National Chats for Change

The National Chats for Change sessions are available to all in the medical education and health care communities.

We invite you to share these sessions widely with your colleagues and encourage them to join us in these national conversations. 

Chats for Change | National Edition

Winter/Spring 2024 Schedule

Over the past few years there has been a growing need to counter polarization and encourage civil discourse. On the surface this might seem daunting as many of the available resources are specific to higher education. Often, this leaves many of us scratching our heads to figure out what civil discourse means and how it can be applied to medical education.

Join us in this six-part Civil Discourse series, as we examine current resources and literature on the topic, and determine how we can tailor it to our unique work and learning environments. 

Chats for Change | Winter/Spring 2024

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March 2024

Develop a Reflective Community 

We cannot predict what will happen in our communities, our country, or around the world that might elicit difficult questions or spark heated debate among students, faculty, administrators, staff, and others in medical education. But we can better prepare to respond together to such events thoughtfully and respectfully by taking steps to cultivate reflection in our work and learning environments. Join us as we explore the components necessary to develop a reflective community and strategies we can use to proactively address challenges that may arise. 

Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD

Wednesday, March 6 at 12 pm EST  |  Join us on Zoom.
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April 2024

Establish a Safe and Brave Space for Sensitive Topics 

Some topics can feel particularly difficult to address in the work and learning environments—e.g., issues related to race, immigration, and religion. Sometimes it is helpful to first acknowledge the possible discomfort of participants and establish a contract before engaging in civil discourse. Join us to learn about exercises we can use to establish safe and brave spaces, and how we can apply them to our unique work and learning environments. 

Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD

Wednesday, April 3 at 12 pm EST  |  Join us on Zoom.
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May 2024

Design for Effective Discussion

Facilitating discussions about controversial topics requires implementing a discussion design that intentionally creates space for diverse viewpoints and encourages active listening and consideration of multiple perspectives. Join us as we review at least two discussion designs and explore how we can implement them in our work and learning environments.

Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD

Wednesday, May 1 at 12 pm EST  |  Join us on Zoom.
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June 2024

Manage the Emotional Temperature

When a person’s emotional temperature spikes, nothing rational is happening and one’s response is often based on pure emotion. When this starts to happen, it’s a good sign the discussion might be losing its civility. Join us as we examine how to identify the various heat levels, or signs that things are becoming heated, and uncover strategies to adjust the heat level and promote civil discourse.

Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD

Wednesday, June 5 at 12 pm EST  |  Join us on Zoom.
Reflection Corner

How much time do we have before interest in, and tolerance of, anti-racism wanes?

Inspired by the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”, this year’s theme will focus on cultivating a community of practice.

Let’s engage in collective problem-solving. Let’s seek shared experiences and learn from each other. Let’s break out of our silos and exchange information. Let’s discuss new developments and celebrate our wins. Let’s grow our confidence and ability to do this work together.

Learn more about how this can be possible with our RBI Resources.

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Now On Demand

Did you know that we are now making the Chats for Change slide decks available?  If you’re interested, take the next step to gain access to the slides.

Interested in becoming a Chats for Change facilitator?

Sign up to attend one of our upcoming trainings to learn more. Space is limited.