Event

Listening Well After the 2020 Election: How Do We Connect Across Political Difference?

The timing of the 2020 U.S. election fell as the nation continues to experience deep fragmentation around issues of culture, economics, race and responses to the COVID 19 pandemic. American anxiety rose during the prolonged announcement of the final results of the election as expert pollsters carefully ensured the correct numbers. In this current moment it can feel especially hard to engage in dialogue across difference. Join the SNF Paideia Program as we learn from Batsirai Bvunzawabaya, Associate Director for Outreach and Prevention, at Penn’s Counseling and Psychological Services, how we can listen to those with whom we may disagree while remaining open in ways that best balance wellness. Lia Howard, a political scientist, and SNF Paideia’s student advising and wellness director will help provide context for this election as will our event co-sponsor the Fox Leadership Program's Director of Operations, Andrew Arenge, who will provide insight into analyzing polling data and his experience working the NBC decision desk.

In this workshop we will examine this political moment, listening, empathy, intellectual humility as well as how people change. We will learn wellness techniques that can enhance any conversation but can most especially be applied to this moment.

We encourage you to be mindful of your own wellness as you attend our workshop.  Consider downloading Zoom to your mobile device and taking a walk while listening or sitting outside or in a comfortable position while participating in this event. We will have one breakout session for participants to dialogue in small groups.