July's Summit Features Topics Exploring How Mutual Empathy, Listening and Dialogue Can Decrease Polarization, Improve Relationships, Constructively Approach Conflict and Build Stronger Communities

Jeremy Solomon and Merveille Gakuba: Empathy in the Peace and Reconciliation Process from a Rwandan Perspective: This interactive, practical session will be co-designed and co-facilitated by Rwandan mental health counselor and Genocide survivor, Merveille Gakuba, and UK/US leadership consultant and peace activist, Jeremy Solomons, who are married and raising a baby peacemaker Max in Kigali. LinkedIn

Courtney Breese NCDD Executive Director: The value of dialogue in our lives. Courtney Breese of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) will share what dialogue really is, and how practicing dialogue in our lives can benefit us and our world. She will share the resources of NCDD and ways to get started in this practice.  

Liz Gannon Graydon Peace Alliance Board Chair and Co-Founder and President of What BETTER Looks Like.

Lou Zweier Managing Partner and Coach at Authentic Leadership Center, Co-Creator of the Empathy Circle Facilitation Training, and Co-Chair of the Sonoma County Braver Angels Alliance, will present on the role of “connection before education” in depolarizing dialogue, and the relational dynamics and skills that contribute to or block connection.

Victoria Coleman: FDCW Executive Director LinkedIn  

Niv Agam: Clinical Psychologist and Social Activist, Niv shares his experience founding Dreamers Home, a non-profit in Israel, dedicated to sharing the 16 Guidelines and other programs to promote peace and to promote social harmony based on universal values. He shares what he has learned on this journey about respect, patience and perseverance in sharing tools for peace in areas of conflict and suspicion. He proposes that empathy, when applied wisely, can become the glue for a cohesive self, a cohesive community, a harmonious society and a peaceful world.

Mabel Odessey: 16 Guidelines for Life Teacher Mabel Odessey will share how the power of the 16 Guidelines and mindfulness training has improved her listening skills, mutual understanding and perspective taking. She explores the value of empathy in guiding our behaviour for a happier, more fulfilling life. Mabel will share a short reflective practice on mindfulness and empathy. LinkedIn

The final 90 minutes of the Empathy Summit will offer an opportunity to participate in an empathy circle. No experience needed. Please Note: Some sessions could run longer. 

We have factored that in to allow for ending on time at 

12:00 PM PT/ 3 PM ET/8 PM BST/9 PM CET. 

Edwin Rutsch: Founding Director Center for Building a Culture of Empathy Find Edwin on LinkedIn or email at EdwinRutsch@gmail.com

Linda Bass: Arbitrator, Credentialed Mediator, Empathy Circle Facilitator, Empathy Circle Trainer Linda's Bio

B.J. Guiden: B. J. Guiden is a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator, Empathy Circle Facilitator, HR Consultant and Transformative Mediator. More about B.J. Guiden at GuidenCounsulting.com 

Kathy Kidd: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Empathy Center Circle Facilitator, Peace Alliance Program Coordinator 

Empathy Center Building the movement for a more empathic culture. 

Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom   FDCW supports people in developing a warm  heart and a wise mind.  

Peace Alliance   Educate, advocate, and mobilize people into action to transform systems and public policy toward a culture of peace.  

Listen First Project  A network of 500+ bridging organizations, leads the collaborative movement to heal America by bridging divides. 

Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding and Security (CoPeSe) A leading network on peacebuilding and conflict transformation, counting more than 60k members. Shares and retrieves the newest information on peacebuilding and conflict transformation. 

National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation  NCDD is a network of innovators who bring people together across divides to discuss, decide, and take action together, on today’s toughest issues.  

International Listening Association (ILA) is a global family with a common bond – advancing listening practice, teaching, and research worldwide.

Become a Summit Partner or Sponsor Email EdwinRutsch@gmail.com

EMPATHY SUMMIT SERIES LINKS TO SHARE

Empathy Summit Website: https://EmpathySummit.com 

Empathy Summit Jul 1:  https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/july-1-2023 

Empathy Summit Sep 1: https://www.empathysummit.com/dates/september-2-2023

Empathy Summit Registration Form: https://bit.ly/ESRegister7-1 

Empathy Summit Partners: https://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors

Empathy Summit Volunteers: https://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers 

Empathy Summit LinkedIn Event: https://bit.ly/LinkedInEmpathySummit

Empathy Summit Facebook Event: https://bit.ly/3o1S46o

Empathy Summit Citizen Connect:  https://bit.ly/ESJul1CC 

Empathy Summit Feedback Form: https://bit.ly/ESFeedback4-1 

Listening is the First Step to Empathy

Listening can have a significant positive impact on your life in variety of ways:

Better relationships: Listening is essential to building strong and meaningful relationships. When you truly listen to someone, you demonstrate that you value and respect their perspective. This can foster trust, empathy, and intimacy, which are critical to developing healthy relationships.

Improved communication: Listening is a crucial aspect of effective communication. By listening carefully to others, you can better understand their needs, desires, and concerns. This, in turn, can help you respond more appropriately, clarify misunderstandings, and avoid conflicts.

Learning and growth: Listening can also help you learn and grow. When you listen to others, you expose yourself to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. This can broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and help you develop a more nuanced understanding of the world around you.

Reduced stress: Listening can also help reduce stress and anxiety. When you listen to others, you show that you care, which can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, active listening can help you better manage your own emotions and respond more effectively to challenging situations.

Listening can improve your life by enhancing your relationships and your communication skills. You are more open to learning when you are open to listening and this leads to emotional well-being.