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when was the last time
you couldn't talk about something
that was important to you?

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uncover.
unhide.
unmask.
unsecret.
unveil.
untaboo.
​unforget.
unsilence
hidden stories
of human rights

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unsilence

institutional

cultural
​
personal

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HOW TO NAVIGATE
​TOUGH CONVERSATIONS

what are your agreed upon
guidelines for dialogue?
    (these may include...)
◆ ​ use “I” statements (we can only speak for ourselves)
◆ ​​ listen and allow space for everyone to contribute
◆ ​ trust that others are sharing with good intentions
◆ ​ accept and expect discomfort, anxiety, and frustration
◆  ​it’s okay to make mistakes
◆ ​ don’t expect to solve everything
◆ ​ celebrate small wins

why are some issues
​so hard to talk about?
◆ ​​ we silence ourselves (personal silencing)
◆ ​​ social taboos stop us from talking (cultural silencing)
◆ ​ people with power prevent open dialogue (institutional silencing)

what are some personal best practices
to follow when we have tough conversations?
◆ ​ be informed; do your research
◆ ​​ ask open and genuine questions
◆ ​ practice active listening
◆  ​demonstrate empathy for others
◆ ​ avoid pressuring anyone to disclose personal experiences
◆ ​​ avoid comparing one person’s pain with another

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