Shades of Purple: Dialogue across difference
We’re coordinating a series of events to spur relationship building, foster deeper understanding, and discover community-sourced solutions to pressing issues impacting greater Minnesota communities.
Shades of Purple: Dialogue across difference in greater Minnesota is a conversation program led by Project Optimist. We’re coordinating a series of community conversations that bring greater Minnesotans together to discuss controversial topics.
The goal is to provide a supportive environment where individuals can engage in moderated conversations around personal stories related to pressing topics impacting their communities today. By sharing experiences, participants build meaningful relationships, foster a deeper understanding of one another, and enhance their active listening skills. Shades of Purple works to strengthen connections within communities while promoting empathy, trust, and open dialogue.
The Shades of Purple events will feed into a podcast series and written stories published by Project Optimist. The stories will share insights from the events that the rest of Minnesota (and the world!) can learn from.
Upcoming dialogue events
Social isolation on college campuses
Throughout the the 2024-2025 school year, Project Optimist will host conversations about social connectedness and belonging on college campuses across greater Minnesota. If you are interested in connecting to learn more or to explore partnerships, you can connect with Executive Director Nora Hertel at nora@projectoptimist.news.
Where will other events take place?
The conversations will take place in person and virtually in Minnesota’s small cities and rural areas. Throughout 2023 and 2024, we hosted conversations and events virtually and across the state in Morris, Winona, and St. Cloud. We partner with service groups, libraries, media nonprofits, and other local organizations to bring these conversations to our communities.
What will happen at the events?
At the heart of each gathering is a moderated conversation in which people share the personal experiences that shape their views. Participants will be asked to agree to ground rules and show respect for others.
The events will include food and simple activities to encourage relationship-building with your neighbors.
The events will borrow from models used by CapRadio and The Green Line, two organizations that utilize storytelling events to uncover solutions to pressing community issues. Partners and the local community help determine conversation topics during the preparation process.
What happens after the events?
Project Optimist surveys participants at the end of each event about their experience and the issues being discussed. Using data from these surveys, Project Optimist will produce reporting highlighting community-sourced solutions and resources.
How can you help?
- Become a named sponsor of the event series or podcast.
- Become a volunteer moderator for these important conversations. We’ll pay for your training and any travel costs. Apply to become a moderator here.
- Become a partner to help plan and shape these events.
Contact Nora if you would like to get involved: nora@projectoptimist.news.
