An Invitation Creating Space for Dialogue Preview Webinar: (Competencies I and II – see below) Overview and background of the project Why community dialogue matters and what is Extension’s role in it Who should attend Expectations from involvement   Competencies to address I - Civil Dialogue Overview Before a dialogue process can effectively take shape, community organizers/facilitators need some basic understanding of what dialogue is and when and how it can successfully move a community forward in addressing a challenging issue or at least better understanding it. Understand the importance of dialogue in addressing challenging issues. Recognize multiple ways of knowing that influence the way people think about issues. Understand and can explain the realms impacting community decision-making (Venn diagram). Identify factors influencing the type of public input that may be appropriate in a given situation. Recognize situations in which dialogue may be appropriate and when it may not. II - Civil Dialogue and the Land Grant University (LGU) Aligning civil dialogue efforts with the Land Grant mission sometimes leads to puzzling questions. In order to successfully integrate civil dialogue into the LGU work, an understanding of how the two fit together—or are challenged to do so—will help pave the way to successful university-community collaboration (see Wright, 2012). Understand the history of Extension as a grassroots knowledge-sharing and relationship-building institution, particularly the role that group discussion and civil dialogue has played in its history (Shaffer, 2016). Recognize how dialogue can strengthen Extension work with communities (Hustedde, 1996) Articulate the value of civil dialogue to both the LGU as well as to communities Balance “deliver science based knowledge” with community engagement to work alongside communities for solutions (Peters, 2014). Recognize community building as one of everyone in Extension’s tasks. Address common misperceptions of Extension’s involvement in civil dialogue such as Extension’s mission and potential roles in conflict. Understand Extension’s own unique challenges in reaching all audiences within a given community. Dionardo Pizaña, Michigan State University Extension Rachel Welborn, Southern Rural Development Center

Overview Background Why Dialogue Pilot Progress & Lessons Learned Coming Together – Phase 2

How We Got Here October 2016 – Rapid Response Team Formed October 2017 – Curriculum Team assembled August 2018 – 20 Pilot teams trained October 2019 – Second Phase Training

Why Dialogue Matters in Today’s Cooperative Extension Service So where does this fit within today’s Cooperative Extension Service?

Addressing Complex Issues Publically Acceptable Financially Viable Scientifically Compatible Technically Feasible Environmentally Responsible Culturally Inclusive Dialogue’s Purpose Within any complex issues are a number of important aspects that, taken together, can lead to sound decision-making. Financially viable – do we have the finances to do this; can we afford it? Scientifically compatible – does this option match with science? Technically feasible – does the technology exist to do this option, do we know how to do it? Environmentally responsible – does this option care for the natural resources that will sustain us over time? Culturally inclusive – does this option consider the differing cultural perspectives that will be impacted? Publically acceptable – does this option honor the values and interests of the public it will impact? Ignoring any one of these elements puts progress and success at risk, or even sets it on a course for failure. However, through thoughtful consideration and dialogue, that sweet spot where the overlapping interests and concerns surrounding an issue can be identified, and positive change can be embraced together.

What Brief Dialogues Can Do and Rarely Do Usually Do: Rarely Do: Provide a safe place to begin to talk openly Create a respectful, connected space for people to be able to tell their story Open and grow consciousness about others’ experiences Support perspective sharing Humanize other groups Increase empathy, hope, and trust Encourage groups to begin taking action Unpack all the ways systems devalue people of color Fully heal interracial traumas Foster deep understanding needed for healing Explicitly integrate lessons from the past to address current injustices Create/sustain long-term movement Help measure systemic transformation Design processes for personal change with accountability Adapted from W.K. Kellogg Foundation, (2018). Restoring to Wholeness https://www.wkkf.org/resource-directory/resource/2018/02/restoring-to-wholeness--racial-healing-for-ourselves-our-relationships-and-our-communities

Perspectives across the Nation Carolyn Williams, Prairie View A&M University; Curriculum Team Member, Participating State “Extension is recognized and respected for its success at the county level of engaging the community in strategies geared for change. Therefore, in keeping with the Land-Grant mission, we are charged and positioned to address complex community challenges.” Jeff Dwyer, Michigan State University Extension Director Participating State The Michigan State University Extension Shared Values outline our commitment to ensuring that our faculty and staff members are prepared to discuss race relations within our programming and throughout the organization. Participating in  “Coming Together for Racial Understanding” has deepened that commitment, and has allowed us to take the next step in partnering with state and local leaders to facilitate critical conversations in our communities. This work is central to the land grant mission of this university.

