Learn the science of polarization and ways to break down the walls between us, as we recommit ourselves to dialogue that brings us closer together rather than further apart. In partnership with One America. The first two sessions of this three-part series are on Zoom and the third is in-person. 

Session 1: The Science of Polarization
Our brains are wired for survival. When you first meet a person, your brain almost instantly judges them to determine if they are a threat. Are they a friend or foe — a part of your group — or an outsider? This fast-paced session will help congregants better understand the subtle inner workings of your brain and behavior that influence how you perceive and interact with others — and how they perceive and interact with you. We’ll cover how your mind works, how groups work, and how understanding the neuroscience and social science behind polarization can help you become more resilient to toxic forms of division.
 
Session 2: Group Norms
Why in the world do we do the things we do collectively? So much of our behavior is shaped by the shared norms of society. There are unspoken rules about where to stand on an elevator, what to do when you sneeze, and how to respond when someone accidentally bumps into you. In this workshop, you’ll learn all about how to shape positive norms in your community and create positive peer pressure to do good. We will also learn what can happen when one group makes incorrect assumptions about another group's norms and how our misperceptions can perpetuate toxic polarization.

Session 3: Storytelling (and listening) to better understand your neighbors
These interactive, facilitated group conversations help us learn how to have productive, meaningful discussions with people who don’t think, vote, or believe the same way. It builds off of learning from the first two sessions, and gives participants familiarity and practice with specific questions designed for bridge-building conversations.

This series is presented in co-sponsorship with the Marin Interfaith Council and the Asian American Alliance of Marin.