From Civil Discourse to Critical Conversations

JCRC afternoon colloquium on conducting more civil, productive conversations on divisive issues. This workshop, led by Cherise Hairston of the Dayton Mediation Center, will be laying the groundwork for future Critical Conversations on challenging subjects. Cost is $10.

Engaging Differences Differently for Critical Conversations lays a foundation for participants to enhance their self-awareness about what is challenging when those closest to us have radically different perspectives than our own. In a community that cares about each other, maintaining strong relationships starts by learning to respond, rather than react, during interactions with others. Through experiential individual and group exercises, participants will explore four (4) conflict insights that create a strong foundation of practical skills for engaging with others constructively.

Cherise D. Hairston, MA/ABD
Cherise began her career with the Center in 1996 as an intern and in 1999 joined the staff as a Mediation Specialist. With more than 23 years of professional and academic expertise, Cherise provides a range of conflict intervention services specializing in workplace and team building intervention, conflict coaching for individuals, and training. Cherise is the Center’s Volunteer Coordinator and also provides mediation and dialogue process facilitation.

Cherise is a Certified Transformative Mediator™ and Fellow with Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation, Inc. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Community Mediation and the Dayton International Peace Museum. She completed doctoral level studies at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution, earning honors as an Advanced Practitioner in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. She also earned a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution from the Department of Conflict Resolution at Antioch University McGregor, Yellow Springs, OH, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Women’s Studies from Miami University, Oxford, OH.​