Tales from the Trenches

At Dialogue Partners, we try new public engagement practices all the time. We research and publish what works and what doesn't so that you can learn right alongside us!

Kim Hyshka 1/19/23 Kim Hyshka 1/19/23

All About Change

How we engage with participants is pivotal to success when it comes to facilitating change.
We created the following manifesto to let others know how we approach public engagement and
change-making. Along with IAP2’s seven core values, the following informs and guides our
work.

Kim Hyshka 9/27/21 Kim Hyshka 9/27/21

Hybrid Models of In-person and Online Public Engagement

A hybrid solution makes sense, and it’s a model I’m going to try in the coming weeks. I feel quite confident facilitating virtual sessions after months of trial, error, and adaptation. But mixing groups in-person and virtually brings with it another set of challenges and opportunities to work with.

Kim Hyshka 9/14/21 Kim Hyshka 9/14/21

How to have difficult conversations without crying

Crying is a normal response to deep emotion. When we are hurt, frustrated, or angry, it’s common to get teary-eyed and experience that familiar lump in the throat, making it difficult to talk. Crying can convey to others how deeply we feel or that we need extra care, which can be helpful. However, there are times when shedding tears can get in the way of meaningful, productive dialogue with people. In those situations, you can use a few strategies that will allow you to have those difficult conversations without crying.

Kim Hyshka 6/3/21 Kim Hyshka 6/3/21

How will public engagement change in a post-pandemic world?

Like every other sector, public engagement planning and facilitation had to find a way to carry on during the pandemic. That meant changing how we engaged with stakeholders. In a profession heavily dependent on in-person interaction and dialogue, practitioners had to find other ways to support meaningful engagement. So, now that we are starting to see a post-pandemic world opening up, will public engagement practices go back to “normal”? I hope not.