When Compassionate Brattleboro presented its annual report to the Select Board in 2019, the issue which received the most attention was “non-judgmental listening” recognizing the serious divisiveness existing in our country, and in our area, on major social and political issues. This initiative has become a priority for Compassionate Brattleboro understanding that, regardless of the positions individuals or groups take on particular issues, most share a belief in the value of compassion – and that accepting our neighbors is a fundamental of compassion. Compassionate Brattleboro launched this initiative in 2019 with a gathering of individuals representing differing political and religious perspectives, and using a facilitated process of “Dialogue”. The Dialogue process aims to promote understanding across differences rather than debating or trying to convert others. One session focused on the controversial subject of immigration. Questions posed to the group by facilitator Miriam Dror included:
What part of your own personal story, including parents, grandparents, and other ancestors, speaks to the issue of immigration?
What has been your direct experience with immigrants or refugees?
When you consider the various motives and aspirations of people wanting to move to the United States, what is your response, please elaborate?
Issues arising in the conversation included the extent to which immigrants should be expected to “Americanize,” the regulations that should govern immigration, the proportion of U.S. prison inmates who are first generation immigrants (low), the effects of compassion on the adjustment of these immigrants, and Biblical and philosophical perspectives. As was the case in earlier sessions, the response of the participants was highly positive. Accordingly, Compassionate Brattleboro is considering an expansion of these facilitated active listening conversations in the Brattleboro area, focusing on other active issues, and always with common compassion as the underlying construct. Training of facilitators for such conversations is also being considered. An initial introduction to the “dialogue process," a discussion of relevant topics, and facilitator training possibilities will take place on Zoom at a time to be announced. Persons interested in participating in this introductory discussion should email their interest to [email protected].
Compassionate Brattleboro also supports and participates actively in the national organization Braver Angels.