Our Wisconsin Conversation

We are pilot testing the resources on this page. Please share your feedback.

Welcome!

Our Wisconsin Conversation is a youth-adult partnership framework we can use to plan and lead activities about topics that matter to youth. These activities are ‘Our Wisconsin Conversation,’ and we may use them to get to know each other, our communities, and our world.  Conversations that matter can be challenging; they are among the most important Conversations we can have. In these pages, you will find:

  • Ideas for how to choose Anchor Content for your conversation 
  • Ways to create space for the conversation that is both Brave and Safe (Enough)
  • How to create space in the conversation for breath, for thought, and for caring
  • Frequently asked questions about when and why we choose these conversations
  • Examples of successful activities with resources developed in Wisconsin 4-H programming

You will soon find this project is a dialogue that takes place in a variety of ways. Some are actual conversations. Others are single activities. Some are continued engagement opportunities.

Our Current Conversation Framework consists of three parts. Think of these sections as ‘tips’ and explore examples of how you(th) can apply them for yourselves or others.

Anchor Content

tree trunk and mossy roots

Anchor content means the stories that provide us something in common to begin the conversation. In Wisconsin, we have had much success choosing books as a starting place for anchor content.

Brave and Safe Space

Tiny plant growing up through a crack in the tiles

Brave and Safe Space refers to the most effective environment and/or strategies for having a difficult or new conversation. The creation and maintenance of is always based on the group’s preferences/experiences.

Taking a Breath

dandelion with part of the fluff blown away

Taking a Breath refers to the spaces when we’re not talking. These may be silent spaces, or they may be the moments before and after a conversation.

Glossary

National 4-H has developed a valuable list of definitions AND this guide seeks to continue to focus on specific terms and their use as needed by the Wisconsin 4-H program. Specific terms and their Wisconsin context will continue to be updated in our Glossary.

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