Can We Talk?

Can We Talk? a Humanities Montana event designed to promote civil discourse, will take place Friday, June 25th, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Florence Hotel in the Governor’s Room. Patricia Hughes, author of Gracious Space: A Practical Guide for Working Better Together, will present and facilitate the event. Over the past three years Humanities Montana has partnered with four other Montana communities to host similar events. An overview of the Gracious Space model can be viewed here.

Registration is $20 in advance ($30 at the door) and will include continental breakfast, lunch and a copy of Ms. Hughes’ book. Click here to register.

During the morning session Pat will introduce the Gracious Space model. It is a simple yet powerful way to promote productive communication. Gracious Space has been proven to move organizations and communities forward with deeper understanding of differences and solid problem solving skills. Participants will learn effective ways to resolve disagreements, avoid future conflicts, truly listen and learn from others and help people bridge differences. In the afternoon session, Pat will teach participants how to craft compelling questions around divisive issues. Using the model, the group will have an opportunity to apply the tools of Gracious Space to challenging issues in the Missoula community.

Click here to register or call Lois McElravy at 370-9192, mcelravylois@gmail.com.

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The Missoula event is being organized by three Missoula businesswomen who were trained as Gracious Space Facilitators in 2009; MC Jenni, Lois McElravy, and Karen Marsolek.

• MC Jenni has a diverse professional background, ranging from health and fitness to organizing intercultural exchange programs. Blending her training in movement, fitness, and coaching, along with her avid interest in relationships, she founded Training for Life. MC provides individual and group coaching in health and wellness.
• Lois McElravy is the founder of Lessons from Lois. She presents keynotes and workshops that teach people how to use the power of humor and the magic of laughter to cope with unexpected difficulties, survive the seriousness of their life challenges and have more fun. It is through her own 20 year journey as a brain injury survivor that Lois learned how to thrive in the face of adversity and feel happy in the midst of trying times.
• Karen Marsolek works with companies to behave more like communities, and she helps established communities to behave better. For more than a decade she has provided corporate education in the areas of leadership development, employee engagement and community development. In addition to her consulting business, Made You Think, Karen also works as a keynote speaker and group facilitator.