Struggling in conversations or relationships with others of differing viewpoints?
Join our three workshops designed to help you engage in constructive dialogues with individuals of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
Workshop 1: Exploring Conscious and Unconscious Bias
Saturday, March 2, 9:30 am – 12 pm
The first preparatory workshop will explore conscious and unconscious bias. Our biases often color how we hear other people’s stories and what we think about their situations. And understanding the other person’s biases can help explain their hopes, fears, and perspectives.
Some of the questions we will explore are:
- How do you identify your own biases?
- How do you identify other people’s biases?
- What do you do about it when you notice them?
- Are all biases bad?
Workshop 2: Approaching Uncomfortable Topics to Grow Relationships
Saturday, April 6, 9:30 am – 12 pm
The second preparatory workshop will focus on how to have conversations about uncomfortable topics and situations. When people are willing to share their stories we need to be able to make the most of the opportunity and do it in a way that preserves or builds relationships.
Some of the questions we will explore are:
- How do we ask people to talk about painful or embarrassing experiences?
- How do we treat people with respect when they stand for everything we disagree with?
- How do we decide how open we need to be about our lives? What should we reveal? What chances should we take?
- How do we disagree and maintain friendships and relationships?
Workshop #3: From Practice to Everyday Encounters
Saturday, May 11, 9:30 am – 12 pm
Participants who joined us for either of our first two workshops are invited to return for a follow-up workshop Together, we will reflect on our collective experiences and the application of our newfound knowledge.
Having thought-provoking conversations in a controlled setting is extremely valuable. But how do we have difficult conversations in settings that are not structured and with people who may not have been “trained” to have productive conversations?
Some of the questions we will explore are:
- How do we set informal ground rules and expectations?
- How do we maintain our composure?
- How do we convince ourselves to be a little vulnerable and take the first step?
- How do we maximize the chance the other person will maintain theirs?
- How do we help ensure each person walks away feeling “good” about the fact you had the conversation?
Our Stories Connect:
Moving Beyond Bias to Connect with Others
Everyone has a story to share. It’s when we take the opportunity to listen that we can be transformed by what we hear and learn. Join us for our first annual dialogue event.
- Saturday, April 20th, 1-4pm
- Media Borough Parlor Room
- 301 N. Jackson St, Media
- Open to 30 registered guests
More on Paul Patchel Conversation Series
Exploring conscious and unconscious bias is essential for fostering inclusive communities and nurturing meaningful relationships. By understanding the biases that shape our perceptions and interactions, we gain insight into how they influence our attitudes and behaviors towards others.
To begin to address this, Media Fellowship House will host three workshops designed as a safe space to help participants learn skills to navigate difficult discussions with empathy and respect, fostering understanding and bridging divides. These skills not only deepen our relationships but also empower us to engage in constructive dialogue, promoting acceptance, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
When and where?
- At Media Fellowship House (302 S. Jackson St.)
- Three Saturday morning workshops
- March 2, April 6, May 11
Important Notes
- Space limited to 30 attendees.
- Encouraged to attend all three sessions.
- Diverse perspectives are encouraged.
Who is facilitating?
Brian Armstead, MSW, MCP is our program facilitator. Brian skillfully unites diverse, sometimes adversarial, groups for productive dialogues.
Meet our Program Facilitator
Brian Armstead, MSW, MCP has spent the bulk of his career working with communities, children, and families as an educator, social worker, mediator and community advocate. A skilled facilitator and convener, he brings together diverse–often hostile–groups for meaningful and productive dialogue. Throughout his career he has also mediated individual, family-to-family and neighborhood conflicts. He has also led city-wide and neighborhood-based advocacy campaigns that led to various educational reforms.
What are some of his works?
In his personal work, Brian has particularly focused on addressing issues affecting people of African descent, especially Black men. He is the co-founder and former Co-Director of the David P. Richardson, Jr. Rites of Passage (for Black teenage males). He is also co-founder of the Black Men at Penn School of Social Work, a Board member of the Father’s Day Rally Committee, and a former member of the Urban League of Philadelphia’s Community and Economic Development Committee.
Where did he study?
Mr. Armstead holds dual degrees–Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of City Planning (MCP)–from the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Marketing from the Pennsylvania State University. Brian is also certified as a Child Welfare Social Worker (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), Mediator (Good Shepherd Mediation Center), and NLP Behavioral Counselor (NLP Awareness Center).
What is he doing now?
Currently, he is an adjunct professor of Human Services at Harcum College and a social work consultant performing trainings for families considering foster care. Brian also continues to facilitate community dialogues throughout the tri-state region.
