Westborough Connects’ Bridging Differences & Divides is a community conversations program.
The goal of Bridging Differences & Divides is to increase residents’ sense of belonging through increased understanding between diverse groups, increased respect and appreciation across differences, and the development and refinement of communication skills including active listening and empathic speaking for individuals. This goal is aligned with the organization’s vision to promote a connected community where everybody feels like they belong. This program aligns with each of the eleven values espoused by Westborough Connects.
Westborough Connects is a member of the Listen First Coalition, a 500+ member coalition connecting efforts to bring people together across divides to listen and understand each other, to find common ground, and to make bridge-building and collaboration norms.
To date, our Bridging Differences & Divides work has included the following:
Spring 2023: Completed Facilitation training on Essential Partners Reflective Structured Dialogue for five staff and volunteers
September 2023 Program: Introduction to Westborough Bridging Differences & Divides for Community Leaders (with Essential Partners)
April 2024 Program: Dialogue Lab: America Local Film Screening and Discussion (part of the Better Together Film Festival)
May 2024 Program: Introduction to Westborough Bridging Differences & Divides for Westborough Connects volunteers
May 2024: Joined the Listen First Coalition
December 2024 Program: Love Anyway Feast (Common Ground USA)
Visit our Programs page for more information on upcoming Bridging Differences & Divides community events.