In a world that tends to be separated by division and conflicts, the upcoming Kaleidoscope: A Community Conversations Event aims to shed light on a path to better communication and understanding.
Investigative Journalist Amanda Ripley will be sharing her insights on human behavior and conflict resolution as well as leading group activities, demonstrations of a conversational technique called ‘looping’ and access to resources during and after the event.
Ripley, also a New York Times bestselling author, has written for outlets such as The Atlantic and The Washington Post, authored influential books such as “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out”, “The Smartest Kids in the World” and “The Unthinkable”. Additionally, she hosts the Slate podcast, How To!.
“In communities all over America, it often feels like there are two sides and you have to pick one, which shouldn’t be the case,” Ripley said.
Her book “High Conflict” explores how everyday disputes can escalate into destructive, polarized feuds. This concept highlights the ways in which high conflict alters our thinking and behavior, creating an “us versus them” mentality.
Exploring the roots of conflict
The Kaleidoscope event promises an engaging exploration of conflict dynamics, not just focusing on resolution but delving into the build-ups and triggers that lead to high conflict.
“The plan is to first investigate why some conflicts are so healthy and useful—and others become destructive and toxic. What makes the difference?” Ripley said.
Ripley’s presentation will be interactive, featuring demonstrations of key listening skills that have transformed her approach to journalism and personal interactions. She intends to invite the audience to briefly practice with each other, in a very fun, low-stakes way.
The ultimate goal is to equip attendees with new stories, vocabulary and skills for navigating difficult conversations in various aspects of life.
Key takeaways for the audience
Attendees will leave with an understanding that conflict, in itself, is not inherently negative.
“Conflict is not the problem. That’s the number one lesson I learned after spending years following people who were trapped in really ugly and even violent conflict,” Ripley said. “We actually need conflict to get stronger–as individuals and communities.”
However, Ripley warns of the dangers of high conflict, a state where disputes escalate beyond control, leading to significant mistakes and damage to what we hold dear.
“The real problem is high conflict — a specific category of conflict that operates very differently from normal conflict. High conflict is the kind of conflict we’re seeing a lot of today,” she said.
A unique and insightful Kaleidoscope experience
Co-Founder/CEO of Richland Source and Source Brand Solutions Jay Allred, shares his enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
“This event is technically about conflict and how it can devolve into what Amanda calls ‘High Conflict’, but we’re really going to focus on having better conversations — even when we’re talking to folks with whom we disagree,” Allred said. “All of this makes this Kaleidoscope easily the most fun and joyful one yet.”
Having worked closely with Ripley since 2017, Allred acknowledges the transformative impact of her teachings on his personal and professional life.
“I have better friendships, business relationships and I’m happier overall because of what I’ve learned from Amanda. I’m excited to share her work with our neighbors here in Ohio.”
Looking forward
The Kaleidoscope Community Event with Amanda Ripley is set to take place on Thurs., Aug. 29 at 5:30 PM on the Renaissance Main Stage. Tickets are available on a suggested donation basis of $25, with a “Pay What You Can” option. To learn more about the event and secure your tickets, visit The Renaissance Theatre website.
The MRCPL will have Ripley’s book “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out” available for checkout if you would like to gain some more insight before the event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and skills for navigating our increasingly complex world.
What is the Kaleidoscope Series?
Kaleidoscope is a 4-part speaker series with nationally-recognized authors around topics like urban revitalization, poverty and income inequality, conflict, and the news, particularly as seen through the eyes of the Black press.
What we hope it becomes is more than that. It’s an opportunity to spark conversations among people from all over our community. A place where ideas take on life because we are challenging our thinking. It’s where unexpected collaborations begin to form because one person is bold enough to share a thought and another person says “I think there’s something to that and I want to be a part of it…”
Anyone high school age or older should attend. Anyone who wants to love where they live should attend. Anyone who believes we can and should and need to press forward to make Richland county an amazing place to live and work should attend. YOU SHOULD ATTEND.
What could our community look like if we stepped out from behind our keyboards and showed up with our unique perspectives and a willingness to collaborate on solutions? It could be really profound.
The event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: The Richland County Foundation, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, Renaissance Performing Arts Association, and Richland Source.