Want to Talk?

Communication Tools for Divided Times

How can we have tough conversations about things that matter?

Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times offers wisdom for navigating disagreement in a healthier way — whether in personal relationships or when working for social change.

Program Overview

Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times will guide you in deepening your relationships while staying true to your values, whether you find yourself navigating a heated disagreement with a spouse, interrupting racism in the office, facilitating political tension in church, or working for systemic change around any justice issue.

Program Goals

Goals for Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times include:

Facilitation

Two volunteer facilitators are needed for Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times. JustFaith Ministries provides strong facilitation support.

Sessions

Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times consists of eight 2-hour sessions, an immersion experience, and an optional get-to-know-you session.

Books/Resources

There are two books used in Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times – available through our JustFaith Ministries Bookstore.

Program Promotion

We provide promotion materials to help you spread the word about your group and invite participants to join your group. Click below to download the promotion kit.

Cost

When you register, you have three options:

Participants register and pay individually based on a sliding fee scale of $35, $55, or $75/person with additional scholarships available. (You will need a minimum of 9 people in your group).
Participants register and pay individually, but a faith community, organization, or individual subsidizes their registration costs.
A faith community or other organization pays $275, which covers everyone in the group (up to 12 participants).

TESTIMONIALS

What They’re Saying

“Following a 25 year career providing counseling as a therapist, I was curious to participate in the pilot for Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times. Communication skills were an important skill addressed with many clients. I thought this new JFM module covered many of the essential "tools" for effective communication in most relationships, especially with the recent challenges with so many controversial topics. I hear many people comment: "I just don't know how to respond", or "how do I have this conversation". This module will provide many skills that can make a real difference. ”

“Participating in and facilitating the "Want to Talk" program was a game changer for me. Effective communication is the key to understanding as well as the path to furthering deeper relationships and healthier conversations which can only lead to a more equitable society. The program has instilled in me a very intentional inner voice that prompts me to "practice the pause" before responding. I look forward to attending and participating in more JustFaith programs in the future. I would encourage everyone to do the same.”

“The focus in this class is a little different from all the other JustFaith offerings. Instead of looking outward into the world, this class took me inward to a deeper look at my language and the effect it has on all my relationships. It offered an opportunity to take a deep look at how language shapes our relationships as well as bring about the more just world our hearts know is possible. It helped me shift away from dualistic thinking--to move from a language of judgment to a language of invitation, to become aware of the needs of others and how those shape every conversation, how to create a safe space for all conversations, and it gave me an opportunity to practice listening for the whole story, to include all the lenses. As we continue to look for the way through all that separates us in these times, this class helped me notice my language, and offered strategies for finding a third way. It reminds me of Rumi’s poem. Here is a part of it, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.” This class opens us to the field—the possible thread running through all the other classes, through all our relationships and, indeed, through our lives. I am grateful for this experience.”

Program Registration

Program Includes:

Comprehensive materials and session guides
Facilitation guidance
Retreat and Immersion guidance
Adaptations for virtual groups
Direct access to program staff for support

When you register, you have 3 options:

Participants register and pay individually based on a sliding fee scale of $35, $55, or $75/person with additional scholarships available. (You will need a minimum of 9 people in your group).
Participants register and pay individually, but a faith community, organization, or individual subsidizes their registration costs.
A faith community or other organization pays $275, which covers everyone in the group (up to 12 participants).
Coming soon!
In order to make our programs accessible to everyone, our new website will only feature the individual registration model with a sliding scale (first and second option above).

Books & Resources
for Group Participants

Participant books/resources are sold separately through our JustFaith Ministries Bookstore. The cost for the books used in Want to Talk: Communication Tools for Divided Times is approximately $49/person. Note that there may be a small additional fee for an occasional video purchase.

Have Other Questions?

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