We live in incontestably contentious times. Listening and connecting across differences – whether ideological, social, or racial—has become seemingly more difficult than ever. And yet, the stakes of not connecting and engaging in acts of understanding have deep and divisive implications for social-emotional development, human relationships, and our civic society. In this guide, we will begin by considering some reasons WHY seeking connection around our Moving Stories is so fundamentally important. We will then consider various critical spaces of understanding WHERE understanding is essential and where (mis)understanding(s) can take place and may become derailed. The focus of this guide will then turn to HOW to facilitate these connections in a variety of practical ways.
