Festival of Thoughts: dialogue as a tool for change

This weekend, participants of the Ukrainian Dialogue Community of Practitioners joined the Festival of Thought , which brought together activists, opinion leaders, and representatives of government and the public sector for intellectual conversations and honest discussions about important challenges of today.

Our team held a series of master classes at the Festival dedicated to topics without which it is impossible to build a healthy society and a culture of social trust. The master classes were opened by Alyona Kukhar with an introductory speech about the Community.

The first master class was on the topic: "Power, right, interest - what works best when resolving conflicts?"

Experts Liliia Oliinyk and Natalia Mudrak, together with the participants, explored which tools are most effective in difficult situations and what role dialogue can play in human rights advocacy and community work.

"Emotions in Conflict: Delete or Use?"

Kateryna Narovska and Natalia Mudrak talked about how emotions can become a resource, not an obstacle, in resolving conflicts.

"Practical Masterclass on Empathy and Assertiveness Skills"

Experts Kateryna Narovska and Natalia Mudrak helped participants develop practical tools that allow them to better understand their own interests and hear others at the same time.

Festival visitors willingly joined the master classes - both those for whom a lot of new information sounded, and acquaintances and colleagues from neighboring bubbles, who, according to reviews, “rediscovered” already familiar notions and concepts for themselves. As a result, we received many insights, a lot of emotions and reflections on each topic. For the Community, participation in such an event was not only an opportunity to share experience, but also additional confirmation that there is a high demand in the field for work with topics that constitute the core of our expertise. Festival visitors who stopped by our stand and/or joined the master classes asked questions about how and where to get training, and there were also inquiries about systemic work with conflicts in organizations. The level of need for such work, according to the team members, exceeds the capabilities of any individual organization and requires the unification and coordination of efforts of those working in this field.

We sincerely thank the organizers for the invitation and trust, as well as all participants for their openness, interest, and willingness to develop skills that are critically important for Ukraine today.

Together we are building a society where dialogue becomes a tool for change.