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Join NWSOFA-Vision Forward 2.0 Learning Lab Series
“Join “What I Wish I Would Have Said” PART 4”
Argue Less, Influence More: Skills for Better Conversations When discussing politics
Monday, March 23rd @ 5:00 pm Central / 6:00 pm Eastern – ZOOM
**Vision Forward 2.0** is a coordinated set of programs designed to help volunteers, community members, and pro‑democracy conversational activists communicate with clarity, calm, and persuasion—especially in moments clouded by confusion, misinformation, or division.
## “What I Wish I Would of Said” – Part 4
These programs are **practical, skills‑based**, and rooted in **real conversations** happening in our communities right now.
## Learning Labs Series: What We Do
Our Learning Labs Series offers **hands‑on workshops** where volunteers, community leaders, and conversational activists come together to **practice productive, empathetic dialogues** with people holding different views.
These are safe, supportive spaces to experiment with approaches that reduce polarization and strengthen understanding across differences. Sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. The previous sessions, held on 26 Jan, 9 Feb and 9 March, can be found on the NWSOFA YouTube Channel (798) NWSOFA – YouTube. 23 March 26 is the last session for this series. In the future “What I Wish I Would Have Said” advance series and practice sessions are in the works.
This four‑week workshop will help you **argue less and influence more**. Through interactive exercises and real‑world examples, you’ll practice how to:
– Have you ever wished you could retract what you just said?
– Avoid argument traps
– Recover from “stuck” dialogs
– Steer conversations to “move the needle” in the right direction
– Preserve relationships while communicating values effectively
You’ll begin with non‑political topics and gradually apply your new skills to more challenging discussions—at home, at work, and in civic conversations. As these tools become second nature, your confidence and influence will grow, allowing your **pro‑democracy voice** to be both effective and authentic.
#### About the Presenter
**Kara Kelly** is a **Communication Coach** who helps people build skills for better conversations to enhance their influence and strengthen their relationships. Kara’s passion lies in helping individuals and teams master the art of meaningful, persuasive, and relationship‑driven communication.
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The “What I Wish I Would Have Said Series” is comprised of four sessions and began in January 2026. Sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. The previous sessions, held on 26 Jan, 9 Feb and 9 March, can be found on the NWSOFA YouTube Channel (798) NWSOFA – YouTube. 23 March 26 is the last session for this series. In the future “What I Wish I Would Have Said” advance series and practice sessions are in the works.
Since the sessions build on one another it helpful to have participated in or viewed the previous session though not required.
This workshop series will help you learn and practice skills to improve your conversations. We will learn to avoid arguments, recover from “stuck” dialogs, & steer conversations so that you “move the needle” in the right direction, all while preserving your relationship. The workshops are a mix of concepts, examples, & practice.
Homework from the previous session:
1. Watch Celeste Headlee – How to Make America Talk Again (TEDx Seattle)
2. Practice: At least 3 times, hold a conversation where you are intentionally using the skills we have learned. Watch for (and avoid) arguments.
LEARNING LABS WORKSHOP SERIES: “What I wish I would have said”
Argue Less, Influence More: Skills for Better Conversations
When discussing politics,
Have you ever wished you could retract what you just said?
Have you ever watched your conversations go awry with just one comment?
Do you wish the other person would just listen to your point of view?
Do you experience “stuck” dialogs that go back-and-forth without meaningful progress?
Do you suspect the other person is stating things contrary to their values?
Are you concerned that your relationship is being negatively impacted?
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