Is climate change real? If so, what should we do about it? What will be the risks of different approaches? What are the downsides of each? How should we decide? These are some of the topics that will be discussed in a free community dialogue to be held:
Saturday, February 23, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Shakopee Public Library (large meeting room)
The format for the session is a moderated discussion, using a method developed and promoted by the National Issues Forum Institute, a non-profit organization located in Dayton, Ohio. After a short orientation to the issue and the process, groups of no more than 25 will sit in a circle and discuss the issues. The discussion will approach the issues from three different perspectives, 30 minutes for each perspective. The objective of the group is to find common ground among the perspectives.
To enable an informed discussion, prior to attending, you can download a fact-based issue paper about climate change developed by the National Issues Forum Institute which describes three different perspectives here.
Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a civil moderated discussion, share their own views and also hear the views of others. You will also have the opportunity to learn a process for discussing difficult issues which may be used in many contexts, including local issues.
For participants who may have attended a Better Angels skills workshop or forum, this will provide a great opportunity to practice the listening and speaking skills learned, and help promote more civil conversations about the issues important to you.
The moderator is Rick Olson (Prior Lake) and perhaps one or two others. Please register in advance here. For more information, contact Rick at olson48176@gmail.com or 320-248-9933.