We are excited to announce that the Hull No Place for Hate Annual “Feast of Conversations” will take place on March 24 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Hull High School cafeteria.

This year's subject, “Can We Talk? Tools For Talking About Tough Topics,” will provide speakers to help us better understand how to have productive conversations in a variety of settings, from public to private.

Darryck Dean, who is a lead conciliation specialist for the Community Relations Service of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Doug Thompson, mediator, recently retired from the Consensus Building Institute and continuing as adjunct professor in the graduate program on dispute resolution at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, will share guidance and perspectives from their experiences as professional peacemakers. They will offer insight that will help us avoid the pitfalls that can undermine our communication on tough subjects. They will also discuss tools we can use to have conversations with better outcomes, even if we continue to disagree.

The format for this year’s feast will work like those in the past; after the keynote speakers, we will all participate in a series of facilitated appetizer, main course, and dessert conversations at our tables. These discussions will help us think about ways to appreciate each other’s views in a meaningful way. Table facilitators will guide our understanding and practice of these skills. Finally, each table will share their comments and ideas so that we can learn from each other and work together to strengthen the fabric of our community.

It seems to many that as a country we have lost a sense of how to disagree without separating ourselves. We hope this year’s feast will instead bring our community even closer so we can continue to stand together.

Registration is not required, but is appreciated. Visit https://bit.ly/FOCRSVP2024, scan the QR code, or email hullnoplaceforhate@gmail.com to register.

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