Perspectives across the Nation Ivory Lyles, University of Nevada, Reno; Western Champion “Building human relations is the strongest bond for teamwork. Technology and the fast pace lifestyle hampers working as a team. By enhancing our skills in civility and inclusivity, we build a stronger society. Never in my lifetime has there been a greater need for Racial Understanding. It is critically important to respect, listen and value all to promote unity.” John Lawrence, Iowa State University Participating State “Demographics in our communities are changing rapidly.  If Extension is going to help communities thrive, it must address cultural and racial understanding.  This training prepares our staff to lead on these issues.”

Perspectives across the Nation Gary Jackson, Mississippi State University Participating State “Technology and our fast pace communication tools have strained our human relations and ability to meet face-to- face, be civil and resolve our differences. We must meet, respectively listen to each other, be kind, and solve our problems.  Our democracy depends on it.”    -John D. Lawrence Iowa State University Vice President for Extension and Outreach

Pilot Team: August 2018

Participating States First Cohort, 2018

Participant Areas of Growth: Post Survey

Greatest Strengths of the Training Two approaches to dialogue which allows flexibility Connections made among the cohort group across state lines and across race/ethnicity Safe place for intentional, difficult conversations Two days doing own work before beginning on training for others Two days doing own work on racial equity principles before beginning on training materials for others Connections made among the cohort group across state lines and across race/ethnicity Safe place for intentional, difficult conversations Two approaches to dialogue which allows flexibility What First Cohort Said

Growth of Efforts to Date 10 Fall Trainings Planned CES Trained in States First Pilot Team Rapid Response & Planning Team 204 300 60 36

Research Findings – Sneak Peak What Matters Most? Top Ways to Demonstrate Support: Administrators provide time to other Extension employees to participate Resources are made available to support this effort I feel adequately trained to begin this work Our team has a good mix of perspectives

Structure & Purpose of the Initiative

Core Competencies: Two Overlapping Realms Civil Dialogue Race Relations https://publish.extension.org/civildialogue/competencies-framework/

A Diagram of Coming Together Pilot Initiative Approach 1 Impact Evaluation Approach 2 Progression of the Process Community Dialogue Diverse teams with each state/university CES Capacity Building in State In honoring investments made by sponsors, participants are expected to: Fully participate in the entire weeklong workshop and preview webinar Take the IDI prior to coming Host at least one training targeted to other CES professionals within six months Host at least one community civil dialogue event within a year of in-state training Actively participating in monthly teleconferences with other pilot participants. Assisting with evaluation efforts. Train the Trainer Event Homework and Pre-sessions before event

Who Should Attend Train-the-trainer teams 3 individuals per state 20 teams of three each = 60 participants Joint teams made up of 1862, 1890, and 1994 Individuals able to provide state level leadership and training for other CES staff

Team Traits Reflects the diversity of the state as a team Committed to leading statewide training among CES staff/communities Able to: Regulate own emotions Listen effectively Form partnerships Facilitate difficult dialogues Comfortable: In a co-learner experience Discussing issues around race and racism Working in teams Working with diverse audiences Have experience facilitating groups in communities and among peers to address pressing issues Have experience in conflict management (interpersonal as well as group) Demonstrate ability to regulate one’s own emotion as well as assist others, especially in moments of high tension Demonstrate a willingness and ability to listen to understand. Are comfortable working with diverse audiences, including people of different races/ethnicity, multi-generational groups, etc. Reflect the diversity of the state (as a team) Have time and are committed to leading training among CES staff in the year following the workshop and supporting this work into communities Are comfortable joining a co-learner experience (as opposed to teacher/student model) Are comfortable discussing issues around race, ethnicity, racism, racial equity Are able to form and work effectively in teams Are capable of forming partnerships on the state and community level Can adapt to changing circumstances as communities progress

National Train-the-Trainer Workshop Dates: October 7-11, 2019 Beginning at 8:00 a.m., October 7th Ending at noon on October 11th   Location: Crowne Plaza Aire MSP Airport 3 Appletree Square  Bloomington, MN 55425  https://www.crowneplazaaire.com/

Extension Committee on Operations & Policy Sponsors Extension Committee on Operations & Policy

All registrations are $550 UPDATE: Early Bird (Through Sept.3) $550 Regular (Sept. 4-15th ) $575 Registration includes: Program Materials Nine Meals Breakfast Mon.-Fri. Lunch Mon.-Thurs. Daily Refreshments Workshop Expenses 20 registration scholarships for 1890 and 1994 participants are available. One per state team.

Southern Rural Development Center Key Contact & Links Southern Rural Development Center Rachel Welborn Rachel.welborn@msstate.edu 662.325.5885 Registration link: Coming Soon Project link: http://srdc.msstate.edu/civildialogue

Questions & Discussion