A Space for Real Talk
Experiential workshops to engage in conversation using tools that disrupt the ‘isms’ and move toward healing and restoration.
Daring Dialogues and A Space for Radical Reimagining are hosting a series of experiential dialogues that equip advocates, movement makers, allies, and co-conspirators with frameworks, practical tools and guidance to engage in real talk. The series includes topics that are intended to disrupt the 'isms' so that we can move forward with increased awareness, compassion and courage to step into our own candid conversations.
How we will engage. The 90-minute session includes a kick off with an invitation into the space and grounding agreements. Next, participants will observe a conversation between Shane Whalley of Daring Dialogues and a guest, unscripted and real. After the conversation, each participant will be randomly paired with someone they may not know to practice holding their own real talk in a breakout room, using tools and resources provided. We will rejoin with the larger group to reflect and exchange thoughts, comments, and questions so that we can learn from the collective experience. Everyone will leave with a commitment to action to continue leaning into real talk in our everyday experiences.
Even though this is a virtual event, it is not a “webinar.” The experiential aspect of this workshop will require participants to engage instead of listen only. The purpose is to:
Provide a safe and courageous container to deepen awareness and strengthen capacity to lean into complex topics.
Connect with others to develop a shared language on social justice themes and increase social justice literacy.
Leave with insights and ways to hold candid conversations that bring people together.
How to Register
Select any of the workshop topics below to get more information on each session and register via Eventbrite. If you want to attend all three, it will require three separate registrations. A Zoom link will be included with your Eventbrite confirmation. There is a sliding scale donation of $10 - $100. A portion of the ticket sales will go to a non-profit selected by the conversation guest for that session.
Upcoming Real Talk Sessions
Click on each topic below to get more information and register for the event.
Your Session Hosts
Shane Whalley
Shane (ze/hir/hirs) is a deeply relational and playful genderqueer facilitative educator, who has been leading conversations on issues faced by the LGBTQIA communities, cultural humility and responsiveness and social justice frameworks for over 20 years. Ze held roles at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Equity at Austin Independent School District, and the Gender and Sexuality Center at The University of Texas at Austin and mental health nonprofits in Austin.
Sonya Kaleel
Sonya (she/her/hers) is an anti-racist leader and change maker in service of justice, equity, and inclusion. She is the founder of A Space for Radical Reimagining and The Inclusion Practice. She designs practices, facilitates conversations and holds spaces to engage with complexity and reimagine possibilities with a lens towards justice. Sonya has been unpacking her intersecting identities in relation to power and privilege for over 20 years and continues to learn / unlearn every day.