Critical Voices Initiative
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Master the skills needed to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and empathy
As a member of the Critical Voices Initiative Academy you will focus on de-escalation, reframing possible conflict and working through uncomfortable conversations. You will learn the skills needed for candid and critical conversations in a world where every voice is heard equally. We’re devoted to helping you turn barriers into bridges.
Why the Critical Voices Initiative Academy?
Our 10-week immersive program helps you master the skills to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and empathy. Whether it's family dinners that get heated, workplace discussions that leave you feeling sidelined, or community meetings where you feel "bothered," we’re here to help you foster genuine connection and understanding. Our program gives you the tools and practice needed to respond appropriately in the moment as opposed to reacting from emotion, which can lead to bitterness, dejection, and sometimes violence.
What you’ll learn with our team of experts:
Lead Critical Conversations with Confidence
Imagine having tough talks about workplace expectations, family disagreements, community decisions, and sensitive questions about race or politics without fearing you'll create tension. You’ll learn to steer these conversations respectfully and productively, leaving you and others feeling understood and valued.
Our small group clusters are designed to promote discussion of difficult topics through different viewpoints and experiences.
Recognize Assumptions and Make Thoughtful Decisions
Learn how to pause automatic judgments before responding. Recognizing these patterns helps you make thoughtful decisions and communicate respectfully in personal and professional relationships. Our Academy includes workbooks and materials to help you recognize warning signs early and increase your chances of interrupting automatic judgments and emotional reactions, so you can resolve conflict more effectively. We provide assessments to nurture growth and give you a baseline of what to expect.
Use Proven Techniques to Avoid Conflict
Ever wish you could diffuse tense moments before they spiral into full-blown conflict? Learn S.T.O.P., a practical method for responding to disrespectful comments and inappropriate behavior with calm, clear feedback.
Build Lasting Relationships at Work and In Your Community
Whether you feel like an outsider at the office or disconnected from your family, this program gives you tools to build bridges. Learn to invite participation, build mutual respect, and work through misunderstandings. You will be part of a small group cluster of individuals from various walks of life, while also meeting the full Academy group from time to time. Valuing differences and uplifting humanity are the backbone of our mission; thus, we bring in attendees, topic experts, and faculty who provide unique insight into life experiences beyond a safe “bubble” one may live in.
Beyond the Academy
After the Academy, continue practicing with fellow graduates and use your personal action plan to strengthen everyday communication. Along with a Certification of Completion, you’ll create a personal action plan to keep applying your skills. With access to our supportive alumni network, the conversation doesn’t stop when the academy ends. You’ll have the opportunity to keep growing with a community dedicated to fostering sustainable community and workplace change.
Ready to take action?
Apply today to attend our 10-week program so you can develop the skills needed to respond in challenging, even dangerous, situations and de-escalate emotions and achieve better outcomes.
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