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Guest Posts

Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World: Resource Guide

Alicia Kuin
Alicia Kuin
Guest Posts
6 mins read
Apr 19, 2024
  • News & Insights
  • Guest Posts
  • Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World: Resource Guide

In early 2024, PFC enlisted my expertise to support its network in the face of increasing polarization, and significant challenges it finds itself grappling with. Comprised of organizations committed to fostering positive change, it is vital for the philanthropic community to confront these issues both within their own organizations and across the broader philanthropic landscape.

With this imperative in mind, I’ve curated this guide with the support of PFC to offer assistance to individuals and organizations within the Canadian philanthropic community navigating these turbulent times. Whether directly impacted by polarization or seeking to understand and address conflicts, this guide aims to provide a diverse array of resources; serving not as a comprehensive compilation, but as a catalyst for exploration, discovery, and growth.

Organized around the themes of Polarization, Conflict Transformation, and Resiliency, the list encompasses articles, journals, books, videos, podcasts, websites, activities, and tools. They aim not only to impart knowledge but also to spark ideas, facilitate difficult conversations and provide psychosocial support.

This guide reflects PFC’s and my commitment to fostering inclusivity, empathy, and resilience within our communities. By harnessing the collective wisdom within these resources, we aim to empower individuals and organizations to confront polarization with courage and compassion.

Let us navigate these challenges together, inspired by changemakers, collaboration, and a renewed dedication to fostering a more just and equitable society. 

In Solidarity, 

Alicia Kuin
Mediator and Conflict Management Consultant 

Alicia Kuin is a mediator who specializes in conflict analysis, process design, and conflict management consulting. She has served as a facilitator in over 800 processes and has experience with First Nations, government, human rights, workplace, academic and community disputes. Alicia teaches in the LL.M. in Dispute Resolution at Osgoode on the topics of Dispute Analysis and Process Design. 


Theme 1: Polarization – Understanding and Addressing Polarization

Polarization Articles 

  1. A Better Way to Assess and Respond to Misinformation Campaigns – Purpose Link  
  2. Combating polarization by transforming anger into action – The Philanthropist Journal Link 
  3. Far and Widening: The Rise of Polarization in Canada – The Democracy Project Link 
  4. Impact networks in times of unparalleled division. A (radically honest) reframe – Valerie Maraouche and Louisa Mammeri Link 
  5. First Principles: The Need for Greater Consensus on the Fundamentals of Polarisation – Mark Freeman Link 
  6. Understanding “New Power” – Jeremy Heimans and Henry Timms Link 
  7. Philanthropy Must Disrupt Polarization Before It Does Irreparable Harm to the Field and Those It Serves – Hilary Pennington and Mark Freeman Link 
  8. Preparing Your Team for a Year of Intense Political Polarization – Ron Carucci and Caroline Mehl Link 
  9. The Seven Habits of Highly Depolarizing People – David Blankenhorn Link 
  10. To Bridge Divides, Act with Urgency – and Self Awareness – David Eisner Link 
  11. 4 Tips to Help You Navigate Polarizing Conversations – ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership Link

Podcasts and Videos on Overcoming Polarization 

  1. The State of Polarization in Canada – The Future of Democracy Series Link 
  2. The Dynamics of Polarization and Leadership from the Middle – Inside Polarisation Podcast Link 
  3. What We Have in Common – The Hidden Brain Podcast Link 

Supplemental Reference Guides 

  1. Courageous Dialogues: Moving Beyond Polarization – Selkirk College Link 
  2. Courageous Dialogues: Year Two Resource Guide: Navigating Polarization – Selkirk College Link 
  3. Strategies to Help Overcome Polarization – Selkirk College Link 

Theme 2: Transforming Conflict – Interpersonal, Organizational and Community

Conflict Transformation Articles 

  1. How to Thrive When Confronting Conflict – William Ury Link 
  2. Gathering around a Common Table to Love Anyway – Pre-emptive Love Link 
  3. High Conflict vs Generative Conflict – Big Waves Consulting Link 
  4. Measuring Love – Shiree Teng and Sammy Nuñez Link 
  5. Prominent Montrealers call for solidarity and peace in the city – Michelle Lalonde Link 
  6. We keep moving from one wrong fight to another. Here’s how to stop – Amanda Ripley Link 
  7. What if Instead of Calling People Out, We Called Them In? – Loretta J. Ross Link 

