How is LGBTQ+ divided yet strong? We found out! 🌈

Pride Month special event DialogueON Pride: Bridges Across LGBTQ+ Communities turns out successful!

On June 30th 2023, we gathered a strong group of members of LGBTQ+ Communities and allies to conduct the fourth online event in our flagship DialogueON series.

DialogueON Pride: BridgesAcross LGBTQ+ Communities

Starting with an insightful presentation by incredible Jo Janowicz, Department of State fellow, experienced human rights advocate and proud lesbian. Jo spoke to us from Miami, Florida, where she works with SAVE LGBTQ+. 

Jo introduced the consequences of the divisions among queer people and the possible reasons behind that, such as the plain nature of a community this broad and colorful.

Backing it up with data, recent history and her own experiences, she gave the participants an accurate and close image of current issues within the community, such as the recent anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in the US.

She also shared her knowledge of the Deep Canvassing method in the context of educating and gentling the image of LGBTQ+ people in the conservative parts of the States. In simple words: going door to door and allowing strangers to meet a friendly LGBTQ+ person willing to share knowledge or thoughts in real life.

This all became an excellent ground for group discussion. Many various questions came up, such as:

What is your view on transgender people in athletic events? - Sandra

How to achieve a balance between respectful dialogue and holding individuals accountable for their harmful beliefs, actions and stereotyping? - Kinga

Which way to introduce the LGBTQ+ Community topic to adolescents? - Luca

Is the USA actually becoming more and more transphobic? - Pax

As per usual in DialogueON, we heard from people with distinct opinions and backgrounds - a stirring discussion that allowed us all to grow, and go home with new energy and insight. Many felt comfortable sharing their personal experiences, too. This assured us of our success in creating not only a general dialogue environment but also a safe space for anyone willing to stay respectful.

Thank you for participating - the video is forever available on our fanpage!

Wanna join us for the next event? Follow our Instagram, Facebook and sign up for the mailing list to never miss any dialogue opportunities!

SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

~Kinga Żmuda

How to empower women in digital spaces? We now know!

The second online event in our "DialogueON" series was a success!

10 days ago, on 10 April 2023, a group of wonderful people gathered on a Zoom call to participate in the second event of Open Dialogues International's online dialogue series: "DialogueON Women Empowerment: Women in Digital Spaces".

Our meeting began with a very insightful and inspiring presentation by our powerful speaker, Selma Bichbich. Selma is a highly active social and climate youth activist who has devoted herself to promoting positive change and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has been involved in a wide range of programs and organizations, including serving as an SDSN fellow, the contact point for the Human Rights Working Group at YOUNGO, and the GST Communication Officer at SDG7 Youth Consistency.

In addition, Selma is a board member and co-founder of the MENA Youth Network, founder of the Together for Blue and Green organization, and a Max Thabiso Edkins Global Climate Ambassador.

Selma talked about the benefits of improving women inclusion in the STEM field and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the barriers we are still facing in this process, and certain strategies to improve the current situation of women in the digital spaces. Our audience quickly started responding to her questions and ideas, sharing their own experiences and thoughts, and proposing more actions to empower women. As always, we heard from people with many different backgrounds and we could feel some inspiring energy in our group as the conversation unfolded. Most interestingly, the engagement was mostly equal both on the women and men's side.

THANK YOU to everyone who participated and watched! See you at our next events!

~Zuzanna Borowska

Open Dialogues on Climate Change are back! Apply and become an ODCC national organizer

The application process for country organizers for the 3rd edition of the Open Dialogues on Climate Change project is NOW OPEN!

Now is the time for YOU to make a difference. We welcome passionate people of all backgrounds, all nationalities, all ages... We want to hear your stories, learn about the unique points of view shared by your community, and empower you to take concrete actions to fight climate change.

What are the Open Dialogues on Climate Change?

The idea of the Open Dialogues on Climate Change (ODCC) is organizing inclusive dialogues between stakeholders concerning the climate crisis. We bring together the voices of different social groups, allowing them to meet, engage in a conversation, and create proposals of specific solutions and system changes which we aim to implement in real life.

How can you apply?

You have to find a team, plan your Open Dialogue together, and then submit an application form to tell the ODCC international team about your idea. When your application is accepted, your team will officially become an ODCC national team and you will be set to start organizing your event!

PLEASE FIND THE 2023 APPLICATION FORM HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLEKGLHBxdRxUQ139lNGlMyS2Hp7Z605frW3vBGL7Fmp90Hw/viewform

The deadline to submit your application this year is 20 April 2023.

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE:

https://www.open-dialogues.org/open-dialogues-on-climate-change

and here: https://www.open-dialogues.org/organize-an-open-dialogue

and here: https://www.open-dialogues.org/odcc-faq

~Zuzanna Borowska