Behind the Dialogues: Part 4

The GoalThe Pub Dialogues series is our vehicle to highlight that open, honest and civil conversations are possible during difficult circumstances.  We hope people will see how disagreeing with someone does not prohibit discussion, conversation and dialogue.   Honest Dialogue is not easy; it takes time, effort and even some pain. However, the benefits are fantastic for those involved and, indirectly, the world at large.The Pub Dialogues aim to:

• (Re-) Introduce interpersonal communication skills
• Help people address contentious topics and understand differing view-points
• Showcase how people with opposing view-points can engage in constructive conversation without reverting to debate and animosity
• Bring awareness to the importance of open discussion and its salience with social, political and cultural issues
• Entice people to have more conversations face-to-face in a civil and open manner (with local pubs and businesses in mind for the setting)
• Offer an opportunity for people to learn from each other

We want to change the world.  Delusions of grandeur to be sure. Still, we follow a common platitude, ‘if you want to change the world, start with yourself’.  The practitioners at OvalOptions have taken this rather difficult first step.  While we are far from perfect, we turned the focus of conflict resolution skills on ourselves first to view firsthand the changes, understanding and personal development they afford.  Our dedication to these skills is strong, and our passion to avail them to others is resilient.  The Pub Dialogues series is one way we can share our skills with others, for free, and open to all.Part 1Part 2Part 3

Behind the Dialogues, Part 3

The PubThroughout the centuries, people have met at the local pub to discuss topics of importance. The founding fathers of the U.S. met in pubs to discuss the fate of the colonies, allegiance with Britain, and the desire for independence.  These pubs usually brewed their own beer, as did the founding fathers. During Prohibition, these pubs closed, brewing became a lost art, and the communal conversation forgotten.Thankfully, brewpubs are back.  They combine the comfort of the old pubs and the beer styles of a new generation of adventurous brew-masters.  Most of these establishments are small businesses, locally owned, and part of the community.  They make a profit from their passion, and their passion is to make and serve great beer—the social lubricant of the ages.The pub offers a relaxed atmosphere. Some have leather chairs and fireplaces. Others have outside or rooftop patios.  Some offer delicious meals and snacks.  Pubs are a night out, a place to meet people, people watch, and to have conversations.  As the theme song for the 1980s-90s sitcom, “Cheers”, states:

You wanna be where you can see,

our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows

Your name.

The pub is a safe space where inhibitions are set loose, at least a bit.  And you just might learn something… Part 1Part 2Part 4

The Pub Dialogues

Out of the Chat Room, Into the PubThe Pub Dialogues is a series of discussions--free and open to the public--as an effort to bring people out of the cyber-world and back into the real-world to talk together on subjects of importance to society.  In the early days, people met at the Public House to discuss various topics; now-a-days they "meet" in chat rooms, online forums and social media websites.  The human element has been nullified and as such discussion, debate and dialogue have turned venomous, hurtful, nasty and just plain ineffective.  We want to bring people together so that they may discuss important topics like civil human beings; so that they may understand viewpoints outside of theirs; so that progress can be achieved; and so that new friends can be made.  The pub is perfect place. Just like in the old days a pub is a place of comfort and camaraderie. It's a place where people go to "go out"; where everybody knows your name.The format for these discussions is rather simple.  They will begin with participants remaining in a large group and our lead facilitator will open the session.  An introduction will take about 10 min. We will outline the topic, the ground rules, and answer questions.  The large group will then be split into several smaller groups, as these are more intimate and personal than one large group. Each group will be assigned a facilitator.  After about 1hour we will reconvene to the large group to share experiences, ideas, etc.Our goals:

• To bring people out of cyber-space and meet their neighbors
• To address important (and therefore most likely contentious) topics to allow for the public an opportunity to discover solutions
• To help people understand the "other side" of a topic
• To display tools of effective communication that have been lost in the Information Age
• To encourage people to "get out" more and meet each other

The first session will be held in Mercantile Room at the Wynkoop brewpub in downtown Denver on Tuesday, Jan. 31st from 6:30-9pm. It's free, open to everybody of all ages.