Conflict Transformation Books 

  1. Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate – Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro Link 
  2. High Conflict: Why we get trapped and how to get out – Amanda Ripley Link 
  3. Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems – Barry Johnson Link 
  4. Politics, Dialogue and the Evolution of Democracy – Ken Cloke Link 
  5. The Righteous Mind: Why good people are divided by politics and religion – Jonathan Haidt Link 

Talking and Listening Circles

  1. Circle Processes: Concepts and Tools – Mediators Beyond Borders International Link 
  2. Community Listening Circles Toolkit – Concordia University’s Art Hive Network Link 
  3. Conversation Guide: Media and Polarization – Living Room Conversations Link 
  4. Difficult Conversations and Talking Circles – Samantha Slade Link 
  5. Leveraging Listening Circles to Forge a Culture of Belonging – Kelly Meerbott Link 

Conflict Transformation Activities, Tools and Videos

  1. Activities and Printables – Living Room Conversations Link 
  2. Activities, Exercises and Webinars – Constructive Dialogue Institute Link 
  3. An Israeli and a Palestinian Talk Peace, Dignity and Safety – Ali Abu Awwad and Ami Dar Link 
  4. Guidebook, Turning Towards Each Other – Jovida Ross and Weyam Ghadbian Link 
  5. Liberatory Design Mindsets Deck – Liberatory Design Link 
  6. Peacemaker Practice Cards – Search for Common Ground Link 
  7. 50 Possible Questions to Open Israeli-Palestinian Dialogues – Ken Cloke Link 

Conflict Transformation Trainings

  1. Brave Conversations – Transforming Workplace Conflict – Anima Leadership Link 
  2. Deep Democracy Training for Leaders and Managers – Deep Democracy Link 
  3. De-Escalating Hostility – The Justice Institute Link 
  4. Unlock the Art of Navigating Polarities – Lewis Deep Democracy Link 
  5. Facilitating Listening Circles: Increased Political Division – International Institute for Restorative Practices Link 
  6. Generative Conflict – Big Waves Consulting Link 
  7. High Conflict Institute – Bill Eddy Link 

Organizations that Provide Facilitation and Mediation Support and Referrals

  1. ADR Atlantic Institute Link 
  2. ADR Institute of Alberta Link 
  3. ADR Institute of British Columbia Link 
  4. ADR Institute of Manitoba Link 
  5. ADR Institute of Ontario Link 
  6. ADR Institute of Saskatchewan Link 
  7. Institut de médiation et d’arbitrage du Québec Link 

Theme 3: Resiliency – Support for Impacts Ranging from Stress to Trauma 

Resiliency Articles

  1. Articles – The Resilience Collective Link 
  2. Articles and Videos – The Headington Institute Link 
  3. Body Literacy Helps to Regulate Emotions – Elaine Miller-Karas Link 
  4. Building Community Resiliency to the Polarization Industrial Complex – Andrew Hanauer Link 
  5. Catalyzing a Culture of Inner Wellbeing for Changemakers – The Wellbeing Project Link 
  6. The Importance of Human Dignity: Resilient Individuals Weave Compassion Into Their Lives – Elaine Miller-Karas Link 

Trauma and Resiliency Podcasts 

  1. Retreat, Regulate and Repair with Myrna and Dr. Dhall – The Trauma-Informed Lawyer Podcast Link 
  2. Unpacking Restorative Leadership and Collective Healing: A Conversation with Louise Marra – The Trauma-Informed Lawyer Podcast Link 

Organizations that Provide Trainings and Support 

  1. Cook Consultancy Link 
  2. The Canadian Training Institute – Resiliency & Self-Care Link 
  3. Trauma Resource Institute Link 
  4. The Wellbeing Project Link 

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Productive Dialogue in a Polarized World: Sharing Learnings and Next Steps 

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Guest Posts
8 mins read
Aug 26, 2024

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