One of the primary reasons I started this podcast was because of challenges we humans have in being able to have peaceful conversations when we have differences of opinion, especially when those differences are around topics about which we care a great deal, and therefore have high emotion around. We lack these skills because they were never taught to us!

In this episode, “Teaching Civil Dialogue as a Tool for Peace”, Episode #140 of Co-creating Peace, I have an intriguing conversation with Charlie Young, author of “Constructive Communication – Civil Dialogue”, and a passionate advocate for teaching civil dialogue, both at home, and from the earliest stages of our formal education. 

Highlights of our conversation include:

• the concepts of civil dialogue/constructive communication and methods of teaching these skills to youth 
• the vital significance of teaching essential skills like validation, empathy, clarifying, summarizing, non-judgmental observation, and mindfulness. 
• pivotal skills in bridging cultural and racial differences, fostering forgiveness, and promoting societal harmony
• agreement isn't necessary to achieve mutual understanding

Charlie Young was born, raised and educated in MA.  He came to Oregon in 1958.  His life experiences are many including directing an office of education with emphasis on adult learning, serving in the Naval Reserve, being a flight instructor, corporate pilot, head trainer for developing efficient and effective work processes for a large electrical contractor and upon retirement being a mediator.  His book “Constructive Communication – Civil Dialogue” brings together his life experiences and continued education for developing better ways to communicate and resolve differences.   

To learn more about teaching civil dialogue in schools, contact Charlie directly at: charlie.y.bend@gmail.com. 

Educators: To get your copy of his book, “Constructive Communication – Civil Dialogue”, click here or go to: books.friesenpress.com and search for “Constructive Communication” by Charlie Young

Or you can find it on Amazon by clicking here or searching for “Constructive Communication” by Charlie Young.

Share your thoughts, reactions, feedback & ideas with me. I'd love to hear from you!

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