervour” and for not

being open to consider evidence that

weakened their position.

Tendency to go to what we

believe is right and marshal

arguments to support it

Propose exploratory

conversations rather than debates or

trying to convince

Tendency to go to what we

believe is right and marshal

arguments to support it

Propose exploratory

conversations rather than debates or

trying to convince

We don’t have to oppose or accept other points of view

– instead, consider

Tendency to go to what we

believe is right and marshal

arguments to support it

Propose exploratory

conversations rather than debates or

trying to convince

Build dialogue

rather than debate –

practice in your family or

community

We don’t have to oppose or accept other points of view

– instead, consider

Dialogue is not rocket science

1. Be aware of our own ideas – reflect on them

2. Listen to each other’s ideas

3. Try to deepen our understanding of each other’s ideas

But it does take practice

The goal?

conversion — compromise — community

The goal is “functional community.”

A number of states in the US have legalized cannabis use and adopted various measures to regulate use in their jurisdictions.

Now the Canadian government is committed to going in the same direction.

Imagine a discussion following a proposal on campus to allow cannabis use in residence.

Remember

1. Be aware of our own ideas – reflect on them

2. Listen to each other’s ideas

3. Try to deepen our understanding of each other’s ideas

4.

What have we learned

• What was your experience when putting yourself in the other’s position?

– How did it feel? – Was it comfortable/uncomfortable/ interesting/surprising?

• In what way did the experience affect you? Did it have any impact on you at all?

• Do you think that you have a better understanding of the other and their ideas now?

• How could this approach change a conversation on your campus?

Thank you!