Taking a Breath
Taking a Breath represents spaces or pauses. Breaths are all that can happen before, during and after when we are not taking action or talking. In this section, we emphasize that the pause you take is necessary for your emotional wellbeing and how you show up for others, and that pause is still engagement. Youth taught us it is important to share ‘what’ we do and ‘how’ not only during a WI Conversation. We are all in different places. It is important to build in time to share content, questions, and experiences ahead of time for exploration and opportunities for follow up and support.
For our pauses, we consider resources and strategies to provide space to breathe. You(th) may expect a longer list (and it certainly could be). However, in this section we emphasize doing more with less and the opportunities that valuing expertise outside of ourselves and space to reflect provides.
Connection
Conversation starts with connection. This can happen in many ways and mean more than one thing.
We connect so that we can work together. We use music, ice breakers, breakout rooms, self-created nametags/chat rename, awards, a shared project and more!
We connect so that we understand how others see us and what affects how we see others.
Consider how the following may affect your conversation:
- A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment (from Native Governance Center)
- Systemic Racism Explained (video from act.tv)
- Belonging: The Intersection of DEI and Engagement (article by Nicole Fernandes in Forbes)
You(th) are only limited by your own curiosity.
Do you have a suggestion for ways to build connection? Share here.
Participation
Conversation needs participation. Participation doesn’t look the same everyone, and yet we have expectations about what participation looks like. It is important to use a variety of participation methods. You(th) are only limited by your own creativity.
The session (virtual or in person) is only one piece of the conversation. To create connections, try:
- Providing information and instructions before and after (i.e. emails, Google sites, Padlets).
- Offering a menu of participation options.
- In person can mean pair-share, Post It notes, dot votes, icebreakers. Learn more about inclusive learning.
Extension Intersections
Many topics may be a hard conversation and a needed one. We believe in connecting with our wider Extension community to grow our conversations.
Explore our Extension initiatives that include youth voice.
